Autumn in Vancouver means sweater weather, fallen leaves… and Oktoberfest everywhere. If you like beer, music, good food, or just hanging out in a fun crowd, there are some solid Oktoberfest-type events this season that are worth checking out. One of the biggest is Harvest Haus, and there are others downtown too. Here’s the lowdown so you can pick what sounds best.
Harvest Haus is kind of the main Oktoberfest party in Vancouver. It happens over a weekend (this year it’s early October) at a big venue, and it’s 19+, so this one is more for students who are old enough, or adults. The thing I like about Harvest Haus is how it mixes the German traditional stuff (like bratwurst, pretzels, steins, oompah bands, people in lederhosen) with more modern vibes (craft beers, DJs, dance music, food vendors with funky seasonal stuff). The crowd seems into it: part boisterous, part just there for the atmosphere and hanging out. The ticket prices start lower if you buy early and go up closer to the event. There are general-entry tickets, but you can also reserve a VIP table so you have a guaranteed spot and maybe a slightly more comfy experience. Also, you get a souvenir stein if you go.
If Harvest Haus feels like too much, there are some smaller Oktoberfest events around town. One is the Bentall Biergarten Oktoberfest downtown, which is more compact and a bit more casual. People there still get into German-style food, beer, pretzels, and music. You don’t need to commit an entire evening or travel far. Because it’s in the city centre, it’s easier to just pop in, grab something to eat, enjoy some music, and head home without making it a big production.
What makes these Oktoberfest events fun isn’t just the drinking: it’s the atmosphere. Hearing live music (sometimes “oompah” bands), seeing people in costumes or traditional Bavarian clothing, watching the steins clank together, dancing or singing along to well-known tunes, trying new beers or ciders you haven’t tasted before, sharing giant pretzels or sausages with friends. For students, that stuff makes it feel more like a party than a performance or a show.
A few heads-ups though, especially if you’re going with friends or family. Because it’s popular, tickets sell out, or at least the cheaper ones do. If you wait too long, you might pay more, or lose out. Also, since these events tend to be evening affairs (or at least partly at night), plan for transit or safe rides home. Dress warmly—a lot of Oktoberfest venues are in large halls or outdoor tents, which aren’t always super cozy, and fall nights in Vancouver get chilly.
If you’re under 19, these big beer-oriented events won’t work, but sometimes there are family-friendly Oktoberfest-style dinners or smaller celebrations in German clubs or restaurants that are more open to all ages. Keep an eye out for those if you want the flavour of Oktoberfest without the strict age restrictions.
All in all, Vancouver’s Oktoberfest scene this year looks like it’s delivering: good food, good drinks (for those old enough), live music, and a strong dose of community. Whether you go big at Harvest Haus with a group of friends or hit a more relaxed downtown beer garden event, it’s a solid way to celebrate autumn, try something different, and maybe get a story or two out of the night.
Dan Baltag
dbaltag@my.bcit.ca