Oktoberfest London 2018: Everything you need to know about this year’s parties

It’s that time of year again, where Londonders pull on their lederhosen, grab a stein and raise a glass to that fine German tradition — Oktoberfest.

More events than ever before are planned across the city this year, bringing a slice of Bavaria to Brixton and beyond.

The premise is simple really — organisers pitch up a tent with loads of beer and great German food, inviting revellers to carry on a proud drinking tradition in the capital.

So, if you’re planning celebrate the event in style this year, these are the best Oktoberfest parties in London.

Erdinger Oktoberfest

Thousands of punters will pack into the Erdinger Beer Tent every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October for Erdinger Oktoberfest — one of the biggest celebrations in the capital. The food and drink is just about as authentic as Oktoberfest gets in London here, with dishes like Pork Knuckle and Sauerkraut paired with pints upon pints of Erdinger Beer. German waiters and waitresses in traditional dress will be on hand to take orders throughout the night too. Standing tickets for the beer tent cost £15, with reserved table seats costing upwards of £20.

September 26 - October 20, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 2ST, erdinger-oktoberfest.co.uk

Oktoberfest at London’s Flat Iron Square

A brand new Oktoberfest celebration is coming to London's Flat Iron Square in October. Guests will be invited inside a beer hall, with live entertainment planned throughout evening sessions, lasting from 6.30pm to 11.30pm). Advanced tickets for all events are priced at £10 and can be bought here. The price of the ticket also includes a beer upon arrival.

October 3-6, 64 Southwark St, SE1 1RU​, flatironsquare.co.uk

Oktoberfest at Bavarian Beerhouse

The UK's longest running Oktoberfest has taken place at the Bavarian Beerhouse every year since 2004 and it remains one of the most affordable. Entry is free on Wednesdays, while only a £5 deposit is required on Thursdays. Tickets on Friday and Saturday start at £14.50 and entitle guests to reserved seating and a stein upon arrival.

September 26 - October 20, Bavarian Beerhouse, The Arches, 9 Crutched Friars, EC3N 2AU, bavarian-beerhouse.co.uk

Brixton Oktoberfest

The Brixton Rooftop is the destination for one of the best events south of the river, taking place on the first three Saturdays in October and costing £5 a ticket. It’s not just beer on offer here — steins of prosecco and cocktails will be served throughout the night, while guests can also indulge in a game of Bavarian beer stein pong. Revellers can pick between listening to traditional oompah bands or spending time in the Berlin techno room. Herman Ze German are providing all the wurst you can manage on the night, while Mac to the Future are making sure the event is as cheesy as possible too.

October 6, 13 & 20, Brixton Oktoberfest, 261 Brixton Rd, SW9 6LH, brixtonjamm.org

Pink Oktoberfest

LGBT event Pink Oktoberfest promises to be one of the most inclusive happening anywhere in London this October. Live bands, as well as drag kings and queens will provide entertainment on the night, while guests also have the chance to carry the party outside with fairground rides and stalls. The most fabulous Oktoberfest in the capital takes place at Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth’s Olympic Park between 4-11pm on Saturday, October 7, with tickets costing upwards of £15.

October 7, Stratford Waterfront E20 2ZP, erdinger-oktoberfest​

London Oktoberfest 2018 in Canary Wharf

A huge tent, with huge beers and huge pretzels - what's not to love? An authentic Oktoberfest experience is waiting to be had at Millwall Park in Canary Wharf this year, with up to 2,500 people taking part in the festivities every night. General admission is free, although a ticket entitling you to a seat in the Bavarian beer hall will cost upwards of £11. Do bear in mind that while traditional German costume is encouraged, football shirts won't be permitted inside the venue.

October 4-11, Millwall Park, Canary Wharf, E14 3AY​, london-oktoberfest.co.uk

Camden’s Official Oktoberfest

The Camden Oktoberfest is returning to the Electric Ballroom for its biggest ever event in 2018. 3,000 tickets are going on sale for the festivities, which take place on Saturday, October 13 and Saturday, October 20 from 2-9pm. Expect the venue to be transformed into a fine Bavarian beer hall, with the waiters and waitresses pulling on traditional Dirndl and Lederhosen to serve punters. Tickets start at £8.

October 13-20, 184 Camden High St, NW1, camdenoktoberfest.com

Finsbury Park Oktoberfest

The organisers behind the Canary Wharf Oktoberfest are also putting on a spectacular event at north London's Finsbury Park, welcoming over 3,000 guests to partake in a special Halloween version of the beer festival. Expect some of the best costumes anywhere in the city at this event, which will cost guests upwards of £11 for a spot in the Bavarian beer hall.

October 18-31, Finsbury Park, N4 2DA, london-oktoberfest.co.uk