London's Oktoberfest Returns in 2022: The Biggest and Best Yet!

Is there anything better than Oktoberfest? We think not. OK, Glastonbury might have show-stopping music acts, but there's something magical about the festival in October each year.

The central event locations are Munich and London, but other countries also hold celebrations. While Munich's Oktoberfest may be the most famous, London's is the biggest.

The Oktoberfest in London returns for its twelfth year in 2022 and will be better than ever.

If you're planning to attend or want to know which events to look forward to, we've got all the information you need.

Let's dive in.

What Is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is a Bavarian beer festival that takes place annually. It typically runs from mid-September to the first weekend of October and features a lot of traditional German food, beer, music, and dancing.

The event initially celebrated the Crown Prince's marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen in 1811. Citizens of Munich attended the festivities held in the city to celebrate the royal event.

Due to the event's initial success, Bavaria decided to hold it each year, and it continued to evolve into what it is today.

Nowadays, Oktoberfest is celebrated all over the world, with different events taking place in various countries. One of these is London's Oktoberfest which is returning for its twelfth year in 2022.

When Is Oktoberfest London?

Oktoberfest London will take place over three weeks this year, starting on the 20th of October and ending on the 5th of November. You can book tickets for any of these weeks online and enjoy a weekend full of fun, beer and great people.

The seats fill up quickly, and booking in advance to disappointment is essential. The event managers haven't released the event's exact location yet, but they promise that it will be easy to get to and cause no problems for people travelling to the city.

What Happens During The Festival?

During Oktoberfest London, there will be a range of activities for people to enjoy. Traditional Bavarian music will play, and you can sing along to some well-known German songs.

Of course, the main event is beer drinking. You'll be able to sample some of the best brews from all over Europe and participate in beer pong and other drinking games.

If you're feeling competitive, several Bavarian-themed games are also taking place throughout the festival. These include tug-of-war and yodelling competitions, so sign up in advance if you want to participate.

Finally, you can enjoy delicious food from Bavarian vendors and sample live music from bands and DJs.

People had a fantastic time during the 2021 festival, and now the pandemic is pretty much behind us; 2022 will be a tremendous year with plenty of fun-filled events.

Things To Consider For Attendees

If you're wondering how to get to Oktoberfest or what you can do while there, we've got all the information available. Let's take a look at some things to remember.

Are children welcome?

Yes, children are welcome at Oktoberfest London - but only on Sundays. The organisers limit the event to people over 18, but on a Sunday, your children can come to enjoy the food and music.

Do I need to speak German?

No, you don't need to speak German to enjoy the festival. Most people who attend Oktoberfest in London are British, so there's no need to worry about being unable to communicate with others.

What should I wear?

You can wear whatever makes you comfortable, but some people wear traditional Bavarian clothing such as lederhosen for men and dirndls for women.

It's not a requirement, but it makes the event more fun for people, so wearing traditional clothing could be beneficial if you want to let loose.

Can I bring my own food and drink?

No, you cannot bring your own food or drink to the event. There are plenty of vendors selling delicious Bavarian cuisine, and you'll be able to buy beer from the bars inside.

If you're worried about not being able to find something that you like, don't worry - there's bound to be something for everyone at Oktoberfest London.

Can't Go To Oktoberfest? Why Not Throw Your Own Celebration?

Not able to make it to Oktoberfest this year? Don't worry; you can still enjoy all of the fun by throwing your celebration at home. The best thing about doing this is that you don't need to worry about what to do with the kids, as they can join in the celebrations.

Here's how to enjoy Oktoberfest the right way.

Go with a German food theme

Traditional Bavarian food includes pretzels, sauerkraut, schnitzel and bratwurst. You can find recipes for all of these online, or you could even try making them from scratch. If you're not feeling that adventurous, you can always buy German food from your local supermarket or look for a local restaurant that offers delivery.

Get dressed up

As we mentioned, people often wear traditional Bavarian clothing to Oktoberfest, including lederhosen for men and dirndls for women. The kids will love dressing up, but any fancy dress will do.

Don't forget beer and treats

Of course, the most crucial part of any Oktoberfest celebration is the beer. You'll be able to find plenty of German beers in your local supermarket, or you could order some online. Make sure you have enough for everyone and don't forget the glasses.

Children obviously cannot drink beer, but you can give them sweets as an alternative. Better still, if you buy from our confectionery wholesalers, you'll save money and get great deals on delicious sweets that everyone can enjoy.

Get some fun games

You can also set up some games such as beer pong or skittles. These are great for getting people into the party spirit, and you can even give prizes to the winners.

Now all you need to do is invite your friends and family, and you're ready to enjoy your own Oktoberfest celebration. If you're struggling to decide which confectionery to buy, look at our best-selling confectionery brands guide here.