Oktoberfest 2024 debuts in Hanoi, drawing thousands for Bavarian beer, German cuisine, and live music. More festivities to follow in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. Hanoi, Vietnam — The global spectacle of Oktoberfest, the world's largest and oldest beer festival, made a vibrant debut in Hanoi on September 26, drawing thousands of visitors eager to experience Bavarian culture. With a focus on cultural exchange, authentic German cuisine, and traditional beer tasting, the event marks a key milestone in strengthening Vietnam-Germany relations.

According to the German Business Association, the organizers of Oktoberfest in Vietnam, the festival is scheduled to take place in three cities this year. After the opening event in Hanoi from September 26 to 29, it will head to Da Nang on October 4, before culminating in Ho Chi Minh City from October 10 to 12.


The main Oktoberfest festival kicked off on September 21 in Munich, Germany, where it will continue for 16 days, attracting millions of global visitors.

Cultural Fusion and Bavarian Beer Highlights
Visitors at Hanoi’s Oktoberfest, greeted with wristbands granting full access to the event’s activities, were treated to a variety of authentic Bavarian beers—a signature offering of the region. Guests had the option of selecting their brews from a wide display or enjoying pours directly from festival staff. A wide assortment of German beers was available, including freshly brewed Bavarian specialties.

Beyond the beer, the event provided a feast of traditional German delicacies such as sausages, pretzels (Brezel), and cold cuts. The authentic culinary spread, combined with the festival atmosphere, allowed attendees to immerse themselves in German culture.

Many festival-goers embraced the spirit of Oktoberfest by donning traditional German costumes, such as Lederhosen and Dirndls, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Musical Acts and Performances
One of the standout attractions of this year’s Oktoberfest in Hanoi was the O’zapft band, featuring musicians from Germany and Austria. Known for their lively Oktoberfest anthems, the band delighted the crowd with classic tunes like "Bierstube Tanz" and a surprise cover of "What Makes You Beautiful," blending traditional and contemporary hits to create a jubilant atmosphere.

Oktoberfest’s Rich History and Its Vietnamese Roots
Oktoberfest traces its origins back to 1810 in Munich, where it was first held to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxony. Over two centuries later, the festival has become a global phenomenon, with editions celebrated worldwide, including Vietnam.

Oktoberfest was first introduced to Vietnam in 1992, and it has since grown in popularity, offering locals and expats a chance to enjoy world-class beer, German food, and lively entertainment. Last year’s festival in Vietnam saw over 10,000 attendees and 20,000 liters of beer consumed.

Looking Ahead: More Oktoberfest Festivities
With the Hanoi leg of the festival drawing to a close on September 29, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City are set to welcome even more revelers eager to join the festivities. In Munich, Oktoberfest 2024 is expected to attract a staggering six million visitors before its conclusion.

This annual event in Vietnam continues to promote cultural exchange, providing a platform for both locals and foreigners to experience the warmth and tradition of German hospitality.