by Ariane Gagnon
The world-famed Oktoberfest, better known to French speakers as the Fête des Bières (Beer Festival), takes place every year from September 16 to October 1st in Munich, Germany. First held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Louis I of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen, this highly popular event continues to attract millions of people every year, even 200 years later. [image credit: iStockphoto]
Munich’s Oktoberfest takes place on an immense 42-hectare site where, as you can guess, there's plenty of beer, sausage, sauerkraut and other German specialties on offer. It's a family event with a range of activities for children, and it's also the largest fair in the world.
But don't panic if you can't get there in person – we've found a few local alternatives to this German holiday! Here's a handy guide to where you celebrate Oktoberfest in Montreal.
If you want to experience a festive atmosphere worthy of Munich’s Oktoberfest, you can do so right here:
From September 30th to October 2nd, the Atwater Market's Québec version of Oktoberfest will take place under a huge marquee that will house more than 40 local microbreweries for the occasion. You can also take a stroll through the market and enjoy tasty snacks offered by the vendors. We're willing to bet that this outing will become a firm fixture of your year!
If you're looking for something more traditional, head to the Sarto-Desnoyers Community Centre on September 23rd from 7pm onwards. In addition to traditional Bavarian beer and food, you can also enjoy typical German music and dancing, just as though you were celebrating in Munich. And as a bonus, all funds raised during the evening will be donated to The Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation and the Alexander von Humboldt German International School. Having fun while supporting a good cause? Count us in!
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OTHER GREAT SUGGESTIONS:
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If you want to sample typical German dishes without the hustle and bustle of Oktoberfest, these restaurants and brasseries are for you:
Located in downtown Montreal, this establishment with a festive feel serves more than 150 varieties of beer. You can also enjoy sausages and cold meat or cheese boards. The perfect place to share!
This German-inspired bar offers the largest selection of German beers in Montreal, right in the heart of Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie. Das Bier also offers a German-inspired menu with all manner of sausages, fries, sauerkraut and cold meat – it's all there! It's a very friendly place with a relaxed atmosphere, and the employees always give excellent advice!
This gourmet bistro on Ontario Street serves beverages from the Hopfenstark microbrewery. Whether you're a fan of beer or whisky, you'll be well served! And your stomach won't be left out, as the Station Ho.st also offers a wide-ranging gourmet menu, featuring flammekueche (a kind of thin crust pizza), pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, hamburgers and beef tartare – something for everyone!
Germany is much more than good food and excellent beer! If you want to broaden your knowledge of German culture and make the fun last longer, the German Society of Montreal invites you to their monthly German-Montreal Stammtisch.
It's an opportunity to meet people and takes place at 3 Brasseurs on St.-Catherine Street, where you can practice your German and learn more about the German culture. It’s a good opportunity because – who knows? –- maybe next year you'll be celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich!
