From 20 September to 5 October 2025, Oktoberfest, the two-week beer festival, will take place in Munich, Germany. To celebrate Oktoberfest, a range of events are scheduled, so check out our guide to find out what’s going on across the Isle of Wight and the South Coast.
What is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest originated on 12 October 1810, in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.
Isle of Wight Oktoberfest Events
Oktoberfest at Ventnor Exchange
26 September – 5 October 2025 (10:00 – 20:00)
Servus! Ventnor Exchange are celebrating Bavarian style, with Oktoberfest beers! They will have a bottled selection of official Oktoberfest beers from Munich, as well as draught Festbier from local Isle of Wight brewers Wight Knuckle Brewery. The event will run until 5 October, or until they run out of Festbier!
More information at: ventnorexchange.co.uk/whats-on
Oktoberfest at Wight Knuckle Brewery
4 October 2025 (12:00 – 21:00)
Join Wight Knuckle Brewery on 4 October 2025 for a day packed with beer specials from brewers, including Witbier, Festbier and some brand new specials. Enjoy Bavarian-inspired food by Heron, live music throughout the day, Wight Whisky cocktails and don’t forget to check out the farm shop while you’re there.
More information at: wightknucklebrewery.com/events
Oktoberfest at GG’s Bar & Restaurant
10 – 11 October 2025 (18:00 – 23:00)
Oktoberfest is back at GG’s Bar & Restaurant with the London Oompah Band returning, plus a DJ host.
GG’s are delighted to welcome back the incredible London Oompah Band for Oktoberfest 2025. Running over two nights, enjoy live music, party games, serving wenches, steins and Bavarian food.
More information at: ggsiow.com/events-1
South Coast Oktoberfest Events
Oktoberfest at Powder Monkey Brewing Co.
3 – 4 October 2025
Join Powder Monkey Brewing Co. in Gosport for their Oktoberfest celebration! Enjoy live entertainment, plus you can sip on unique Powder Monkey beers crafted just for this event. Don’t forget to grab a branded Powder Monkey Oktoberfest Stein to use during the session!
More information at: facebook.com/PMBrewCo
Oktoberfest Southampton
24 – 25 October 2025
Returning for another year, Oktoberfest Southampton will be held on 24 – 25 October 2025, at Southampton Guildhall Square.
Get set for authentic oompah bands, live music, two-pint steins and all the fun and frolics of Oktoberfest!
More information at: oktoberfestsoton.com
Oktoberfest 6km Run/Walk
26 October 2025
Head to the Powder Monkey Brewery in Gosport for a fun Oktoberfest 6km run/walk, get dressed up and enjoy a knees up!
Event entry includes a personalised race number and pre-race entertainment. Once you have finished, it’s time to enjoy a celebration beer or soft drink, German sausage, bespoke themed medal and live Oompah entertainment – All included in your entry fee!
More information at: fitprorob.biz/event/oktoberfest2025
Oktoberfest Portsmouth
7 – 8 November 2025
Returning for another year, Oktoberfest Portsmouth will be held on 7 – 8 November 2025, at the Portsmouth Guildhall.
Get set for authentic oompah bands, live music, two-pint steins and all the fun and frolics of Oktoberfest! Since this event began in 2016, over 42,000 steins of beer have been sunk, and a whopping 418,000 plus inches of sausage have been consumed.
More information at: oktoberfestportsmouth.co.uk
Celebrate Oktoberfest at home
If you’re not into going to a big event, why not gather your friends and celebrate Oktoberfest at home? Create a playlist filled with Oompah bands and traditional German music, grab some steins and get dressed up in traditional lederhosen.
It wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without beer! You can either pick up some classic German brews or support local Island breweries. Yates’ Islander is likely their most popular choice, a nice amber ale. It’s smooth, flavorful, and at 4%, it’s a good session ale. If you want something a bit stronger, check out Goddards Brewery’s Fuggle-Dee-Dum at 4.8% (woo!). This tawny red ale has a nice smoky and spicy kick. For a more golden coloured beer, give Island Brewery’s Wight Gold a try. It’s a 4% beer that truly lives up to its name.
Now that the beer is taken care of, let’s talk food. Bratwurst is usually a go-to sausage, but with so many classic and unique flavours crafted by the Island’s butchers, you’d be missing out if you didn’t try a few. Harvey Browns has a big food hall with a dedicated butchery. You can also find various butchers around the Island, like The Butcher Shop and W.W. Woodford and Son. Check out our farm shops page to discover even more butchers.
All that’s left now is to grab that gingham tablecloth and a couple of bowls of pretzels, and you’re good to go!
