Oktoberfest is back for an un-beer-lievable time!

Posted on 18 October, 2022

Can you name a more brew-tiful way to spend the weekend than with good food, great beer and fantastic entertainment? We didn’t think so. That’s why we’re bringing to your attention to the return of Oktoberfest. 

It has been three long years since the Canberra region has gotten to pull out their steins, chuck on their lederhosen and celebrate the Oktoberfest experience over two Wunderbar days. 

For the past 50 years, the Harmonie German club has held down the fort on bringing all things German to the Canberra region and this year is no different. They will be turning the Queanbeyan showground into a kegs-cellent hive of activity at the end of the month. 

“It’s a celebration of everything good about Germany. It’s German food, German beer, German music and dance. It is just a really good, fun time,” the General manager of the Harmonie German club, Paul Berger says. 

Popping across the border to Queanbeyan does mean the Uber bill will be looking a little steep but have no fear. There will be free buses running from each of the town centres in Canberra—but one bonus of being out of town is it means you can get your hands on a one-litre stein of fully imported German beer, something not possible here in our beloved territory. 

“Across the world, there are many Oktoberfest’s happening and it is a very iconic party and event… and it’s getting bigger and better every year,” Paul says.

This year they are expecting around 8000 people to head along to the festivities, including two professional bands to keep the good tunes flowing.

“My favourite bit is probably the schuhplattler dancing. It’s something you don’t get to see all the time and this year we have two groups coming down to perform for us,” Paul says.

Hit the dance floor yourself, as you wait between the yodelling, stein hold, finger hakelin, Miss Oktoberfest and strongman competitions. Or check out the market stalls where over 30 vendors will be selling their wares—and with the slogan  ‘eat the pig, drink the beer and dance the chicken’ you know you’re in for a good time.

Covering all their bases to match their slogan, expect German sausages, roast pork, pork rolls and accompanying snacks such as pretzels and potato pancakes to help soak up the fully imported German beer that will be liberally flowing. And whilst the nighttime is just for the grown-ups, bring the little ones along for the daytime.

“Sunday is family market day and kids get free entry all day and we also have free amusement rides, so the kids can just spend the whole day catching the rides.” Paul says.

Given the forecasts, at the moment the question of rain has been brought up but much to everyone’s relief rain, hail or shine the festival will go on. 

“Even if we don’t get good weather, we have a lot of undercover spaces. We have a massive six-pole marque that will fit around 2500 people.” 

You won’t be turned away at the gate for rocking up in your jeans and tee, but traditional German outfits will be the main attire of the day, just make sure you have a pocket to keep your phone and credit card as this is a cash-free event.  

Wir sehen uns dort (see you there)?