Traditionally, Oktoberfest is a 16-day Bavarian festival that runs from late September until the first week of October. Because us South Africans like to consume large quantities beer as often as possible, we tend to let the festivities go on a bit longer.

Celebrate Oktoberfest the South African way with delicious food, feisty frauleins and pints of frothy beer. Here’s our list of Oktoberfest and beer festival events taking place in October and November:

Johannesburg

Oktoberfest at Brauhaus am Damm (Magaliesberg)
Enjoy Oktoberfest with the family at this exclusive microbrewery and restaurant set deep in the Magaliesberg mountains. The event takes place on 25 October from 11am to 12am and tickets cost R100 for adults and R30 for children under 13 (kids under five get in for free). Expect Brauhaus beer on tap and traditional German meals including eisbein and schnitzel. Visit www.brauhaus.co.za for more information or call 014 533 3338.

Oktoberfest at The German Country Club (Rietfontein)
Sip authentic German beer in a family-friendly environment and tap your feet to live oompah, country and rock music. The event takes place on 1 November from 11am until late and tickets cost R80 presale or R90 at the door. Visit www.germancountryclub.co.za for more information or call (011) 803 6128 to book.

Oktober Bierfest 2014 at Montecasino (Sandton)
Indulge in beer and Bavarian food at South Africa’s largest beer festival. The event is held in a 4000-seater Brauhaus with Bavarian-style beer, food, a live oompah band and loads of competitions and festivities. The first festival runs on 17, 18 and 19October and the second leg takes place on 24, 25 and 26 October. Buy your tickets online.

Durban

Burnedale’s Craft Beer Festival at Burnedale Farmer’s Market (Umhlali)
Enjoy some of KZN’s finest craft beers, live music, a kiddies’ corner and a variety of food stalls at Burnedale’s first annual beer festival on Saturday 11 October. The event is open from 11am to 8pm and tickets are R120 per person and available on www.webtickets.co.za. Contact shay@jcpromotions.co.za or burnedale@gmail.com for more information.

Port Elizabeth

Oktoberfest at the German Club (Lorraine)
Experience a traditional Oktoberfest weekend with plenty of beer, music and German and Austrian cuisine. Festival dates include: Friday 24 October from 19pm to 1am; Saturday 25 October from 6pm to 12am; and a family day on 26 October from 11am (booking essential). Tickets are R100 from Computicket or at the door. Call (041) 367 2791 to book for family day.

Cape Town

Oktober Bierfest at Newlands Brewery (Newlands)
South Africa’s largest beer festival returns to Cape Town with frauleins, frothing beer and tasty Bavarian food. The event takes place on Friday 14 November from 6pm to 11pm, Saturday 15 November (11am to 4pm, and 6pm to 11pm), and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. Book your table now to avoid disappointment.

Oktoberfest at Celtic Cove (Green Point)
This trendy Green Point restaurant will celebrate Oktoberfest throughout October with pints of Paulaner Weissbier and traditional food including bratwurst and smoked eisbein. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Call (021) 418 8000 for more information.

Winelands

Craft Beer Fest at Stellenbosch Slow Market (Oude Libertas Estate)
Join the festivities at the popular Stellenbosch Slow Market on Saturday 18 October where some of Cape Town’s best local craft beer manufacturers will showcase their wares. The event runs from 9am to 2pm and entrance is free. For more information visit www.slowmarket.co.za or email admin@slowmarket.co.za.

The Blaauwklippen Family Market Oktoberfest (Blaauwklippen Vineyards)
Celebrate Oktoberfest in the winelands on Sunday 12 October with local craft beer, food, wine and a live oompah band. The distillery will also be selling some of their spirits and schnapps. The market is open from 10am to 3pm and entrance is free. Visit the Blaauwklippen Family Market Facebook page for more information.

Garden Route

Knysna Oktoberfest at the new Mitchell’s Brewery (Knysna)
Take part in Knysna’s first Oktoberfest by sampling the very first kegs of beer brewed at the brand new Mitchell’s brewery. Expect live bands, craft brews and German food alongside the Knysna lagoon. Celebrations kick off at 3pm on Friday 10 October and continue on Saturday from 11am until late. Entry is R50 per day or R80 for the whole weekend and are available at the door.