A guide to celebrating Oktoberfest in the Netherlands

It may only be September, but the much-awaited Oktoberfest begins soon in Munich. A 16-day festival, it is the largest funfair in the world and attracts more than 6 million visitors each year. If you can't make it to Germany, here's how you can celebrate Oktoberfest right here in the Netherlands! 

What is Oktoberfest?

Rooted in Bavarian culture, the run-up to the first weekend of October was originally a celebration honouring the marriage between Crown Prince Ludwig and Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen in 1810. The following year, an agricultural showcase was added in the name of Bavarian pride, and since 1887 the renowned breweries have become a staple at the event.

The modern form, taking place since 1950, is now best known for the traditional Bavarian outfits, indulging in distinctly German cuisine and consuming mass amounts of beer in legendary tents.

If you don’t feel like making the journey to Munich, but still want to experience the atmosphere of the German event, there are plenty of ways to get your Oktoberfest fix right here in the Netherlands. Have a look at our guide on where to eat, drink, and party in the Netherlands for Oktoberfest!

Image credit: Noemi Apostol / Shutterstock.com

What date is Oktoberfest in 2024?

It may be called Oktoberfest, but the celebrations actually start in September. In 2024, Oktoberfest Munich will take place from September 21 to October 6.  

Oktoberfest originally took place over 16 days, ending on the first Sunday in October. However, if this day falls on the first or second of the month, then the festival is extended to cover the bank holiday. This means that sometimes Oktoberfest runs for 17 or 18 days.

German cuisine in the Netherlands

Before going on the beer binge that Oktoberfest calls for, you’ll want to line your stomach with some good food. What better way to do that than with an authentic schnitzel and some German charm? Here are some German restaurants in the Netherlands where you can grab a bite during Oktoberfest.

Café Brecht in Amsterdam embraces the better characteristics of our eastern neighbours in the form of a Berlin-style living room café. With mismatched furniture and 1920s décor, the café is full of atmosphere and German brews: Berliner, Rothaus, Augustiner and Weihenstephan, to name a few.

If fried food is what you’re craving, head to Wurst & Schnitzelhaus on the Prinsengracht for some top-notch krakauer, sauerkraut and various sausages and schnitzels.

For that real German atmosphere, head to Kartoffel in Utrecht. With the wall full of posters and beer signs from the east, the food is a creative blend of the meat and potato diet needed for long winters.

In Eindhoven, Radio Royaal offers a rarely seen (but underappreciated) French-German fusion menu in a former Philips energy plant. Exposed ceilings and raw decor only add to the post-industrial feel.

Dark wooden ceilings, long benches, German text on the wall and a mountain lodge vibe give Tiroler Stuberl in Zandvoort a cosy touch - even if the cuisine is more Austrian than German. Summer or winter, stop by for a quick casual homemade schnitzel!

Oktoberfest beer in the Netherlands

The beer is what makes Oktoberfest. Thanks to strict regulations, the type and brand of what can be served in the major tents in Munich is limited, with a type of brew known as Märzen being the go-to choice for decades.

A bit stronger than a typical lager or pilsner, the Märzens must be brewed in Munich to be deemed suitable for Oktoberfest.

This means that there are six major brewers eligible to produce Oktoberfest beer: Augustiner, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Löwenbräu, Spatenbräu and Hofbräu. While some of these are major exporters, others will be more difficult to find at your average shop.

Your best bet to drink like a German in the Netherlands is to visit a beer speciality shop that will most certainly have at least a couple of the Oktoberfest variants. In Amsterdam, De Bierkoning is the go-to source for German beers and has a healthy selection of the above brands.

There are also various online beer stores in the Netherlands that offer a selection of German beer. Dare to Drink Different is one such example, and they even offer special beer packages that differ month to month, so you just know they’re going to do something special for Oktoberfest!

Oktoberfest in the Netherlands: Where to celebrate

Of course, the pinnacle of Oktoberfest celebrations are the parties. In the Netherlands, the more major celebrations will be taking place in the southern and eastern cities of the country. 

Although the locations and dates vary, the essence remains the same: these parties revolve around drinking beer in a tent. It may not be Hofbräu or Paulaner, but in such mass quantities, a solid Heineken or Hertog Jan will suffice. 

Get on your lederhosen, dance to the sounds of the brass band, and give a Prost! to the Germans!

Oktoberfest in Amsterdam

Enjoy Amsterdam in German style during Oktoberfest Amsterdam. With over 30 brewers bringing their tastiest beers, loads of German food and a great lineup of entertainment, it’s bound to be an unforgettable two days. 

Oktoberfest in Utrecht

Maximus Brouwerij in Utrecht is once again hosting an Oktoberfest celebration. With long tables, many pints of beer, currywurst and pretzels, accompanied by DJs playing hits in German throughout the night, the party will be an evening full of German fun.

Oktoberfest in The Hague

One of the largest parties in honour of Oktoberfest in the Netherlands is held in The Hague at De Boterwaag. A covered biergarten is built on the Grote Markt and the evening is filled with beer, German eats and music from live performers.

Oktoberfest in Eindhoven

Oktoberfest Eindhoven takes place over two days, with a beer cantus festival one day and music bingo the next. Both days in Eindhoven are of course filled with plenty of German beer, wurst and musical performances.

Oktoberfest in Alkmaar

In the cosiest of party tents, Alkmaar hosts its own version of Oktoberfest. Sticking to the Bavarian dress code, the organisers want festival-goers to dress up in traditional Dirndl and Lederhosen to enjoy the bratwurst, sauerkraut, wine and beer while the schlager hits play. 

Oktoberfest in Apeldoorn

The Ensing Oktoberfest in Apeldoorn is hosted in a large hall with a bar, with several food trucks nearby. The stage is filled with performances by famous artists, while those who attend enjoy a good flow of beer and fun. There are also various dance acts on the tables to add more entertainment to the evening.

Oktoberfest in Breda

Transforming Breepark into a cosy beer festival tent, Oktoberfest Breda has become popular among visitors from Belgium and even Germany. With over 4.000 visitors expected in Breda, the event will have both a Brabant and German touch with beer, schlager music and some Dutch performers too!

Video: YouTube / Breepark

Celebrate Oktoberfest in the Netherlands

You don’t have to travel far to get a taste of Oktoberfest, you can chug down some beers right here in the Netherlands. Grab your friends and head to the Dutch version of the event closest to you!