Volksfest: what it is, how it is celebrated, and how it differs from Oktoberfest

Beyond the famous Oktoberfest, Germany celebrates several Volksfests, large and authentic folk festivals. With music, beer, gastronomy, and tradition, these festivals attract millions of visitors every year. But what is a Volksfest really, and what makes it so special?

At Beer Republic, we want to bring these celebrations closer to you, show you how they are experienced in different cities, and discover what makes them unique compared to other world-famous festivals like the Oktoberfest.

What a Volksfest is

The word Volksfest (Volksfeste in plural) literally means “folk festival” in German, and it defines one of the most representative cultural events in the country. These celebrations usually combine a traveling fair—with rides, music, and food stalls—with a beer or wine festival.

The most famous example is the Munich Oktoberfest, considered the largest Volksfest in the world, attracting millions of people every year. However, it is not the only one: in cities like Stuttgart, Hanover, or Nuremberg, Volksfeste are also held, each with its own local identity.

Beyond the beer, the Volksfest is a meeting space where tradition and modernity coexist: tents filled with people sharing tables, typical dishes from Bavarian and German gastronomy, live music, parades, and a festive atmosphere that strengthens community life.

Volksfest vs. Oktoberfest: main differences

Although they are often confused, the Volksfest and the Oktoberfest are not exactly the same thing. The Munich Oktoberfest is, in fact, a Volksfest, but with very specific characteristics that distinguish it from the rest:

Types of beer in the Volksfest vs. Oktoberfest

Firstly, the Oktoberfest serves beer brewed in Munich, using water drawn from the territory's own well. These beers are generally of the Märzen type: amber-colored lagers with a malty flavor; traditionally brewed in March (hence their name “Märzen”) and stored in cold cellars to be consumed during the autumn, especially at the Oktoberfest. Today, Munich breweries produce it under the official designation Oktoberfestbier.

An example of this type of beer is the HB Oktoberfest. A festive, golden Bavarian beer with 6.3% ABV, with aromas of freshly baked bread and a balanced flavor between malt and hops.

In contrast, at other Volksfeste, you can find different styles and brands of beer, as well as wine and other drinks. In the case of the Freising Volksfest, you can find the Weihenstephan Festbier, a golden and balanced beer, with a dense foam and aromatic body with a perfect harmony between malt and hops.

Scale and fame

The Oktoberfest is the largest and most famous Volksfest, with millions of international visitors; whereas other Volksfeste have a more local and community-based character.

Local identity

Each Volksfest reflects the traditions of its region, in terms of gastronomy, music, or cultural activities, making it a window into German diversity.

History and origin of the Volksfest

The Volksfest has historical roots that date back to the Modern Age. It emerged as a celebration linked to trade fairs and religious events, where the population found moments of leisure after agricultural and artisanal work. Over time, it consolidated itself as a space for social gathering where both locals and tourists could share traditions, taste typical food, and enjoy regional drinks.

In the 19th century, with industrialization and the growth of cities, the Volksfest adopted its more contemporary character: large tents, concerts, market stalls, and mechanical rides—elements that remain an essential part of the experience today.

How the Volksfest is celebrated

Nowadays, Volksfeste remain the engine of social life in many German cities. Tents are filled with live music, traditional costumes are worn during parades, and both locals and visitors enjoy typical dishes like Bratwurst, Brezel, or Schnitzel.

In addition, activities are organized for all ages: from fairground rides for the little ones to craft beer tastings and shows. All this in an atmosphere of camaraderie and joy that makes the Volksfest a very authentic experience.

Most famous Volksfeste in Germany

Although there are dozens of Volksfeste scattered throughout the country, some stand out for their size, history, and atmosphere:

• Cannstatter Volksfest (Stuttgart): considered the second-largest beer festival in Germany after the Oktoberfest. It was born in 1818 and combines large beer tents with a fair full of rides.
• Schützenfest (Hanover): famous for being the largest marksmen festival in the world, it mixes military tradition with a festive atmosphere full of music and beer.
• Nürnberger Volksfest (Nuremberg): held twice a year (spring and autumn) and is one of the oldest, with over 600 years of documented history.

These are just a few examples, but every German region has its own Volksfest, adapted to its traditions and culture.

Why you should experience a Volksfest at least once

Attending a Volksfest is not just an excuse to drink beer: it is to immerse yourself in German culture in the most direct and vibrant way. It is experiencing live music, trying traditional recipes, walking among fairground rides, participating in parades, and, above all, living with thousands of people who celebrate life in the community.

It is an experience that goes beyond tourism: it connects you with a tradition that has survived for centuries, that evolves with time, and that today remains a fundamental part of the German identity.

Celebrate the Volksfest with Beer Republic

At Beer Republic, we believe that great folk festivals like the Volksfest have a lot to teach us: how beer can be a cultural bridge and a driver of identity.

And although we cannot transport all the magic of a Volksfest to your city, we can bring you our selection of German beers, designed for you to enjoy an authentic experience. Because beer is made to be shared ;)

Resource collection

This article has been prepared based on trusted cultural and academic sources:

Deutsch Centre. (2023). The Volksfest tradition: Party, German style. Retrieved from https://deutschcentre.com

DiVA Portal. (2018). Beer Festival and Place Identity. Retrieved from https://www.diva-portal.org

Britannica. (n.d.). Oktoberfest. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com