Alternative Beer Festivals in Bavaria Beyond Oktoberfest

Primarily known to locals, these beer festivals scattered across southern Germany are among the largest and most vibrant in Europe, each with its unique charm.

It’s undeniable that Oktoberfest reigns supreme among beer festivals, drawing in over 6 million visitors each year and significantly boosting the Munich economy. 

While the festival is legendary, attendance has returned to pre-COVID levels, accommodations are reserved a year ahead, and a beer tankard now exceeds €15. This makes exploring other beer festivals across Bavaria increasingly appealing. Often referred to as the “best of the rest,” these local beer celebrations are, in fact, some of the largest and finest in Europe on their own terms.

1. Gäubodenvolksfest, Straubing

Established in 1812, the lesser-known Gäubodenvolksfest is actually the second-largest folk (or beer) festival in Bavaria, following Oktoberfest – and it boasts better weather and occasionally more available seating. Spanning 11 days in August, this event draws over a million attendees, a staggering figure for a town of just 50,000 residents. In fact, it ranks as the largest annual beer festival in most beer-loving countries worldwide. 

Like Oktoberfest, the festival features a fun fair and various distractions beyond the local brews, but it’s the expansive 100,000 sq m (1,076,000 sq ft) of tent space shared by seven local breweries that attracts those seeking refreshment during the August heat. Additionally, the beer is priced at about a quarter less than what you’d find at Munich’s more famous beer event, making it a compelling reason to visit this part of eastern Bavaria.

2. Starkbierzeit, Munich

While Munich is mainly celebrated for Oktoberfest, many are unaware that the city hosts several smaller beer festivals throughout the year. The Starkbierzeit – which translates to “Time of Strong Beer” – began in the 17th century when Paulaner monks crafted a hearty beer called Doppelbock to sustain themselves during Lent fasting. 

Still observed before Easter, this spiritual alcohol-related “fast” unfolds not at a single venue but across various breweries and taverns throughout the Bavarian capital. It’s also an evening event, so forget about beer and chicken breakfasts typical of Oktoberfest. While the main location remains the Nockherberg, where it all began, several other establishments participate, brewing a special lager with a nearly wine-like alcohol content of 7.5%.

3. Dachau Folk Festival, Dachau

Typically linked to Munich, the town of Dachau is often remembered for its darkest Nazi history. However, once a year, the community sets aside its past to celebrate. The Dachau Folk Festival occurs in mid-August in the town's central square, attracting 300,000 attendees eager to enjoy some of the most affordable beers at any festival in the area. 

4. Herbstfest, Erding 

The third-largest beer festival in Bavaria is held in the quaint commuter town of Erding. Does that sound familiar? It’s likely because your local store stocks Erdinger Weissbier, often regarded as one of the finest wheat beers globally. The massive brewery in town produces millions of gallons of wheat lager annually, making it the largest in the world. The Herbstfest takes place in the first week of September, gearing up Oktoberfest enthusiasts for the larger event just two weeks later. A one-liter mug of local wheat beer costs a third of what you’d pay at Oktoberfest, and the vibe in Erding is more family-friendly. So dust off your best lederhosen or dirndl a bit early and catch the S2 S-Bahn line for this preview of Oktoberfest's wheat-beer experience.

5. Frühlingsfest, Munich

If you’re drawn to springtime festivities in Munich, Frühlingsfest (Spring Festival) is a must-visit. Established in 1965 on the same revered grounds as Oktoberfest—the Theresienwiese, located near the main train station—it may be younger than many festivals, but it stands strong in the Bavarian beer scene. Serving as a warm-up for the grand event later in the year, the Spring Festival is a significant celebration in its own right. Taking place just after Starkbierzeit, it marks the first large outdoor gathering of the year, featuring a fair, fireworks, and a popular flea market. Beer enthusiasts should note that not all of Munich's major breweries participate, and a 1L stein costs nearly the same as at Oktoberfest, yet there’s still an abundance of beer to enjoy.

6. Small-town festivals throughout Bavaria

Nearly every town and many villages in Bavaria celebrate with their own beer festivals, commonly referred to as Volksfest (folk festival), Dult (fair), or Kirchweih (church fair). These events beautifully blend traditional culture with local brewing practices unique to the region. Most are held in autumn, aligning with the historic harvest season. From Weiden to the Alps and Bamberg to Rosenheim, you can find these festivities; visit this website for a complete list.