Berlin Fun
I know what you’re all thinking: “What? Oktoberfest in Berlin? What did I miss? And what about the flights I just booked for Munich?”
Don’t panic: the traditional October festival is in Munich and it will stay there, Berlin is just following Munich’s example and extending the party.
The Berlin version of the festival will probably remind you a lot of Munich as it’s all decorated the same, making sure that it brings the same success as the original. It is very probable however that the atmosphere in this second location is quite different. But what is certain is that there’s a lot to see and do:
Since 1949 the October festival takes place every year on the Kurt- Schumacher Dam in Berlin. You will find more than 500 attractions such as Scooters and other fair rides and attractions for all ages, not forgetting the beer of course.
There are also plenty of other Bavarian traditions that can not be missed during the festival: Pretzels, Leberkäs´, knuckles, a brass band…just as you would find in Munich. Along side all of these national dishes is a grand selection of international catering.
The entrance is free every day and you will have lot of fun for sure. The first beer halle will be opened on 26th September at 5pm as it is the same in Munich that everyone knows “O´Zapft is!”. On both Saturdays (27th September and 18th October) there will be huge firework displays which are meant to be the highlight of the festival. Every Wednesday there’s family day, which means that all of the carousels have a 50% discount.
Here are the opening hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 3pm-10pm
Wednesday 3pm-11pm
Friday 3pm-12pm
Saturday 2pm-12pm
Sunday and public holidays 2pm-11pm (3rd October: German Unification Day)
Those who are interested should check out their official website where you can also win “a dinner for two” everyday: 2 beers and 2 knuckles.
The organizer is the Schaustellerverein Berlin E.V., which organizes about 20 folk festivals each year.
You will find enough parking spaces around the area but it might be better to use the public transport due to the dozens of beer halles that are on offer.
If you want a stress free visit to this year’s October Fest, have a look for some accommodation way in advance. There is no difference to Munich here: Hotels in Berlin are very expensive because the city is crowded with people from all over the world.
So, get your family and friends and make your way to Berlin!
Have fun