Kent, UK — The county of Kent is planning its biggest German celebration ever this autumn. Huge Oktoberfest events are set to happen in several locations, offering traditional German beer, tasty food, and high-energy music. The two main parties are a two-day event in Canterbury in early October and a huge one-day show at Thanet’s Quex Park later in the month.
The festivals are a chance for people in Kent to enjoy the famous Munich tradition. People will have two main weekends to wear their Lederhosen and hold up a large, one-litre stein in the beer hall. Organisers say tickets are selling fast for the biggest locations. If you want to go, you should book soon.
Dates and Places for 2025
Oktoberfest in Kent is not just one weekend. It offers fun throughout October. The parties start in the historic city of Canterbury and finish with the large event in Thanet.
Canterbury: Westgate Hall Starts the Fun
The 2025 Kent celebrations officially start in Canterbury at the Westgate Hall. This building in the city centre will become a German Bierhalle (Beer Hall) for two days at the start of the month.
- Dates: Friday 3rd October and Saturday 4th October 2025.
- Location: Westgate Hall, Canterbury City Centre.
The Canterbury event will have a full schedule of live shows. This includes real Oompah bands playing traditional songs that everyone can sing along to. Tickets for this popular event are nearly sold out, so people need to buy them quickly.
Thanet: Quex Park’s Big Party
A new and important addition for 2025 is the Oktoberfest party at Quex Park in Thanet. This one-day festival is expected to be one of the largest in the area. It will be held inside a huge tent.
- Date: Saturday 18th October 2025.
- Location: Quex Park, Birchington.
- Times: There is an afternoon slot (12:00 to 17:00) and an evening slot (18:00 to 23:00).
The Thanet party will have new features this year, like a dedicated Bavarian Beer Bar and a mini shopping village. This festival will bring the real feel of Munich’s famous Wiesn (meadow) to the Kent coast.
Other Local Events
Smaller events are also happening. Iron Pier Beer is hosting an Oktoberfest on Friday 3rd October 2025, from 7 pm to 11 pm. The local party is free to enter, but you should book a table ahead of time.
Ticket Details and Where to Sit
It is important for people to understand the ticket types. Prices change based on where you sit and which time you choose to attend.
Ticket Prices Explained
The Oktoberfest Thanet event shows the different ticket options clearly. You can choose to stand or have a seat.
| Ticket Type | Rough Price (Without Fees) | What You Get |
| Standing Ticket | £20.00 | Entry to the main hall, standing room only. Good for dancing. |
| General Seated Ticket | £30.00 | A guaranteed bench seat to rest and socialise. |
| VIP Table | £365.00 – £399.00 (per table) | A reserved table in a good spot, often letting you skip the queue. |
Tickets can be bought online. Seats sell out much faster than standing spots. All major Oktoberfest events in Kent are for adults aged 18 and over only.
The Essential Bavarian Feast: What to Drink and Eat
The main part of Oktoberfest is the traditional German drinks and rich food. Kent’s festivals try hard to make sure the food tastes authentic.
The Beer: Steins
Everyone drinks from a stein. This is a heavy glass mug that holds one full litre of beer. This is nearly twice the size of a standard UK pint.
The beer is usually German lager, made using a very old rule called the Reinheitsgebot (Purity Law) of 1516. The beers are authentic styles, ranging from the light, crisp Helles Lager to the stronger, dark Märzen (the official Oktoberfestbier).
On the Menu: Hearty German Comforts
To balance out the large drinks, you need plenty of food.
- Bratwurst: A German sausage, grilled and served in a soft roll with sauerkraut or mustard.
- Currywurst: Sliced fried sausage covered in a curry-ketchup sauce, often served with chips.
- Pretzels (Brezel): Huge, soft, knot-shaped pretzels. They are warm, salted, and perfect with a cold lager.
- Schnitzel: A thin cut of meat (usually pork or veal) that is breaded and fried.
These filling foods keep everyone energised for the party.
The Festival Feel and Rules
The atmosphere is what people remember most about Oktoberfest. It is a friendly party that needs energy and noise from everyone who attends.
Music and Entertainment
The music comes from Oompah bands—traditional German brass bands. They play marches, sing-alongs, and even modern pop songs using their loud brass instruments. The goal is to keep the energy high. Guests are allowed to stand on the benches (but never on the tables) and sway together, shouting “Prost!” (Cheers!) after every song.
Dressing the Part
While you don’t have to, organisers suggest dressing in traditional German clothes. It helps make the party more fun.
- Lederhosen: Leather trousers for men, worn with a checked shirt.
- Dirndl: A traditional dress (bodice, blouse, skirt, and apron) for women.
Wearing these outfits shows respect for the tradition and makes the atmosphere more welcoming—the feeling the Germans call Gemütlichkeit (cosiness/friendliness). The Kent events are a great excuse to dress up and enjoy the famous festival right here in the UK.
