“Life is too short to drink bad beer.” If that motto speaks to your soul, then October in Zagreb might be your perfect time to visit. From October 10 to 19, 2025 the Croatian capital will host OKTOBEER Fest, a ten-day celebration of hops, hearty food, music and community spirit. Organisers are promising a festival that can stand proudly alongside the most famous beer events in Europe, while still keeping a uniquely Croatian heart.

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From Munich to Zagreb with a local flavour

For more than two centuries, Munich’s Oktoberfest has been the benchmark for beer festivals. It has grown from a Bavarian tradition into a worldwide cultural phenomenon, inspiring cities across the globe to hold their own versions. Now Zagreb is set to join that international map with its first large-scale autumn beer gathering.

The event will unfold across 47,000 square meters of the Zagreb Fairgrounds, making it the largest beer and food festival ever held in Croatia. Visitors can expect a vibrant mix of international brewing traditions, authentic local cuisine and the kind of festive energy that turns strangers into friends.

A world of flavours under one roof

The festival will be divided into several themed tents, each designed to transport guests into a different beer culture. The Croatian tent will showcase local culinary traditions with a playful twist, incorporating beer into recipes for stews, breads and marinades. Imagine tasting a slow-cooked beef dish enriched with dark ale, or biting into a fresh loaf baked with a touch of craft lager.

In the German tent, the essence of Bavaria will be recreated with long wooden tables, traditional music and servers carrying towering trays of pretzels, bratwurst and steins of golden beer. It is an invitation to experience the charm of Munich without leaving Zagreb.

Fans of crisp lagers and smooth dark beers will gravitate towards the Czech tent, where they can pair their drinks with roasted meats, dumplings and other comforting Central European dishes. For those whose tastes run more to the grape, the Wine Tent will present some of Croatia’s best winemakers. Carefully selected small plates will be served alongside each pour, showing that wine lovers have a place at OKTOBEER Fest too.

Entertainment for every mood

Although beer is the main attraction, OKTOBEER Fest is about more than what is in the glass. Live music will fill the air every day, with a line-up ranging from local bands to international acts. Traditional dance performances, cultural showcases and even brewing workshops will give the event depth beyond the drinks menu.

Food and drink pairing classes will let visitors discover new combinations, while interactive tasting sessions will offer the chance to explore different beer styles. Those who enjoy a more relaxed pace can simply wander the grounds, enjoying the glow of string lights and the hum of conversation.

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Zagreb already shines with winter’s Advent markets and summer’s open-air concerts, but autumn has always been a little quieter. OKTOBEER Fest fills that gap perfectly, providing a reason to gather when the air is crisp, the evenings are long and hearty food feels just right.

If the first edition lives up to expectations, it could become a fixture in the city’s cultural calendar. Friends will plan reunions around it, tourists will add it to their itineraries, and locals will embrace it as a highlight of the season. It has all the ingredients for a tradition in the making: great drinks, delicious food, lively music and a warm atmosphere that welcomes everyone.

So whether you are a craft beer enthusiast, a foodie eager to try something new, or simply someone who loves a good party, OKTOBEER Fest promises an experience worth raising a glass to.

Prost. Or as we say in Croatia, živjeli.

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