Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus 2019

Overview

With September comes some much-needed spring and — to build on the beers in the sun you've no doubt been raring for — so too comes Oktoberfest. The famous German beer drinking festival runs for three weeks, kicking off before actual October, and it's a big deal in Munich, Bavaria.

It's certainly not a small deal here, either, with Hofbräuhaus Melbourne, located right in the heart of Chinatown, leading the fray in the festivities in this part of the world. It's one of the oldest German restaurants in the country and has been celebrating Oktoberfest for more than fifty years — so, it knows how to throw a party.

Starting on Saturday, September 21 and running for five weeks, the opening party will bring huge steins of bier, obviously, as well as live entertainment, stein carrying comps (it's even harder than it looks) and Bavarian feasting. The winner of the competitions can get themselves a whole year of free Hofbräuhaus bier, so it's worth doing a few arm days at the gym between now and then.

The day will start at 12pm for the Oktoberfest Lunch session, with a traditional keg tapping in the restaurant at 3pm. Afterwards, the party will be kicking on in the 'bierhall'. If huge biers and German comfort food are your things, then it's time to crack out the lederhosen or dirndl and prepare yourself for the festivities.

Plus, over the course of the five-week party, you can go into the running to win a trip for two to Bavaria, including flights, a private tour in a Bavarian brewery and a hot air balloon ride. All you have to do is spend a minimum of $65 per person between Saturday, September 21 and Friday, October 25.

Table bookings are necessary — book here or over the phone.