To the uninitiated, few events have a more misleading name than Oktoberfest. Already well underway, the festival traditionally runs from mid-September to early October, and while Munich’s Volksfest is unmatched for size and spectacle, you can still participate in style with some special events running across Leeds.
Even if raucous oompah bands, mass sing-alongs, and stiff lederhosen aren’t for you, some of Leeds’ best bars are getting in the spirit by featuring the cream of German beers from Bavaria and beyond.
Bierkeller
Down in a cellar on South Parade, the Leeds branch of the Bierkeller chain hosts a year-round tribute to Bavarian drinking, but they’re going all out for the Oktoberfest period. With 2-4-1 haus Steins between Sunday and Thursday (nerd alert: unless they’re made from stone, two-pinters are technically a Maß, but I won’t nitpick...), live Oompah bands on a Friday and Saturday nights, and free Deutsche garb to get you in the mood, there’s everything you need to get the party started.
Ongoing until Sunday 2 October. 1 South Parade, Leeds LS1 5QL
Oktoberfest at The Tetley
In a similar vein to the Bierkeller’s vibe but on a much larger scale, this huge celebration at the Tetley is looking to attract over 2000 people per session into its big-top style tent for a bier-fuelled sausage fest.
As well as the authentic German food on offer, the organisers have teamed up with brewing giant Erdinger to supply the beer. Standard entry is £10, which includes a branded keepsake ‘Stein’, and there are also VIP packages to bring you up close and personal with the band, and table service to keep the beer flowing. It's the debut event, but the team behind it have plenty of experience putting on big events at the likes of Faversham and Canal Mills, so expect a well-run, slick night out.
Multiple sessions between Thursday 6 and Sunday 9 October. The Tetley, Hunslet Rd, Leeds LS10 1JQ. Booking info
Oktoberfeast at Headrow House
By now you’ve probably experience how well run the food and drink events are at both Belgrave and Headrow House, and their Oktoberfeast should be no exception.
For starters, they’ve gone all out with their beer selection – Hacker Pschorr Kellerbier on tap, as well as 20 other different beers on draught and in the fridges in their Bavarian-style ground floor beer hall. Spitz German Sausages will be in attendance alongside a special Ox Club menu, and there will be music on both days. Entry is free too.
Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 October. Headrow House, Bramleys Yard, 19 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU
Oktoberfest with the North Bar Group
Obviously renowned across Leeds for their great beer selection, the North venues were never going to be left out of this list, and this year they’ve got the added bonus of having North Brew Co - their very own brewery, who have created their own Oktoberfest Weizen.
This will be available at all their bars, along with a selection of beers from Munich’s finest – Schneider, Hofbrau, Augustiner – and others from across Germany. The cheese and meat boards will also be Teutonic-influenced for authentic snacking.
Ongoing until Saturday 1 October, full list of North Bar Group venues
