Oktoberfest To be Celebrated in Whitianga

There will be a best dressed competition so you may just want to don Lederhosen (German short leather pants) or Dirndl (ruffled apron dress) and head down to the Inn for the celebrations. 

While Oktoberfest in Germany has been cancelled due to Covid we're determined to keep the spirit of this beer festival alive and well in Whitianga. We'll be holding our own special local version by celebrating with music, a special German menu and games.  We'll be creating a great atmosphere for our guests and it's sure to be a lot of fun.

Grace O’Malley’s owner Peter Jones.

Programme for the evening

Festivities will begin from 5pm onwards with Dave Kennedy on guitar and singing throughout the evening. Special German menu items include ham hocks, pork schnitzel, wurst sausage and pretzels. All of the best beers will be available including branded Grace O'Malleys Steins, Becks Beer on Tap plus plenty of drinks specials. During the evening a Stein lift competition and prizes will be announced for the best dressed.

What is the origin of Oktoberfest?

The festival originated in Bavaria, Germany in 1810 as part of celebrations to honour the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig & Princess Therese. The event was a huge success and went on to become an annual ‘October festival’ or ‘Oktoberfest’.

Oktoberfest in Munich includes not only beer tents and food, but has festival grounds with rides and side shows, catering for the young and old alike. The event is usually run over a 16-18 day period in late September to early October, with over 5-6 million people enjoying the folk festival feel each year.