There is a large selection of beer festivals in Europe, but which ones are worth visiting? Visit some exciting cities and try a variety of different beers in all kinds of flavours.
Oktoberfest
First and foremost, the most well-known. Oktoberfest.
The Oktoberfest actually begins in September and is the most famous beer festival. It’s a huge event each year with various tents, food stalls and an amusement park with lots of rides. Since the Oktoberfest draws so many people, it can be hard to get a table in a beer tent, especially in the evening. The tables that can be reserved are usually booked as early as January to April. If you enjoy beer, then Oktoberfest is the festival you have to go to!
Berlin International Beer Festival
Oktoberfest isn’t the only big beer festival in Germany and the Berlin International Beer Fest is another huge one. This festival draws an enormous number of breweries from nearly 90 countries and thousands of different kinds of beers. This popular festival can be visited in August.
Pilsner Fest, Plzeň, Czech Republic
If you want to go somewhere else other than Germany, the Pilsner fest has a huge festival in October. This festival is located in Plzeň where the popular beer Pilsner originates from. There are 70 different beer varieties to taste and the festival lasts 17 days! Next to beer tastings you can also participate in sports or take part in some other forms of entertainment.
Scottish Real Ale Festival Edinburgh
Scottish Real Ale Festival Edinburgh usually has over 150 cask ales available. This is one festival that you can enjoy in summer as it takes place in late June, when the weather in Scotland is usually sunny enough to enjoy the huge selection of fine ales in the sunshine. Edinburgh is a lovely city which is worth a visit, even after you have visited the festival.
Mondial de la bière, Strasbourg, France
Mondial de la bière in Strasbourg is a nice beer and cheese festival which usually takes place around October. Try some amazing French cheeses and a selection of beers from well-known and independent breweries. Strasbourg is a charming city with lovely bridges which is close to the German border and the festival allows you to purchase some arts and crafts to take home as a souvenir. Mondial de la bière festivals take place in different locations around the world. Last year a festival was organised in Paris and Montreal, Canada has a similar event.
Not matter which beer festival you go to, you are bound to find some great tasting beers and fun events.