More than six million visitors from around the world will be pouring into – and then stumbling out of – Munich from September 19th to October 4th for the 191st Oktoberfest.
If you were planning to visit Munich’s Wiesn yourself this year; do it! For anyone who loves a festive crowd and a litre (or four) of beer, it’s truly a great Bavarian experience.
One thing the “world’s largest folk festival” is not, however, is cheap. A day at the fest will easily cost you more than €100, with a litre of beer costing between €14.80 and €15.90 this year. To say nothing of the bigger expenses for travel and accommodation.
But locals know that there are plenty of other seasonal festivals where you can get your fill of singing and drinking and Lederhosen and Dirndls.
Called 'folk' or 'autumn' festivals – Volksfeste, Herbstfeste or Dulten in German – these events offer a more intimate experience at a lower cost.
So for anyone seeking a Bavarian beer festival experience where you don't need to reserve a table months in advance, here are some more affordable and less crowded alternatives you could try:
Abendsberg’s Gillamoos
Gillamoos in Abensberg, which is close to Ingolstadt, is said to be among Bavaria’s oldest folk festivals, dating back over 700 years.
This one is on for just five days over the first weekend in September, from Thursday the 3rd until Monday the 7th this year.
A quirky local tradition: On Monday morning, top representatives from Bavaria's political parties can be seen at the Gillamoos addressing fest goers. (So if you're in it for the fun rather than the politics, don't go too early on Monday.)
If you take a seat in the Kuchlbauer tent here, a Maß of beer will cost you €12.70. And, you can take a peek at the full menu here, to get an idea of the other food and drink on offer.
Erding Herbstfest
Located just outside Munich, Erding is home to the famous Erdinger Weissbier brewery, and its autumn festival is the third-largest beer festival in Upper Bavaria.
This year the Herbstfest Erding runs from August 28th to September 6th.
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According to a report by TZ, a litre beer from the tents here costs €12.40, or you can get a half-litre for €6.20 from the Erdinger Hüttn.
Nuremberg’s Autumn Folk Festival
Held twice a year, in spring and autumn, the Nürnberger Volksfest is basically the Franconian capital’s answer to Munich’s Frühlingsfest and Oktoberfest.
Compared to those, the folk festivals in Nuremberg can feel a bit more casual – you won't see as many people in traditional outfits (Trachten) here.
But with its own large beer tent, more than a dozen smaller beer gardens and plenty of carnival rides and kiosks, there's plenty of fun and frolic on offer for the whole family.
At the spring festival this year, a litre of beer here cost €11.90 or €12, so prices this autumn can be expected to be the same or similar.
The festival continues until September 13th.
Herbstfest Rosenheim
Rosenheim’s Autumn Festival attracts visitors from August 29th to September 13th with large marquees, a traditional costume parade and many rides.
A litre of beer in the Flötzinger marquee costs €13.60 (up 50 cents from last year) and at Auerbräu €13.40 (up 60 cents more).
Freisinger Volksfest
The folk festival in Freising takes place from September 4th to 13th this year.
This year the main tent here, the Luitpoldanlage, is set for a change of management, which has promised to bring in a wide array of local foods.
The price of a litre is to rise to €12.40.
Herbstdult in Regensburg
The Herbstdult in Regensburg also runs until September 13th this year, and combines classic Bavarian festival atmosphere with a popular market event.
A peek at the menu on offer here reveals that a Festbiermaß will cost €13.30.
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