Its 56th Year Promises To Be “Bier-Normous”, Expect Steins, German Bands and stein-holding competitions
This spring, Melbourne’s beloved German institution, Hofbräuhaus, will invite guests to don their dirndls and lederhosen for the most anticipated festival of the year — Oktoberfest. Starting on Saturday, 21 September, and running until Saturday, 26 October, Hofbräuhaus will kick off the festivities with its legendary Opening Party on the same day as the celebrations in Germany.
The opening party will mark the beginning of six weeks filled with Bavarian revelry, featuring performances by the Hofbräuhaus Haus Band, a traditional German Oktoberfest Band, Oktoberfest Bier specials, competitions, games, and 100 chances to win free Bier for a whole year.
As the oldest Hofbräuhaus outside of Germany, the venue expects to host more than 15,000 patrons who will dine in, celebrate Bavarian culture, and partake in an all-yodelling, all-polka dancing, stein-sinking and bratwurst-eating extravaganza.
Experience the Bavarian spirit through live music and entertainment
Revellers will be able to immerse themselves in the spirit of Germany’s famous beer culture with two live performances. The venue will host authentic music and entertainment that captures the essence of Bavarian vibrant traditions.
- The Hofbräuhaus Haus Band: Comprising four talented members, this band will bring the Bavarian spirit to life with traditional polkas and sing-alongs every Thursday and Sunday from 6:30 PM until late, and Saturday lunch from 12:30pm until 4:30pm.
- “Die Oachkatzl Musi”: This sensational German Oktoberfest band features six musicians in traditional costume, playing classic German polkas, Oktoberfest classics, and lively Oompah-style music every Friday and Saturday night from 6:30 PM until late. Bavarian food offerings will include schnitzel, pork knuckle, currywurst, German sausages and more. All dishes are cooked fresh in-house, often to old family recipes, including chicken, veal, pork and cauliflower schnitzels, served with sides such as potato salad, slaw and chips. Executive Chef Sunny Gilbert, shares,“The food at Hofbräuhaus is some of the most authentically German cuisine you’ll find anywhere in Australia,“And in classic German style, one plate of food is more than enough to keep you full (though you should always save room for dessert!). We’re proud that the majority of our sauces, pastries, sourdough and desserts are made in-house – but the food is just one part of the package that makes the entire Hofbräuhaus experience.”
Win Bier for an entire year at the Stein Holding Competitions
During the band sets, Stein Holding competitions will take place whenever the band is playing, from 6:30pm between Thursday and Sunday and from 12:30 until 4:30pm on Saturdays. Each winner in the male and female categories will win free Bier for an entire year. Over the six-week period, 100 lucky patrons will earn this coveted prize!
Happy OktoBIRTHfest!
Those who celebrate their birthday at Hofbräuhaus during Oktoberfest will receive a free stein of Bier plus a round of Schnaps for their table. (T&Cs apply)
Indulge in Authentic German Biers
As one of Australia’s largest selections of imported premium German beer, each brew at Hofbräuhaus also adheres to the German Bier Purity Law, which dates back to the 16th century. For Oktoberfest, more than 16 Oktoberfest Biers will be imported directly from Germany will complement the already impressive selection.
German native and “Mr Authenticity” Brand Manager, Philipp Hockenberger shares, “For over 56 years, Hofbräuhaus has brought Gemütlichkeit’ (good vibes) to this 350-seat venue. Serving hearty portions of authentic German food, it’s certainly value for money. This year’s Oktoberfest promises to be our biggest and best yet.”
“Our team already prepares 800 schnitzels per week, each crumbed to order, so I can’t imagine how many more orders will come in during Oktoberfest,” says Executive Chef, Sunny Gilbert.
Oktoberfest Period:
From: Saturday, 21 September
Until: Saturday, 28 October
Website: www.hofbrauhaus.com.au
Instagram: @hofbrauhaus_melbourne
Facebook: @hbmelbourne
Seating times for Friday and Saturday during Oktoberfest
Bierhall | Traditional Oktoberfest set up and treat for big groups
- First seating 5-7pm (no live music or entertainment)
- Second seating 7:15pm until 1am (live music and entertainment) restaurant
Traditional restaurant | Great for all groups
- First seating 6-8pm (live music and entertainment)
- Second seating 8:15pm until 1am (live music and entertainment)