Munich’s famous Bierfest dries up by the third of the month, but thankfully the rest of the world is throwing a beery bash on almost every other day in October.
There’re plenty of homegrown celebrations of the brew to wet your whistle on, but beer monsters might consider crossing a continent to pay homage to and sink a few of the world’s best bevies.
Stuttgart Beer Festival, Germany
What: Gargantuan portions of food, a classic German band and 300 fairground rides and attractions (including the world’s largest mobile Ferris wheel) beckons 20,000 visitors from around the world to this, the rather massive, family-friendly 160th event of its kind.
When: 24 September – 9 October 2005
Where: Cannstatt Wasen
More info: www.stuttgart-tourist.de
Stockholm Beer & Whisky Festival, Sweden
What: Scandinavia’s largest beer festival, presenting around 500 beers from around the world, as well as 300 whiskies, ciders and, for the first time this year, a range of calvados.
When: 6 October 2005
Where: Nacka
More info: www.stockholmbeer.se
International Beer Summit, Japan
What: Along with beer, there’s dancing and art from around the world – Spanish flamenco, Egyptian belly dancing and Japanese drumming. Last year’s event attracted 40,000 visitors.
When: 7-10 October 2005
Where: Osaka-shi
More info: www.ibws-npo.org
World Beer Festival, USA
What: The tenth annual day festival charges $25 for a jolly combo of entrance and an unlimited supply of samples from the 300-strong range of worldwide beers.
When: 8 October 2005
Where: Durham, North Carolina
More info: www.allaboutbeer.com
San Diego Oktoberfest, USA
What: Family beer festival with over sixty live bands, a beauty pageant, karaoke, carnival rides and kids’ entertainment.
When: 28-30 October 2005
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, San Diego, California
More info: www.sdoktoberfest.com
Settle down with a beer and great grub in one of the UK’s best gastropubs.
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites. Images of fairground rides at Stuttgart Beer Festival © Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH.
If you can't justify a round the world jaunt in the name of beery love, head to one of the UK's homegrown celebrations of the cask...
London Bierfest, UK
What: Why go to Munich when Munich can come to you? Book a table for you and all your corporate chums to enjoy waitresses in plaits, German sausage and traditional Oompah bands. But at £850 per table for ten delegates, you’ll have to start sweet-talking your boss sharpish…
When: 5-6, 19-21 October 2005
Where: Old Billingsgate Market
More info: www.londonbierfest.com
Norwich Beer Festival, UK
What: Planning a party? Then don’t miss this sale of over 200 real ales from Europe’s independent brewers. Live music accompanies the browsing.
When: 24-29 October 2005
Where: St Andrew’s and Blackfriars’ Hall, Norwich
More info: www.norwichcamra.freeserve.co.uk
