Oktoberfest returns to celebrate 50 years of Vietnam-Germany relations
Hanoi is set to host the world’s largest German festival outside Germany as Oktoberfest Vietnam 2025 returns later this month, bringing with it a celebration of culture, cuisine and community.
THE HANOI TIMES — This year’s Oktoberfest event holds deeper significance as it commemorates two important milestones, namely 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Germany , and 30 years of the German Business Association in Vietnam (GBA).
This year’s Oktoberfest highlighted the vital role of people-to-people exchange in celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Vietnam. Photo: Ha Pham
Organized by the GBA in collaboration with the German Industry and Commerce in Vietnam (AHK), Oktoberfest 2025 will take place in three major cities, including Hanoi from September 25 to 27 at JW Marriott Hotel, Danang on October 3 at Furama Resort, and Ho Chi Minh City from October 9 to 11 at Hotel Nikko Saigon.
Each venue will be transformed into a festive Bavarian space, offering guests an authentic cultural experience inspired by the original Munich Oktoberfest.
According to Torben Minko, Vice Chairman of GBA, the 2025 edition will feature several new elements to highlight these historic anniversary. “Oktoberfest 2025 will be an extraordinary cultural experience - a fusion of flavors, music and the vibrant spirit of Bavaria, right here in Vietnam,” he said.
Attendees can look forward to live performances by the renowned German-Austrian O’zapft band, alongside traditional German dishes such as Bratwurst sausages, grilled ham and pretzels.
The event will also feature a festive beer celebration with over 9,500 liters of beer expected to be served, from premium brands including Hofbräu Original, Erdinger Weissbier, Stiftung Hell, Victoria Oktoberfest Munich Style and C-Brew King Black. Around 970 kilograms of sausages will be prepared across all venues.
In Vietnam, Oktoberfest is not only a celebration of German beer and cuisine, but also a platform for cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy.
Since its debut in Vietnam, Oktoberfest has welcomed more than 32,000 visitors, becoming a key platform for cultural exchange and community building. In 2024, the Hanoi edition attracted over 1,700 guests per night.
Björn Koslowski, Deputy Chief Representative of AHK Vietnam, affirmed the festival’s diplomatic value: “Oktoberfest is where culture and commerce meet, where ideas are exchanged and long-lasting partnerships begin,” he said.
As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, a delegation of Vietnamese startups will participate in a leading tech exhibition in Munich, with one day hosted inside the original Oktoberfest, symbolizing the intersection of innovation and tradition.
Classic German dishes including sausages (Bratwurst), pretzels (Brezn), salt-grilled ham (Schinkengriller), and Sauerkraut will be served Vietnamese and international guests at this year’s Oktoberfest.
