How to Host Your Own Oktoberfest Party

As autumn rolls in and the evenings take on that familiar golden glow, there’s one event that dominates the beer world – Oktoberfest. You might expect us, at The Belgian Beer Company, to stay firmly in our lane of Trappist ales, abbey brews and world-class blondes, but when it comes to celebrating great beer culture, we’re the first to raise a stein (or chalice). Oktoberfest may be rooted in German tradition, but its spirit of camaraderie, craftsmanship and sheer joy is something we share wholeheartedly.

A Toast to Tradition

The original Munich Oktoberfest dates back to 1810, born from a royal wedding and evolving into the world’s largest beer festival. Today, millions of beer lovers gather under sprawling tents to enjoy classic German beer, bratwurst, pretzels and music that gets even the stiffest Brit swaying on the benches. While the festival now spans late September to early October, the name and the nostalgia remain unchanged.

Although we specialise in Belgian beer, we can’t help but admire Oktoberfest for its dedication to brewing heritage. The Reinheitsgebot purity law, the malty Märzens, the vibrant atmosphere – it all reminds us why beer is more than a drink; it’s a story, a celebration and a craft.

Beer Tasting Notes

There are six official Oktoberfest beers, which are all available from The Belgian Beer Company’s website:

Augustiner Oktoberfestbier

ABV: ~6.0% • Style: Märzen / Festbier

Appearance: Bright golden with excellent clarity and a dense, creamy white head.
Aroma: Light malt sweetness—fresh bread and biscuit—with subtle floral and herbal noble hop notes.
Flavour: Exceptionally balanced. Soft honeyed malt, gentle graininess, and a very mild hop bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Smooth, medium-bodied with elegant carbonation.
Finish: Clean, crisp, and slightly dry—highly drinkable.
Character: Known as the most traditional and arguably the most sessionable of the six.

Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest Märzen

ABV: ~5.8% • Style: Märzen

Appearance: Amber-gold with a persistent off-white head.
Aroma: Rich malt-forward profile—caramel, toasted bread, and light nuttiness.
Flavour: Fuller and slightly sweeter than modern Festbiers. Notes of toffee, baked bread, and mild spice.
Mouthfeel: Medium to full body with smooth carbonation.
Finish: Malt-rich with a soft, rounded end and minimal hop bite.
Character: One of the more traditional Märzen-style versions still widely available.

Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier

ABV: ~6.3% • Style: Festbier

Appearance: Deep golden, crystal clear with a rocky white head.
Aroma: Light malt sweetness with grassy and floral noble hop accents.
Flavour: Grainy pilsner malt character upfront with a noticeable—but balanced—hop bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Medium body, lively carbonation, slightly effervescent.
Finish: Drier and more hop-forward than most others.
Character: Often described as the most bitter of the Oktoberfest six, yet still malt-centric.

Löwenbräu Oktoberfestbier

ABV: ~6.1% • Style: Festbier

Appearance: Pale golden with steady carbonation and a foamy head.
Aroma: Mild malt sweetness—light honey and crackers—with restrained hops.
Flavour: Crisp malt base with soft sweetness, subtle herbal hop notes, and light toast.
Mouthfeel: Medium body with clean carbonation.
Finish: Clean, slightly dry, softly bitter.
Character: Straightforward, clean, and dependable—often seen as the most neutral of the six.

Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier

ABV: ~6.0% • Style: Festbier

Appearance: Sunny golden-yellow with a fluffy white head.
Aroma: Freshly baked bread, light honeyed malt, and faint floral hops.
Flavour: Malt-driven with a touch of sweetness, gentle hop bitterness, and a faint toastiness.
Mouthfeel: Medium-light body, soft and smooth carbonation.
Finish: Clean and moderately dry.
Character: Very approachable and classic—among the most widely exported Oktoberfestbiers.

Spaten Oktoberfestbier

ABV: ~5.9% • Style: Märzen / Festbier

Appearance: Light amber to deep golden with a persistent head.
Aroma: Toasted malt, light caramel, and soft floral hops.
Flavour: Toasty malt backbone with hints of biscuit and restrained sweetness. Low bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Medium body with rounded, moderate carbonation.
Finish: Smooth and slightly sweet with minimal hop presence.
Character: The classic Märzen template—Spaten brewed the world’s first Oktoberfestbier in 1872.

Bavarian Festivities

In recent years, many Oktoberfest celebrations in the UK have opened their taps to international beers, and we’re delighted to see this trend growing.

Hosting Your Own Oktoberfest at Home

Not everyone can hop over to Munich, so it’s no surprise that Oktoberfest-style parties are hugely popular here in the UK. If you’re planning your own, we’re here to help you put on a party that no-one will forget. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Stock a range of premium beers – combine classic German beer styles like Helles, Märzen and Weissbier with authentic Oktoberfest beers, such as Lowenbrau Oktoberfest, Paulaner Oktoberfest and Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest. Variety is key to any proper celebration.
Pair with hearty food – German staples like pretzels, sauerkraut and sausages nestle perfectly alongside German beers.
Dress the part – lederhosen and dirndls are optional, but iconic.
Create a festive atmosphere – a mix of Oompah classics and upbeat folk tunes will have everyone swaying in no time.
Buy The Belgian Beer Company’s Oktoberfest Party Pack – not only does it include 18 Oktoberfest beers, but it also comes with bunting, balloons, a bottle opener, posters and beer mats, absolutely free of charge.

Supporting the Craft Beer Community

One of the reasons Oktoberfest has remained so beloved is its commitment to community and independent brewing. That’s something we’re passionate about at The Belgian Beer Company.

Whether you’re a fan of craft beer, traditional ales or something a little wild and yeasty, Oktoberfest season is the perfect excuse to explore new bottles and rediscover old favourites. Our online shop is brimming with hand-picked German beers that bring character, complexity and conversation to any gathering.

Prost, Santé and Cheers!

At the end of the day, Oktoberfest isn’t just about steins the size of your head or the ability to stand on a bench while singing “Ein Prosit”. It’s about togetherness, good beer and celebrating the traditions that shaped our favourite drink.

So whether you’re clinking glasses filled with a Märzen or raising a bottle of Weissbier, we invite you to join us in toasting this iconic season. Don’t forget, all the German beers we stock are available to purchase by the bottle so you can pick and choose to your heart’s content. Prost, santé and cheers from The Belgian Beer Company – where great beer is always worth celebrating.