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26
Sept
Where to go for Oktoberfest in and around the Harrogate district
It’s less than a week until October, and that can mean only one thing – Oktoberfest.
Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just a fan of lederhosen, here are some places to celebrate all things German over the next month.
An Almost Authentic Oktoberfest — Rooster’s Brewery & Taproom, Harrogate
Fancy Oktoberfest with a Yorkshire twist? This is the place to go.
Head down on September 26 from 2pm to enjoy a selection of Rooster’s beers (of course) as well as some specially selected German lagers.
To add to the party feel there will be festival-themed food, an oompah band, traditional festival games, and even prizes for the best-dressed revellers.
Tickets even include your own festival tankard and Oktoberfest hat - what more could you want?
Oktoberfest-themed Street Food Fest at Mallard Grange Farm, Ripon
A little more family-friendly, this farm near Fountains Abbey is turning its regular ‘street food fest’ into an Oktoberfest special.
There will be German sausages on offer from Bistro Guy, and a selection of hot and cold drinks (both alcoholic and not) for you to enjoy in a beautiful field.
For those of you with packed schedules, this is one where you can just show up on the day – from 4pm on October 2.
Oktoberfest ’26 — Harrogate Brewing Co., Harrogate
Set in its Brewery Taproom, the local favourites are offering an evening filled with beer, Bavarian-inspired food and live music.
Visit on October 3 from 4pm and expect a brass band, plus street food courtesy of Loaf and Loaded.
Even better – your first drink is included in the price of a ticket.
The Pickled Sprout.
Oktoberfest Beer Club — Erdinger x The Fat Badger, Harrogate
For a more classy experience, featuring a three-course set menu with beer pairings, head to The Pickled Sprout on October 6 at 7pm.
Beers are provided by Bavarian brewer Erdinger, and the menu is of course German themed.
Oktoberfest at Foundry Project, Harrogate
This is one for those who go hard or go home.
The full blown celebration includes everything you would expect: steins, bratwursts and a live oopah band.
Get your lederhosen and dirndls on and head there on October 10, from midday – especially if you want a chance of winning the best dressed competition.
Further afield…
While that’s the main offerings from the Harrogate district, there are other options if you’re willing to travel further afield.
Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, in Skipton, is offering a particularly unusual Oktoberfest experience aboard a heritage railway, including a six-piece oompah band, vocalists, roaming musicians, Bavarian bingo, stein-stomping and a DJ.
If you want to go, make sure you’re there for 5.45pm on October 3 – or else the train will leave without you.
For something more traditional, try Knight Stainforth Hall in Settle. It’s offering a classic beer-hall evening with long tables, German ABK Pilsner, bratwurst and live oompah music.
There is of course also the famous York Oktoberfest, at York Racecourse, complete with big top, a range of entertainment and more food options than you can possibly eat – including currywurst, schnitzel, pretzels and apple strudel.
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