Munich’s Oktoberfest is the world’s best-known beer festival, attracting millions each year. But with rising costs and packed beer tents, travellers are increasingly seeking alternatives.
Travel experts highlighted four European festivals offering authentic food, drink, and music with fewer crowds and more manageable prices. This includes events happening now and others throughout the year to add to your bucket list.
Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital & engagement at eurochange, said: “Oktoberfest is a bucket-list experience, but it’s become increasingly commercialised and expensive - you can actually pay up to €15 (£13) for a beer. These festivals prove you don’t have to go to Munich to enjoy traditional drinks, local music, and a lively atmosphere - often at half the price, with far fewer crowds.”
Wurstmarkt – Bad Dürkheim, Germany (Mid-September)
The world’s largest wine festival, Wurstmarkt, is one holidaymakers can enjoy now. It has been running for almost 600 years, and features more than 300 regional wines, served in traditional pavilions alongside street food and live music.
Wurstmarkt is a festival holidaymakers can enjoy this week
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Easily reachable by train from Frankfurt, it offers a relaxed and local atmosphere. Return flights from London to Frankfurt start from £30, while a beer costs around £4.38. Evans-Fisk describes Wurstmarkt as “cheaper, less touristy, and much more relaxed than Munich".
La Batalla del Vino – Haro, Spain (29 June)
Haro in Rioja hosts the annual Battle of Wine, a raucous celebration where participants climb a hill at dawn to soak each other with red wine before an afternoon of music and tapas.
It is considerably cheaper than Munich, with beers costing £2.60 and return flights available from £21. According to Evans-Fisk, it is “rowdy, youthful, and full of local energy".
Baumblütenfest – Werder (Havel), Germany (Early May)
Germany’s largest fruit wine festival transforms Werder into a springtime carnival. Homemade fruit wines, often sold for as little as €2 (£1.73) a bottle, are served alongside rides, live music, and food stalls.
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Spain is home to the Battle of Wine - an alternative to Oktoberfest
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Oktoberfest begins this weekend and runs for 16 days
| GETTYJust 45 minutes by train from Berlin, it is a convenient weekend break. With beers at £3.90, the event offers an accessible and authentic alternative. Evans-Fisk said: “Baumblütenfest has an easy-going charm that feels truly local.”
Altausseer Bierzelt – Altaussee, Austria (Late August to early September)
Altaussee’s beer tent festival retains the traditional spirit of Oktoberfest without the commercialisation. Brass bands play into the night, locals wear traditional dress, and the setting against the Austrian mountains adds to the appeal. Beers cost £4.34, and return flights to Salzburg start at £67.
Evans-Fisk said: “Altausseer Bierzelt feels like stepping back in time; it’s basically Oktoberfest as it was 30 years ago.”
Oktoberfest is definitely worth a visit, but those who are in a pinch can consider the alternatives - from wine battles in Spain, fruit wine in springtime Germany, and alpine beer tents in Austria.