Oktoberfest: Stay here or go to Germany?

Oktoberfest: from Munich to your own backyard

Huge beer tents, oompah music, traditional costumes and an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else. For many people, Oktoberfest is the ultimate party of the year. But did you know that these days you really don't have to go to Germany anymore to have that experience? The Netherlands is going bigger and bigger, and honestly, it gets better every year. Let's dive into everything you need to know about Oktoberfest, both here and across the border.

The real deal: Oktoberfest in Munich

Let's start with the original. Oktoberfest in Munich is the largest folk festival in the world and in 2026 takes place from 19 September through 4 October. Every year, millions of visitors make their way to the Theresienwiese, the large festival grounds right in the heart of the city. The atmosphere there is simply indescribable. Enormous beer tents from breweries such as Hofbräu, Paulaner and Augustiner, live bands playing non-stop Schlager and folk music, and everyone dressed in Dirndl or Lederhosen. It's absurd, it's loud, and it's absolutely brilliant.

Want to go in 2026? Book in time. Seriously, in time. Hotels in Munich are worth their weight in gold during Oktoberfest and prices shoot up the moment the festival schedule is announced. A tip: also take a look at surrounding towns such as Augsburg or even Salzburg in Austria. From there, Munich is easily reachable by train and you'll pay a lot less for your accommodation.

Closer to home: Oktoberfest events in the Netherlands in 2026

Not everyone feels like planning a weekend trip to Munich, and that's completely understandable. Luckily, you don't have to anymore. Oktoberfest events are popping up all over the Netherlands, and the quality has genuinely gone up enormously in recent years.

Amsterdam

In Amsterdam you'll find multiple Oktoberfest parties every year, both indoors and outdoors. The Ziggo Dome has organised a large Oktoberfest event on several occasions, complete with real beer tents, live performances and authentic Bavarian catering. Expect multiple editions in the capital in 2026 as well. Keep an eye on the websites of event venues such as AFAS Live and the Amsterdam RAI.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam always does things just a little differently, and that's exactly what makes it fun. Large-scale beer festivals in the city centre or in harbour warehouses give it its own Rotterdam twist. The combination of industrial heritage and beer tent works surprisingly well.

Utrecht and Eindhoven

The offering is also growing in Utrecht and Eindhoven. Smaller but cosy events in city centres or pop-up locations create an intimate atmosphere, with the added bonus of being able to explore the city afterwards. Ideal if you don't want to travel too far.

The Achterhoek and Limburg

Do you live in the east or south of the country? Then you're already a lot closer to Germany, but also closer to regions in the Netherlands where Oktoberfest culture has been established for longer. In towns and cities such as Doetinchem, Venlo and Roermond, fun local Oktoberfest evenings are organised every year. Small, authentic and sometimes even cosier than the big city editions.

Why Dutch Oktoberfests are getting better and better

A few years ago, an Oktoberfest in the Netherlands was still a party with a few kegs of beer, plastic steins, and someone playing Schlager through a laptop. Nothing wrong with that, but it had little to do with the real Munich feeling. That has truly changed.

Organisers are now seriously investing in the experience. Think real wooden beer tents built specifically for the event, live bands flown in specially from Bavaria, authentic dishes like Brezeln, Schweinshaxe and Obatzda, and traditional clothing as a dress code. The level of production, sound and decoration has simply become much more professional.

On top of that, the hospitality industry has gotten smarter too. Beer brands like Paulaner and Erdinger are increasingly present at Dutch events and ensure the authentic flavours you'd expect. That makes a big difference.

Something else you'll notice is that the audience itself is getting into the spirit. People are showing up more and more in Dirndl or Lederhosen, even here in the Netherlands. That instantly gives an event a completely different energy. When everyone gets into it, you create the atmosphere together — and you can really feel it.

Tips for your Oktoberfest in 2026

• Buy tickets early, because the best events sell out fast
• Go with a group, because it's always more fun and cheaper together
• Rent or buy a Dirndl or Lederhosen — it truly adds something to the experience
• Eat something substantial before you go, because beer on an empty stomach hits faster than you think
• Follow the social media pages of events early in the year for early bird offers

In short

Whether you're heading to München for the full experience or visiting an Oktoberfest closer to home in the Netherlands, the celebration is there for everyone to enjoy. And with the growth in quality you've seen from Dutch editions over recent years, you really don't need to worry about being disappointed. Every year it becomes a little more München, but with a distinctly Dutch twist. And that's actually quite wonderful.