Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus

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.

It's certainly not a small deal here, either, with Hofbräuhaus Melbourne 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 fifty years — so, coming right up this year is a particularly big birthday bonanza.

Starting on Saturday, September 22 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 with a traditional keg tapping in the restaurant at noon, with the party kicking on from 5pm 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 easily the rowdiest 50th birthday you'll attend this year.

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