Oktoberfest to light up Hanoi's autumn dining scene

Oktoberfest, a festival celebrating German cuisine, craft beer, and vibrant culinary traditions, returns to three major cities in Vietnam in September and October: Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Announcement of the German Oktoberfest 2024. Photo: GBA

According to Alexander Ziehe, Chairman of the German Business Association (GBA), this cultural and culinary event is particularly significant, as 2025 will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Federal Republic of Germany.

“The bilateral strategic partnership has been deepened in all fields among which cultural, economic, trade, and investment cooperation are important pillars,” he stated.

"Over the years, the festival has not only been a cultural event but also an opportunity for businesses and organizations from Germany and Vietnam to explore new potentials in various fields," he added. Oktoberfest has been celebrated annually in Vietnam since 1992, making it one of the longest running Oktoberfest events outside of Germany. The festival aims to bring German culture and lifestyle closer to the Vietnamese people while promoting the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Oktoberfest 2024 promises to be an exceptional German cultural festival with German-themed food, beer, and music.

The festival will take place in Hanoi from September 26 to 28, in the coastal city of Da Nang on October 4, and in Ho Chi Minh City from October 10 to 12.

In addition to established German beer brands such as Erdinger Stiftung Lager, Erdinger Weissebier, and Erdinger Dunkel Draught, the festival will also feature the non-alcoholic Erdinger Weissebier Alkoholfre.

In Hanoi, Oktoberfest will be held in JW Marriott Hanoi Hotel. The festival showcases the rich heritage of Munich with a large beer tent 'Festzelt'.  Imported beers and high-quality beers brewed in Vietnam will be served in signature beer steins by waiters dressed in traditional Bavarian costumes, known as "Dirndl" for women and "Lederhosen" for men. Oktoberfest also brings the character of Munich through a premium buffet with a wide range of German culinary delicacies including 'bratwurst' sausages, pretzels, 'sauerkraut', among others. 

The Festival is expected to re-energize Hanoi this fall.

This year's Oktoberfest will also feature the vibrant carnival atmosphere of Bavaria, highlighted by exciting performances by the renowned band O'zapft from Germany and Austria. The six-piece band includes two new young musicians and features a mix of traditional and modern instruments - accordion, electric guitar, violin, and drums. The show promises to be a captivating mix of classic Oktoberfest music and popular hits.

Oktoberfest 2024 is co-organized by the German Business Association, the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Vietnam, and the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi. It is under the patronage of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Hanoi and the German Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.

Last year, the festival welcomed over 10,500 visitors and served 20,000 liters of beer, establishing it as the largest beer festival in Southeast Asia.

The origin of Oktoberfest dates back to the 1800s in the Bavarian region of Germany. The future King Ludwig was getting married and invited the entire town to celebrate with a great feast and entertainment.

This became a tradition for several years and the Oktoberfest was born. What was once a celebration is now the largest beer festival in the world, attracting millions of tourists every year.