Top Beers for Oktober Festival

Every autumn, millions of people around the world raise a stein to Oktober Festival – the world’s largest beer festival and a proud showcase of Bavarian tradition. Whether you're heading to a local beer hall, hosting friends at home, or simply enjoying a seasonal pour, our guide to the top beers for Oktober Festival will provide you with everything you need to celebrate in style

A Brief History of Oktober Festival

Oktober Festival began in 1810 in Munich, Germany, to celebrate the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. What started as a five-day party – complete with horse races – has grown into the world’s largest beer festival, attracting over 6 million visitors annually.
Despite the name, most of Oktober Festival actually takes place in September, running for about 16 to 18 days and ending on the first Sunday of October. The festival famously begins when the mayor taps the first Spaten keg in the Schottenhamel tent. Four brewers then roll a 300kg barrel into position. When the first stein is filled, a shooting sound is heard – and that’s the signal for the other tents (and the rest of the world) to start serving beer!
Oktober Festival is a massive cultural celebration of Bavarian heritage, complete with traditional music, food, dirndls / lederhosen (traditional outfits), and – of course – beer.
But not just any beer makes the cut. At the official Oktober Festival in Munich, only beers brewed within the city’s limits and conforming to strict standards are allowed to be served. These are known as Oktober Festival beers – traditional, full-bodied lagers brewed by six iconic Munich breweries.
Spaten Brewery’s Brewmaster, Thomas, says they spend all year perfecting the beer for Oktober Festival. “We gather feedback and make small adjustments to the recipe from the year before. When the new crop of hops and malt arrive, we test and tweak until we get the perfect brew – usually by the third batch.”
Expect smooth, malty Märzens and lighter, golden Festbiers – both often served by the litre. You'll also find classic Weißbiers (a beer made with at least 50% malted wheat, known for its cloudy appearance and lively carbonation), Helles lagers, and the occasional Dunkel for those who like something darker.

Top Beers for Oktober Festival

Whether you’re throwing your own Oktober Festival party, heading to a gathering, or simply want to raise a stein at home in true Bavarian spirit, here’s everything you need to join the celebration – from 6-litre kegs to classic bottles.