Where to celebrate Oktoberfest in London

Oktoberfest on the Common is the biggest such outdoor celebration in the entire country, taking place from 11 to 19 October, with a total of seven day and evening sessions to choose from. In addition to all the usual Oktoberfest trappings – beer, music, lederhosen, and the rest, there's a big emphasis on authentic German food here. Over 400 different kinds of German sausages will be slung per hour, alongside pretzels, sauerkraut, and other stomach-lining delights.

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, with live oompah music, hearty German grub, and of course, loads of beer. There's an impressive cavernous feel at this award-winning venue.

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 featuring steins of beer, live music, dancing, plus a special Oktoberfest menu and merch.

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.

The official London Oktoberfest takes place over multiple weekends at 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. 

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. They also host Pink Oktoberfest, a dedicated LGBTQIA+ Oktoberfest party with queer drag, alt cabaret, and more.

The London Bierfest takes place in Old Billingsgate Market on 17th 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.

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.

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. The venue is holding its big Oktoberfest party across multiple dates, 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.

London's new Bavarian pleasure palace Albert's Schloss will be hosting Oktoberfest from Saturday, 21 September to Sunday, 6 October, in partnership with the Paulaner Munich brewery. Guests can look forward to oompah parties, brass bands, wiener-eating competitions, keg tapping, and bier guzzling galore. The event will also feature best lederhosen competitions, Seven Days of Showtime, and much more.

William Shakespeare's regular, The Anchor in Southwark, celebrates Oktoberfest in the beginning of October with a one-day party featuring live music and plenty of beer and food. The riverside pub occupies a warren of rooms and corridors, resulting in an intimate atmosphere with plenty of hidden nooks and crannies – perfect for canoodling with your lederhosen or dirndl-clad significant other.

If you like your Oktoberfest parties the way you like your steins – massive – then get to Market Halls in Oxford Street on 12 or 19 October. 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.

Fox & Firkin brings Oktoberfest to Lewisham with a pair of Firkin Brewery's parties. The vibrant pub will have live music and a piano singalong to entertain you, plus bratwurst and craft beer aplenty. The pub is known for its spacious beer garden too, so fingers crossed the weather holds up.

The brewery spin-off of iconic dive bar Blondies is hosting a Rocktoberfest night on 21 September. The free event will feature karaoke in the beer hall where you'll be able to sing whatever you want, and the brewery will also be launching a special “festbier” to commemorate the occasion. Pizza will be served on-site as well.

From 19 September to 6 October, The Delaunay Counter will celebrate Oktoberfest with a Bavarian-themed transformation, including a special menu and live Bavarian-style band. Guests can enjoy traditional dishes like sausages, pork knuckle, and mushroom stroganoff, while staff wear lederhosen and dirndls to enhance the festive atmosphere. There's also a ticketed beer tasting, a Stiegl Bier Cart offering takeaway pints, and sweet treats such as apple strudel and gingerbread necklaces for a full Bavarian experience.

Flat Iron Square will host a Bavarian celebration for Oktoberfest on two dates in October, featuring Bavarian music, food, and beer. The sessions, held on 5 and 12 October, will include performances by a live oompah band, DJ, and games, with traditional German beers, bratwursts, and street food specials like Bratwurst Hot Dogs and Pork Tacos with Mexican Sauerkraut. Guests can enjoy Lowenbrau beer served in traditional steins, creating a festive Oktoberfest atmosphere under the railway arches in Southwark Quarter.