Though its name might suggest otherwise, believe it or not Oktoberfest actually begins in September in Bavarian. But if you can’t make it over to Munich for Oktoberfest this year, don’t worry – we’ve compiled a list of the best places in all of the UK’s major cities to catch a beer tent and some bratwurst. Read on for our guide to Oktoberfest in the UK in 2018!

Oktoberfest Beer Festivals in London 2018

London Oktoberfest (4th – 14th October)

Location: Millwall Park, Manchester Road, E14 3AY.

Nearest Station: Mudchute

If you’re looking for the daddy of all the Oktoberfest events in London this year, look no further than London Oktoberfest in Millwall Park. Big and boozy, London Oktoberfest is the largest event of its kind anywhere in the UK with the beer halls expected to see over 50,000 thirsty Londoners across its 11 day stay in the capital. All your Oktoberfest staples are there with beer and sausage as far as the eye can see, and this year they’ve also got an extra week added to the schedule with a Finsbury Park Halloween special at the end of October.

Erdinger Oktoberfest (27th September – 28th October)

Location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 2ST.

Nearest Tube: Stratford

The Erdinger Oktoberfest is back at the end of the month for a month-long stint at the Olympic Park in Stratford. If you want more than just a beerhall, this Erdinger event is the one to visit with features including a beer garden, rides, and a main stage which comes complete with a dance floor. 40 Oktoberfest experienced waitresses will be flown in from Germany and there’ll also be authentic German dishes served across the 20 days, such as Pork Knuckle, Sauerkraut, and Apple Strudel. There’s enough room for 3,000 people at any one time, so there’s plenty of tickets to be had!

Oktoberfest in Manchester 2018

Albert Hall Oktoberfest (14th – 15th September)

Location: 27 Peter Street, M2 5QR.

The earliest event on our list, over 2,000 bier lovers will ascend on the Grade II-listed Albert Hall this weekend for one of the biggest bier hall parties Manchester has ever seen. Back for the second year, Oktoberfest at Albert Hall is bigger and ‘beerier’ than ever with limited edition beers from the official festival served alongside some of the best beers from Manchester-based breweries, who’ll also be serving their own limited edition creations.

Manchester Oktoberfest (10th – 14th October)

Location: Albert Square, M60 2LA.

Another Manchester entry, yet again Albert Square will be transformed into one giant Oktoberfest next month. Taking place across one long weekend, the festival will bring with it with authentic German food and drink, as well as live music and full Oktoberfest decoration. The tent itself will have room for 2,000 patrons while the giant outdoor beer garden will give anyone looking for a swift stein the chance to experience the Bavarian vibes. As well as serving a special brewed festival beer, bratwurst, schnitzel and pretzel will also be ensuring you don’t go famished.

Oktoberfest in Birmingham 2018

Birmingham Oktoberfest (4th & 7th October)

Location: Eastside City Park, Curzon Street, B4 7AP.

Birmingham’s biggest Oktoberfest offering this year will be taking place at the Eastside City Park which will be transformed with a giant 1,400 person beer tent playing live music and serving delicious giant beer specially made for Oktoberfest. Unlike most Oktoberfest events, they’ve dropped the 18+ rule on the Sunday afternoon so the entire family can enjoy the Bavarian experience for a day. Standing on the benches is encouraged.

Oktoberfest in Bristol 2018

Oktoberfest Bristol (5th & 6th October)

Location: Brunel’s Old Station, The Passenger Shed, Station Approach, BS1 6QH.

Oktoberfest is coming back to Bristol next month for just a two nights and one afternoon stint in the Passenger Shed at Brunel’s Old Station. The room will be transformed into a Bavarian Wunderland, offering a taste of authentic German culture, tongue in cheek German stereotyping and general all round debauchery. They’ll be music from the Bavarian Oompah Boys who’ll be playing Bavarian classics along with their unique brand of Oom-Pop, and they’ll also be a selection of traditional German sausages, bratwurst, schnitzel, pretzels and more. Sauerkraut is of course optional with all food too!

Oktoberfest in Cardiff 2018

Location: DEPOT Cardiff, Construction House, 22 Dumballs Road, CF10 5FE.

DEPOT will once again be hosting the only Oktoberfest in Cardiff to feature authentic Munich Beers that are served at the original Oktoberfest in Munich. Split across two sessions, for one day only you’ll have the chance to experience table service from waitresses in traditional German garments, authentic German food from a range of street food vendors, and live entertainment from Bavarian Oompah band.

Oktoberfest in Glasgow 2018

Glasgow Oktoberfest (17th – 21st October)

Location: Queen’s Park Recreation Ground, Sauchiehall Street, G42 8DA.

Glasgow’s best offering this year comes from Queen’s Park and a giant 2,500 capacity Oktoberfest tent. Arriving with all the bells and whistles, you know the score by now; bier steins, authentic German food stalls and live entertainment. The Glasgow edition of Oktoberfest is also asking guests to get into the spirit of things and choose their weapon: drindl or lederhosen!

Oktoberfest in Leeds 2018

Oktoberfest Leeds 2018 (11th – 13th October)

Location: South Bank Depot, 16 Globe Road, LS11 5QG.

Oktoberfest is back in Leeds for a three-day stint of authentic German bier, cuisine and music. Like last year, the festival will be taking over at the South Bank Depot, just a few minutes’ walk from the train station. First-rate German beers from some well-established German brewers, as well as some local breweries, will be met by authentic Bavarian cuisine from bratwurst to brezel, hendl to schnitzel, as well as an in-house Oompah band!

Oktoberfest in Norwich 2018

Oktoberfest Norwich (5th & 6th October)

Location: Eaton Park, North Park Avenue, NR4 7EF.

After a brilliant first year in Norwich last year, for 2018 Norfolk’s best Oktoberfest offering has a new home at Eaton Park! The park will be transformed into a traditional Oktoberfest experience during the first weekend in October with a giant tent serving over 30,000 litres of bier across the two-day event. There’ll also be a whole load of entertainment with traditional folk and ‘Oompop’ performances, and naturally there’ll be some traditional German grub at the outdoor food court too!

To help the average Joe navigate their way through this brave new hoppy world, we’ve put together a definitive guide to styles of beers. By the end of it, you’ll know the difference between your Bock and your Saison, between your West Coast and East Coast style IPAs, and also learn the difference between a Lambic and a Lager!