Oktoberfest in London 2024: Your ultimate guide to Bavarian celebrations

Oktoberfest isn’t, as many people might think, reserved for those lucky enough to make it to Munich for the world’s largest Volksfest (or folk festival, for those of us whose school-level German may or may not be a little rusty). Being a good adopter of all things celebratory, our capital city has made Oktoberfest London a thing, proudly announcing that it’s the largest copycat location in the whole of the UK. While we’re unsure what kind of level of competition there is for that title, we’re certainly glad this growing German tradition has been welcomed with open arms on our shores.

While it’s no secret that beer is involved (in 2014, 7.7 million litres were served in Munich over 16 days), Oktoberfest is really a social event. Because of this, it’s great for groups, so we recommend booking a big table or booth for a day of festivities. Many venues offer packages with drinks on arrival or even bottomless beer for the entire event.

If you’re looking for Oktoberfest London activities, you've come to the right place. We’ve gathered together all the places you can don your lederhosen free of judgement, while enjoying the dulcet tones of an Oompah band over a beer or four with your friends. There are of course the main festivals, which are spread out over the weeks across London, but smaller, independents all celebrate in their own ways which can be just as much, if not more, fun than the real deal. Below you’ll find the big hitters alongside some smaller offerings from people doing their own thing on the side.

We’ve included plenty of info for each one, including where and when they are happening and how much tickets cost (unless entry is free, of course). We’ll be adding to this guide in the run-up to kick-off, so be sure to check in for the latest updates. Prost!

When is Oktoberfest London on?

In 2024, there are a few different places to celebrate Oktoberfest, but the overall dates in London run from mid-September to mid-November, although there will probably be events going on around the capital before and after that.

Confusingly, Oktoberfest doesn’t actually start in October. We’ve done some fine detective work and it turns out traditionally Oktoberfest did begin in October, but now has its roots firmly planted in September so revellers can make full and fine use of September’s warmer weather. It now often starts in September with a fixed end date, of the first Sunday of October, which leaves a couple of weeks prior to that for celebrations.

What is Oktoberfest London?

Oktoberfest began life in Germany in 1810, before making its way to us. It started as a wedding celebration when Bavarian crown prince Ludwig married princess Therese from Saxony-Hildburghausen on the 12 of October. Five days later, on the 17 of October, they arranged a party for the people (to spread their regal celebratory joy) which included all sorts of festivities including horse races. Each year following that fateful date the tradition was upheld, with an agricultural show and a celebration of beer added to the mix somewhere along the way, making the event roughly what we know it as today.

Oktoberfest London tickets

Lots of the main Oktoberfest London events are ticketed, so be prepared to pay around £10 on average for entry to any organised party. Some smaller bars and pubs may be running promotions around the times of the festivities for free though, so keep your eyes peeled, and there is a completely free festival in Elephant and Castle for any south London dwellers. More details below.

Where is Oktoberfest London on?

Oktoberfest London is taking place at pubs, bars, restaurants and venues across the capital, with everything from special menus and dishes to live entertainment on the line-up. Below we’ve got more details on each party, to make choosing one (or the many) you’d like to attend that little bit easier. Some are ticketed, but a few are free for impromptu partying.

Albert’s Schloss, Piccadilly

Why: Where better to head for Oktoberfest festivities than Bavarian bar and restaurant Albert’s Schloss? There are celebrations galore happening Wednesday through to Sunday at its London site, from Wiener eating competitions to keg tapping, oompah parties and, of course, plenty of bier guzzling. So, don your best lederhosen (there will be competitions for the best dressed too) and get yourself down to Piccadilly for some good old fashioned Bavarian fun. Plus, you don’t need a ticket to take part. Everyone is welcome!
Where: 20-24 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EU
When: 21 September - 6 October
How much: Entry is free
Book now: Albert’s Schloss

Flat Iron Square, Southwark

Why: London’s Flat Iron Square is hosting Bavarian celebrations on two separate dates in October. Traditional music, food and beer will be served to commemorate the traditional German festival, including Oompah Oompah German band performances and a Bavarian Beer Hall with traditional German beers and Bratwursts on offer. Plus, plenty of Flat Iron Square’s independent street food traders will be joining in the festivities by serving up Bavarian specials with a twist, from Bratwurst hot dogs by Gamekeeper to pork tacos with Mexican sauerkraut from Breddos Tacos.
Where: Flat Iron Square, 49 Southwark Street, SE1 1RU
When: Saturday 5 and 12 October
How much: Tickets from £11.25 per person

The Delaunay Counter, Covent Garden

Why: The Delaunay’s relaxed bar and cafe is swapping European-Alpine dishes for Bavarian plates as the space transforms in honour of the Munich-based festival. You’ll be able to tuck into a special Oktoberfest menu accompanied by a live Bavarian-style band where staff will don lederhosen and dirndls during the festivities. Dishes include hot dogs with lyonnaise onions and mustard, a sausage selection with sauerkraut and potato salad, and mushroom stroganoff with Semmel noodles and gherkins. Out on the terrace, guests can sip on pints from a Stiegl bier cart, while its eponymous counter will be laden with sweet treats like gingerbread necklaces and apple strudel.
Where: 55 Aldwych, WC2B 4BB
When: 19 September - 6 October
How much: Entry is free, simply turn up!
Book now: The Delaunay Counter

Fallow, St James’s

Why: On the hunt for some proper German grub to celebrate Oktoberfest this month? Fallow is hosting a special event on the 28 October to get you in the spirit, with a menu featuring freshly baked Pretzel rolls, charcoal-roasted bratwurst, tangy sauerkraut and apple strudel, all washed down with German pilsner and a crisp German Weiss beer. But that's not all. Enjoy live entertainment courtesy of a Bavarian Oompah band, with the event running from midday to 10pm. 
Where: 52 Haymarket, SW1Y 4RP
When: Monday 28 October
How much: Tickets are £20 per person
Book now: Fallow

Boxtoberfest, Wembley and Croydon

Why: Head over to Boxpark in Wembley or Croydon on select Saturdays in October for a day (and evening!) of Bavarian celebrations. Tap your feet to live music and entertainment from The Amazing Bavarian Stompers, take part in some low-key competition with games throughout the day, and sip on steins and jugs of beer alongside traditional Bavarian food.
Where: Olympic Way, HA9 0JR; 99 Croydon Street, CR0 1LD
When: 12 October (Croydon) and 19 October (Wembley)
How much: Tickets from £13 per person

Oktoberfest Brixton, Brixton

Why: Electric Brixton is being transformed for a Bavarian bash on the 5 and 12 October with traditional wooden tables, Bavarian street food and live music. Never one to shy away from a party, the team at this iconic Brixton venue promises an unforgettable evening of dancing and entertainment. Get ready for a good time! 
Where: Electric Brixton, Town Hall Parade, SW2 1RJ
When: Saturday 5 October and Saturday 12 October
How much: Tickets from £11 per person

Camden Oktoberfest at Electric Ballroom

Why: Returning for its eighth year, Camden Oktoberfest brings a modern twist to traditional celebrations with cutting edge live brass bands, DJs, beer tables, and bratwurst! Day sessions run every Saturday in October at Camden’s Electric Ballroom music venue with tickets starting from £20 a pop.
Where: 184 Camden High Street, NW1 8QP
When: 5, 12, 19 and 26 October
How much: Tickets from £20 per person

The London Bierfest, Monument

Why: This one is strictly for city slickers, with it being marketed as a hospitality event (ie, probably don’t turn up merry with a band of your mates). If a little team building is what you’re in the market for though, this is perfect. Because of the higher spend from the clientele here, you can expect a fun-filled day packed with entertainment, from table service delivered with flair to circus performers taking centre stage. If you’re a traditionalist you can rest easy in the knowledge that there will of course be plenty of German food and beer as well as Oompah bands.
Where: Old Billingsgate Market, 16 Lower Thames Street, EC3R 6DX
When: Thursday 17 October 
How much: From £185 per person

Big fan of beer? Check out our round up of the best pubs with rooms, where you can turn a pint into a full-blown holiday!