While the main Oktoberfest might take place in Munich, that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate it here in Norfolk. Beer lovers can enjoy several Oktoberfest Events in Norfolk.
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What is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest started in 1810 in Germany to toast the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria, the future King Ludwig I, and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Then it became an annual event to celebrate Bavarian culture and beer that normally runs for 16 days with the last day being the first Sunday in October.
If you enjoy Oktoberfest, be sure to check out more beer festivals in Norfolk.
Oktoberfest Events in Norfolk in 2023
While the festivities in Norfolk may not be as big as the ones in Munich, there is still a lot of fun to be had. You can expect lots of beer, music, and traditional German foods.
Some events are free, while others you will need to buy a ticket. There are also some Oktoberfest events that are family-friendly, where you can bring the kids.
Norwich Oktoberfest at Epic Studios
When: 6 – 7 October
For 2023, Norwich Oktoberfest is back at Epic Studios, and will again feature the Oompah act, The Bavarian Strollers are back. They will be joined by one of the best party bands around, NightTrain, with chart-topping anthems and Euro-Pop classics.
You are encouraged to wear Bavarian outfit or a pair of classic Lederhosen, but it’s not required. There will be plenty of authentic Bavarian beers served in steins and Bratwurst sausages (with meat and vegan options).
This event sells out, so it’s recommended to get tickets early! All tickets have access to seats.
Get more information and buy tickets here.
Oktoberfest at the Plough
When: 22 – 24 September
Head to the Plough on St. Benedicts Street in Norwich for OktoberFest beers, steins, German food and Schnaps! Guests are encourage to wear Lederhosen. There is no admission charge.
Get details here.
Oktobyfest at Norwich Market
When: 12 – 14 October
Sir Toby’s Beers, a specialist beer shop at Norwich Market, will be hosting their version of Oktoberfest called Oktobyfest for the fifth time. This is an outdoor event, so coats are recommended.
It’s six evenings of celebrating beer, including the official festival brews from some of the Munich breweries you find at the real festival in Germany. They will also have food available for purchase from Cocina Mia (Chilean Street Food) and The Bodega (New York Deli Sandwiches).
You will need to purchase tickets in advance. Get more information here.
Oktoberfest in Setchey, King’s Lynn
When: 29 – 30 September
After a successful inaugural event in 2022, The Warehouse Taproom is hosting another Oktoberfest event with authentic German food, entertainment and of course beer directly imported from Munich Big Six Breweries.
In addition to beer, they will also have German wine, Schnapps, and other themed beverages . There will be traditional Oompah music too!
You should book in advance. Get more details here.
*While you are in the area, check out our recommendations for the best things to do in King’s Lynn.
Oktoberfest – A Harvest Celebration, West Acre
When: 29 – 30 September
Duration Brewery is hosting Oktoberfest again after selling out their first Oktoberfest in 2021. You are welcome to come in German Dress Up (optional), the brewery will be decorated in Bavarian Style.
This time they will have day and evening sessions. The Bier Hall will be for adults only, while children and dogs are welcome in the Bier Garten.
It will feature their Harvest Bier alongside a 6 tap line up with good food (pretzels, wurst, mustard, pickles from Fanny Adams), good music and good times.
Tickets are £15.00 and include a tankard, your first pint (or an alternative) and a giant German pretzel. They have free onsite parking.
Get more information here.
If you can’t go to Duration for Oktoberfest, maybe visit for a brewery tour.
Whalebone Freehouse Oktoberfest
When: 30 September – 1 October
Experience the ultimate Oktoberfest celebration at the Whalebone Freehouse with free entry! Picture yourself raising a glass stein, the symbol of Oktoberfest tradition, as you try a wide selection of imported beers that capture the authentic flavours of this famous festival. But that’s not all – there will be an Oompah band ready to keep the party going with lively tunes that will have you dancing and singing along.
Get more information here.
Oktoberfest at the Cap
When: 29 September – 1 October
Get ready to celebrate Oktoberfest in style at the Cap in Harleston! They’ve teamed up with the lesser-known Oktoberfest brewery, Flotzinger, to infuse an authentic Bavarian spirit into their festivities. And, as always, Ampersand Brew Co has gone the extra mile to provide the Cap with an exceptional assortment of lagers that will truly elevate your Oktoberfest experience.
Get more information here.
Oktoberfest Beer Festival Gorleston
When: 14 October
The Ocean Room will have a live oompah band and DJ so you can dance while you celebrate Oktoberfest. There will be lots of beers, German food and fancy dress is encouraged.
Tickets start at £5 for general admission if you buy early. You can get a VIP ticket for £12 that includes queue jump, up front reserved seating, table service, and stein hire.
Get more details here.
*While you are in the area, check out our recommendations for the best things to do in Gorleston.
Oktoberfest at Yalm
When: 29 September – 8 October
Get ready to celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest at Yalm! Their incredible food vendors are adding a delightful Bavarian twist to their menus for the event. They’ve also curated a fantastic selection of guest beers, including the authentic Munich festival brews such as Paulaner Oktoberfest, Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest, Spaten Oktoberfest, Flotzinger Weis’n Marzen, and a variety of exclusive Oktoberfest specials from Ampersand, Duration, and Cloudwater Brewing.
To ensure you have the most authentic experience, they’ve got an abundance of steins ready for you. They’re pulling out all the stops with a special Ampersand brewery event, live music performances throughout the week, a sausage shop, exciting raffles with great prizes, and more surprises in store. If you plan to make a night of it, they’ve got convenient drinks packages, and for early birds, they’ve added Bavarian breakfasts to the menu.
No need to worry about tickets or reservations – simply drop by whenever you like to get the full Oktoberfest experience at Yalm!
Find out more here.
OktoberFEAST at the Ffolkes
When: 6 & 7 and 13 & 14 October
OktoberFEAST is back with the Ffolkes favourite band, a 6 piece oompah band that plays pop classics. Plus there will be some creative German and Oktoberfest-themed food (think Bavarian twist on Reesey’s desserts, Würstl Bavarian Sausages) from The Weiner Takes It All, and new dishes from Oishii Street Kitchen) and lots of craft and German beer.
You will need to book a ticket in advance. Get more information here.
Oktoberfest at Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth
When: 30 September – 8 October
Britannia Pier will be celebrating the Oktoberfest for 8 days! Admission is free, so everyone is welcome to join in the festivities. The Pier Tavern will undergo a Bavarian transformation, offering a taste of Germany with traditional Bavarian décor and cuisine.
You can enjoy a variety of German specialty ice-cold beers, all served in classic stein glasses by our friendly German beer servers. The event promises to be fun with German sausages, live music, and of course, plenty of dancing. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not embrace the spirit of the occasion and dust off your lederhosen for some authentic fun?
Get more information here.
*While you are in the area, check out our recommendations for the best things to do in Great Yarmouth.
Oktoberfest at the Gangway and Quarter Deck, Sheringham
When: 29 September
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Gangway Sheringham and The Quarter Deck Sheringham! They’re hosting a tap takeover featuring traditional German and Oktoberfest craft specials, along with a wide selection of canned and bottled beers for you to enjoy.
You will also be able to indulge in delicious German street food from The Quarter Deck Sheringham kitchen at both venues. No bookings are required for this festive event at either location, so grab your lederhosen and get ready for a memorable Oktoberfest celebration filled with great food and drinks!
Get more information here.
Taste of Oktoberfest at the Red Lion Hockwold
When: 25 – 30 September
Experience a small taste of Oktoberfest at the Red Lion Hockwold! They will be featuring two German beers on draft, so you can enjoy the authentic flavours of Germany. In addition, they will be offering traditional German dishes.
Don’t miss out on their German Basket Bar Specials. Rest assured, their regular menu and drinks will still be available for you to enjoy alongside these Oktoberfest-inspired offerings.
Get more information here.
Oktoberfest at The Rumsey Wells
When: 5 – 8 October
Raise your glass for an unforgettable Oktoberfest at The Rumsey Wells! They will have a selection of iconic German classics like Bitburger and Konig Pilsner. Experience the unique Dry Hop’d Zwickl collaboration from Bitburger & Deschutes, along with Benediktiner Weissbier and Benediktiner Hell for something distinct. For those craving richness, try Kostrizer Black Lager, and don’t miss Bitburger unfiltered.
Get more information here.
