Dust off the lederhosen. Oktoberfest celebrations are popping up around Canberra throughout October, from a new Campbell pub getting involved to the Harmonie German Club’s more than 50-year tradition.
Here’s where you can raise a stein.
Lager House, Campbell
After opening at East Traders Hall in March, the contemporary neighbourhood pub by Capital Brewing Co. is celebrating its first Oktoberfest this Sunday.
Expect German beer alongside pork knuckles, pretzels and bratwurst, plus a stein-holding competition. The venue is very well suited to the occasion, with lager stored in large tanks on site and poured through Czech-made side-pour taps.
Bookings are recommended, and free basement parking is available when you validate your ticket at the bar.
Where: East Traders Hall, 62 Constitution Avenue, Campbell | When: Sunday 11 October | Book: capitalbrewing.co
Oktoberfest in the Gardens
The national Oktoberfest in the Gardens tour is coming to Canberra for the first time, taking over Patrick White Lawns on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin for one day only.
The national touring festival brings a huge beer hall, German food, live entertainment, DJs, roving performers, a silent disco and more across the afternoon and evening.
Final release tickets are now on sale so get in quick if you don’t want to miss out.
Where: Patrick White Lawns, Parkes | When: Saturday 24 October, 1pm–9pm | Tickets: $69.90 (final release) via Moshtix
Harmonie German Club Oktoberfest
For a more traditional experience, Harmonie German Club has more than 50 years of Oktoberfest celebrations behind it.
Across Friday and Saturday, expect German beer and food, live music and dancing, along with the wurst-eating contest, Fingerhakeln (Bavarian finger wrestling), mechanical beer bottle and axe throwing, medieval combat and even beer puppetry. Kids are welcome until 6pm on both days.
There are also VIP options, including a catered opening ceremony dinner on Friday and a two-hour Saturday package with a German feast and drinks.
Where: 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | When: Friday 30 October from 4pm and Saturday 31 October from 10am–11.30pm | Tickets: From $25, with two-day and VIP packages available via Humanitix.
Event details, prices and ticket availability were correct at the time of publishing but are subject to change. Check with each event or venue before you head out.
