Prost! Raise a stein and celebrate Oktoberfest here in Redcliffe

Published 5:00pm 7 September 2022

Words by Ashleigh Howarth

Beer lovers who can’t afford an airfare to Germany will be able to raise a stein or two right here on home soil with the world’s largest beer festival coming to the Redcliffe Showgrounds.

Held over three big days from September 30 to October 2, Redcliffe Oktoberfest will celebrate all things German - from authentic beers and wines through to traditional dishes such as ginormous pork knuckles, schnitzels and pretzels.

Hosted by Redcliffe company Beam Entertainment, the event will also feature plenty of live entertainment and traditional German games – making you feel like you really are in Munich!

Event manager Craig Miley says he is excited to bring Oktoberfest to Redcliffe again.

“My business partner Andy, who is originally from Germany, came up with the idea of hosting Oktoberfest in Redcliffe three years ago, but then COVID hit,” Craig says.

“We managed to get a one-day Oktoberfest celebration in last year despite all of the COVID issues around events at that time.

“We had Mayor Peter Flannery come and open the event for us which is a tradition in Germany because the mayor always opens the first keg, meaning the town can then get on the beers.

“This year, we are going all out with a huge beer tent being added outside to complement the Webb Hall, and a greater selection of food, wine and entertainment for our patrons.

“We have spent a lot of money on the theming of the event, which includes 2.5km of bunting in the large marquee and beer hall, as well as merchandise.”

Craig says attendees at last year’s event really got into the spirit of dressing up and hopes this year will be no different.

“You betcha we will all be dressing up for this,” Craig says.

“I would say more than half of people got dressed up in the traditional dirndl and lederhosen last year.

“This year we will also have something really cool – The Mr and Ms Oktoberfest competitions – and to participate you have to look the part, have a great personality and be able to dance across the stage.

“It’s a purely democratic process as we will leave it up to the audience to determine the winners.”

There will also be traditional games such as stein stemming, and the bands will play a mixture of traditional German songs and Aussie favourites for everyone to dance along to.

Craig says the event wouldn't happen without the major sponsorship of Andy’s company, New Eye Company.