Oktoberfest abroad: How to experience the best of Bavarian culture beyond German borders

Hundreds and thousands of litres of beer are expected to pass through pumps at the 190th Munich Oktoberfest currently underway at Theresienwiese, the home of the festival which transforms the Bavarian capital.

Since Saturday's sounding of the famous starting signal ("O'zapft is!"), people from all over the world have been congregating to worship at long tables in the open area, true to the motto "beer, fun and lederhosen!"

If imitation is the most sincere most form of flattery, then the Oktoberfest must be blushing big time, as there's now a steady stream of copycat events which stretch far beyond Bavarian borders.

Whether on boats, a golf tournament or even virtually - there is something for everyone at the numerous Oktoberfest knockoffs.

So if you can't make it to the original setting, or fancy an alternative way of celebrating Euronews has put together some of the most unusual examples of this iconic display of Bavarian cultural heritage.

Tee off with a beer: Oktoberfest in Mallorca

When you think of "Oktoberfest in Mallorca", you could be forgiven for imagining sangria buckets and beer benches. This version, however, is a much more classy and exclusive affair, with smart polo shirts de rigueur.

On 1 November 2025, the Son Gual Golf Club is hosting its annual Wiesn tournament. Single Stableford will be played, with prizes awarded for 1st Gross, 1st Nett and the classics Nearest to the Pin and Longest Drive - separately for men and women. In the evening, a sumptuous buffet, an award ceremony and a raffle await in the Clubhouse before the party really gets going.

Be careful not to be too competitive. With a beer mug in one hand and a golf club in the other, your aim might not be as accurate as normal.

Dirndl meets yacht: Oktoberfest on the Côte d'Azur

Fancy something a little more luxurious? Then head to the Oktoberfest on the Côte d'Azur! Here, the Bavarian "Gaudi" is transformed into a glamorous harbour party under palm trees.

On the initiative of Magali Altounian, Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor for European Affairs, the City of Nice and the organisation Port To Be Nice are inviting you to a very special Oktoberfest experience. The event, which is free and open to all, promises to combine the traditions of the Munich original with Mediterranean flair.

The programme includes food trucks with regional specialities, local beers, make-up and hands-on workshops and dance groups from the city. All in the spirit of Franco-German friendship.

Cheers in paradise: Oktoberfest in the Maldives

Nice and Mallorca not exclusive enough? Then why not look further afield and opt for what's billed as the ultimate luxury Oktoberfest experience... in the Maldives. Oktoberfest is now also celebrated there, albeit in a much more luxurious setting.

The hotel chain Sun Siyam Resorts is hosting its own "Wiesn" serving up German beer and lederhosen vibes amid swaying palm trees, infinity pools and white sandy beaches. If you need a break from beer stein lifting you could try coral diving or a wellness treatment.

The nearby Sun Siyam Olhuveli is holding a big party, where pretzels and brass band music meet lobster BBQ, belly dancing and international DJ sets. A heady mix of Bavarian cosiness and tropical luxury.

From Bavaria to Florida: Oktoberfest flair at Dania Beach

Less glamorous, but also on the beach, Florida is hosting the "Dania Beach After Dark Oktoberfest" in Greater Fort Lauderdale.

The programme includes live music, food trucks and restaurants. Beer fans in particular should get their money's worth with more than 40 breweries presenting a wide selection of brews, some of which also use regional ingredients.

For families, there are additional activities such as a pumpkin patch, face painting for children, fancy dress competitions and beer stein throwing.

Planks and beer mugs: Oktoberfest in Gothenburg harbour

A lot closer to German shores, Gothenburg hosts a Swedish celebration on the Ostindiefararen Götheborg, a faithful replica of an 18th century sailing ship. Normally, the vessel commemorates the great days of trading voyages to Asia, but for Oktoberfest its riggings and railing are refashioned to hold beers. Lots of it.

O'zapft on the high seas

If you want to spend a little longer on ships, consider a taking a cruise to celebrate Oktoberfest on the water.

The AIDA shipping company, for example, offers special routes in September with on-board programmes based on the Munich folk festival. There are choices between metropolitan routes with stops in Northern Europe and a cruise along the Norwegian fjords. On board, music, traditional costumes and Bavarian specialities are just as much a part of the experience as competitions and entertainment programmes. The traditional costume atmosphere and Oktoberfest customs are combined with very different backdrops, from the skyline to the fjord panorama.

Oktoberfest in New York style: sauerkraut & kimchi

There are also unusual Oktoberfest variations in the USA. In Flushing, in the New York borough of Queens, the Voelker Orth Museum is organising an "Oktoberfest Flushing Style", which combines German and Korean elements. In addition to bratwursts, Korean dishes such as japchae are served, along with beer, music from orchestras and K-pop groups and a cultural programme in the museum's garden.

The Voelker Orth Museum in Flushing, Queens, is a former home of a German-born immigrant family from the 1890s. Today, it serves as a museum, bird sanctuary and garden and conveys local cultural, natural and migration history.

The virtual Wiesn

If none of the above options tickles your fancy for fear of large crowds, budget constraints or noise, then you could opt to enjoy Wiesn from the comfort of your own home.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the Untergiesing-based company, K5 Factory developed a computer game that takes Oktoberfest into the digital realm. Using VR goggles, users can walk around the Theresienwiese, sit in the beer tent, try out shooting galleries or test rides.

The game picks up on typical elements of the festival, from the beer mug and brass band music to the Dirndl avatar. Some players even report a kind of "digital Wiesn seasickness" when the virtual movement overstrains their balance. But if you've had enough, simply take off your glasses - an exit route easily taken compared to trying to leave the real life Wiesn, especially if you've overindulged.