Munich’s Oktoberfest gets the lion’s share of attention when it comes to beer festivals. That’s not to say the attention isn’t merited; Oktoberfest is a longstanding tradition in Bavaria, attended by millions of revelers each year.
But it’s not the only beer festival on the planet. If you’re a hop head, the world is your oyster. There are thousands of beer fests worldwide, each with its own distinct history, beer lineup, and local charm.
6 Beer Festivals That Are Not in Germany
If you’re the kind of person whose idea of an ideal vacation involves raising a mug of straw-colored suds among friends and strangers, this article is for you. Below, let’s explore six beer worldwide beer festivals that should be on your bucket list (or pint glass list), as well as how to pack for your grand beer adventure.
But first, a quick guide on packing for that beer fest like a pro.
Packing for a Beer Festival
In part, packing for a beer festival is like packing for any other destination: research the weather ahead of time, then choose clothing and skincare products accordingly.
Beer festivals require a little bit of extra attention. To start, they usually occur in the fall, a famously fickle season prone to hot and cold days.
Secondly, beer festivals straddle a line between casual and socially demanding (you want to feel your best, but you also want to look your best when meeting new people).
Finally, these outdoor festivals are no stranger to rain.
You need clothing appropriate for a range of temperatures, clothing that looks sophisticated but feels comfortable, and, ideally, clothing that dries quickly.
Your best bet is to pack high-performance travel apparel made of merino wool, which is soft, sleek, quick-drying, and stands up to temperature extremes. You might also consider packing sunscreen, a collapsible water bottle for hydration, and a few electrolyte tablets (in case of potential hangovers).
Now, without further ado, let’s look at six of the finest international beer festivals.
Qingdao, China Beer Festival
Qingdao is a gem in its own right: a seaside city in the Shandong province famous for its blend of German architecture and traditional Chinese architecture. At one time, Germans held the city, and their legacy can be felt every year at the Qingdao Beer Festival.
Here, you’ll find the city’s namesake brew (Romanized as “Tsingtao”), as well as several other Chinese and International beers. To soak up the suds, try local dishes like wok-fried clams in chilies and pork and cabbage buns.
Victoria, Canada
Tucked away in Canada’s southwestern-most corner is Vancouver Island, a gorgeous mix of lush forest and stunning coastline. The island’s biggest city, Victoria, hosts an annual beer festival featuring a mix of local beers (the island is home to many breweries) and national favorites from places like Quebec and Ontario.
When you finish sampling the brews on offer, take a stroll around the charming downtown area, including the city’s Inner Harbour area, where you’ll find the ornate parliament buildings and ivy-covered, colonial Empress Hotel.
Brussels, Belgium
Belgium knows its beer. Several ales from Belgium routinely rank as the best in the world, according to experts and connoisseurs. The best way to enjoy these world-renowned beverages is to visit the capital city of Brussels during the first week of September.
A word of war