4 Cheerful Oktoberfest Celebrations

Love beer, Bavarian cuisine and polka? We’ve rounded up this year’s best Oktoberfest parties in town

Set down that pumpkin spice latte and pick up a pint this fall. Oktoberfest celebrations serve up plenty of cold beer, good cheer and traditional Bavarian cuisine: bratwurst, sauerkraut, spaetzle, schnitzel and, of course, soft pretzels.

Here are four lederhosen-optional events to attend in Vancouver and around the Lower Mainland this year…

1. Port Moody Oktoberfest — Friday, September 22 to Sunday, October 1

Port Moody is home to the largest Oktoberfest in Western Canada, featuring games, vendors, festive Schuhplattler performances and plenty of Bavarian food and beer. Take note that this festival has family-friendly activities in addition to their adults-only beer garden and music tent.
100 Newport Drive, Port Moody; Dates and times vary; Tickets $20

2. Harvest Haus – Thursday, October 5 to Saturday, October 14

As one of the hottest Oktoberfest tickets in town, Harvest Haus sells out every year. There are seven themed seatings, including the Stein Games (featuring Stein Pong and more), Lippensynchron Battle (aka lip synch) and the Duelling Arts (sword play and axe-throwing, oh my!). The Harvest Haus celebration is a slice of Bavaria in full-on party mode!
88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver; Dates and times vary; Tickets $25 to 50

3. The Vancouver Alpen Club Oktoberfest – Friday, October 6 to Saturday, October 21

For over 30 years, the Vancouver Alpen Club has been the prime location for Oktoberfest in Vancouver, serving up Bavarian food and iconic German beers from Krombracher and Erdinger. The Alpenplattlers will perform their amazing Schuhplattler dance in addition to the live music that always provides a jovial soundtrack to the traditional holiday celebration.
Vancouver Alpen Club, 4875 Victoria Drive, Vancouver; Friday and Saturday nights October 6 & 7, October 13 & 14 and October 20 & 21; Tickets $35 to 75

Enter our giveaway for a taste of authentic Oktoberfest! Win two regular admission tickets, two classic schnitzel meals and two beverage flights offering four different German beers.

4. Harrison Beer Festival Oktoberfest – Friday, October 27 to Sunday, October 28

If you’re craving a trip to mini-Munich, drive up to Harrison for their Beer Festival Oktoberfest. The weekend includes three separate events: a cask night, beer festival and Oktoberfest dance. Get ready to tuck into bratwurst, schnitzel, lebkuchen and plenty of beer. You’ll get a chance to polka away the extra calories.
St. Alice Hall at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa, 100 Esplanade Avenue, Harrison Hot Springs; Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28; Tickets $35 to 45