Festival categories
Two formats: traditional Oktoberfest-tradition (Munich, Stuttgart — German Reinheitsgebot lager, Maß glasses, oompah bands), and contemporary craft-beer festivals (Copenhagen, Brussels, Amsterdam — international rare brews, beer-geek paradise).
Munich — Oktoberfest
Munich Oktoberfest (mid-September to first Sunday October, 16 days). 6 million visitors. Tickets free entry; tent reservations 6+ months ahead for prime tents (Hofbräuhaus, Augustiner). Maß beer €15.30 (2025 price). Dirndl/Lederhosen common.
Stuttgart — Cannstatter Volksfest
Stuttgart "second Oktoberfest" — Wasen — runs simultaneously. Less internationally famous but equally large attendance among Germans.
Copenhagen — Mikkeller Beer Celebration
Copenhagen Mikkeller Beer Celebration Copenhagen (MBCC, May). World's most exclusive craft beer festival — Mikkeller, Cantillon, 3 Floyds breweries collaborate. Tickets sell out in minutes at €240–400. Limited release of rare beers.
Brussels — Brussels Beer Weekend
Brussels first weekend September. Belgian breweries showcase trappist + lambic + saison. Free entry; pay-as-you-drink with token system. Plus Cantillon Belgian Lambic Festival (March, the "Quintessence" tasting).
Amsterdam — Borefts (nearby)
De Molen brewery Borefts Festival in Bodegraven (1h from Amsterdam). Curated beer-geek-tier — De Molen, Mikkeller, Stone Brewing, Buxton. Limited tickets €40–80.
Berlin — Berlin Beer Week
Berlin annual beer week (August). Multiple breweries + bars participate. Less single-festival format, more city-wide week.
Reykjavik — Reykjavik Bjórhátíð
Iceland Bjórhátíð beer festival (March 1, anniversary of Iceland legalizing beer in 1989). Modern Icelandic craft scene celebration.
Strategy
Munich Oktoberfest hotel reservations 8–12 months ahead. Mikkeller Copenhagen tickets via lottery + early-bird quick-claim. Beer-festival-tour combinations possible (Brussels + Antwerp Belgian beer weekend). Read our craft beer + beer gardens.