Guide to Oktoberfest in London

Bermondsey Bierkeller is a German beer hall all year round so you can be sure they know how to do an Oktoberfest party. There's a packed schedule of Oktoberfest events between 16th September and 28th October, with live oompah music, hearty German grub, and of course, loads of beer. There's an impressive cavernous feel at this award-winning venue.

The official London Oktoberfest takes place over three weekends at three different locations across the city. Thousands of people descend on these events to enjoy a party atmosphere, live music, German food and beer, and on-theme decor to help get you into the spirit. Waiters are dressed in traditional outfits and the Bavarian beer is specially made for the event. 

Oktoberfest takes over Penge High Street when Pengefest lands on 16th September. At this big family-friendly day out you can enjoy oompah bands, craft beer from local brewers Southey Brewing Co, food vendors, and market stalls. Added to that, there's plenty of fun, games, and entertainment for everyone. Money raised at the event goes towards supporting a local hospice.

With a number of branches around the capital, Munich Cricket Club is a lively spot for German beer, satisfying food, music, and a buzzing atmosphere. Each location is hosting Oktoberfest parties from 16th September until the end of October, featuring steins of beer, live music, dancing, plus a special Oktoberfest menu and merch.

Want to celebrate without the drunken revelry? You do you, and head over to German Gymnasium. This grand venue is celebrating with an Oktoberfest Spezialitäten and live oompah music. In the Grand Café or on the terrace you can enjoy a special menu amongst authentic decor. Anyone wearing appropriately Bavarian fancy dress gets a free stein of beer too.

Between the Bridges is an all-day riverside venue that puts on loads of fun events. It's vibrant and bustling here, with drinks, street food, and awesome views. Head down for Oktoberfest and you'll get live music and singalongs, DJs, street food, and steins of beer overlooking the river. The whole venue gets turned into a massive beer hall.

The London Bierfest takes place in Old Billingsgate Market on 19th and 20th October. At this buzzing party you can expect live music and entertainment, authentic German food, lots of dancing, and all the beer you can drink. Thousands take part in the event to enjoy German entertainers, real Bavarian beer, and a fun and frivolous atmosphere across the two days.

Big Penny Social is a lively community venue serving beers from Truman Brewery. Based in a former warehouse, this large space has a beer garden and puts on a heap of events. This includes a weekend of Oktoberfest celebrations involving music from an oompah band and Club de Fromage, authentic German beer, and traditional food like pretzels and wurst.

If you want a more relaxed way to enjoy Oktoberfest head over to Stein's for a refreshing drink. These riverside German beer gardens offer a taste of Oktoberfest all year round. Kick back here with a stein of imported German beer plus authentic food options like pretzels, wurst, and schnitzel.

Covent Garden's Bierschenke has events going on for Oktoberfest right up until November. Head down to this vast German beer hall for one of the special Oktoberfest parties with on-theme blue and white decor, special menus, live oompah bands, and plenty of German beers to try. Enjoy all this in a raucous atmosphere.

Camden Oktoberfest takes over live music venue Electric Ballroom every weekend during October. The venue is transformed into a big beer hall brimming with raucous party vibes. There's live music, authentic decor, Bavarian beers and tons of wurst, hosts in authentic dress, and an unrestrained atmosphere. Full fancy dress for guests is encouraged as well.

Katzenjammers is a spacious beer hall with communal tables and a lively atmosphere. On 21st September the venue is holding its big Oktoberfest party featuring music and singalongs, games, prizes, and a free shot on entry. Booking in advance is essential if you want to join the party at this subterranean spot.

If you like your Oktoberfest parties the way you like your steins – massive – then get to Market Halls in Oxford Street. This is billed as the biggest Oktoberfest event in the country, with two parties in October. Expect Bavarian street food and beer, oompah bands, MCs and DJs, and loads of dancing. On-theme fancy dress is encouraged.

Bush Hall, a grand Edwardian dancehall that today serves as a popular live music venue, is celebrating Oktoberfest in style. Throwing a big party on 13th October, Bush Hall is taking care of the music with a brass band and a DJ, throwing in an interactive quiz with special prizes, and adding the obligatory steins of beer for a memorable bash.

Fox & Firkin brings Oktoberfest to Lewisham with Foxtoberfest. This vibrant pub will have an oompah band to entertain you, plus bratwurst and beer. You even get a free stein on arrival. As well as being a big German celebration, the event marks the debut of the pub's Firkin beer. This eclectic pub is known for its spacious beer garden.

Throughout the summer, South London's Signal Brewery held a series of fun, budget-friendly Pay Day Parties in its yard in order to help combat the cost-of-living crisis. The final affordable bash of the season on 30th September is going to be Oktoberfest-themed, accompanied by the usual entertaining activities such as beer pong and beer tastings – with plenty of cheap pints to go along as well, of course.