Ditch Oktoberfest For This Authentic Austrian Beer Celebration Loved By Locals

Every September, Munich lures in millions of beer drinkers dressed in Trachten (costumes), clinking huge stein glasses, and singing along to brass bands. It's the original Oktoberfest, dating back to the 1810 wedding celebration of Bavaria's crown prince. While Munich is undoubtedly one of the best cities in Europe to travel to for Oktoberfest and might just have the best beer scene in Europe, with fame comes crowds. Today, Munich's Oktoberfest feels less like a local gathering and more like a global bucket list party where you're just as likely to meet Australians and Americans as Germans while dancing on a table. 

For a festival that still feels rooted in tradition — while pulling in its own enormous, spirited crowd — Vienna's Wiener Kaiser Wiesn Fest is the insider's choice. Running for nearly three weeks from late September through mid-October, it attracts more than 300,000 visitors and thousands of musicians from across Austria. With fewer tourists than in Munich, plenty of authentic food and drink, and a full program of both free and ticketed events, this is where to raise a stein if you want a celebration that feels genuinely Austrian. 

There's no strict dress code, but part of the fun is dressing the part in a Dirndl or Lederhosen. If you're not ready to invest in a full outfit, Vienna's Humana secondhand shops usually have plenty of gently used options for as little as $10, while big-box stores like H&M also stock budget-friendly versions during festival season. 

The Wiesn opens at 11:30 a.m. with outdoor concerts — think yodeling and brass bands — plus stalls selling schnitzel, Käsekrainer (cheese-filled sausages), schnitzel, and gingerbread, along with vegan-friendly dishes. By afternoon, the focus shifts to the three main tents, each large enough for over a thousand guests and home to sit-down dining and evening concerts. Tickets to the bigger shows run $51 to $101 and should be booked early, but the atmosphere isn't limited to reserved seats. Several smaller alpine huts keep things lively with hearty food, flowing beer, and live music, with entry ranging from $6 to $12 (based on whether you've reserved beforehand). Reserve online or just walk in, grab a beer, and expect the evening to end with plenty of dancing.

The Wiesn's location inside the historic Prater Park makes it especially easy to combine festival fun with a bit of old-fashioned amusement. Between steins, you can ride the Riesenrad Ferris Wheel, a star filming location in "Before Sunrise," or brave the Prater Tower, a revolving swing that spins riders above the skyline. For something sillier, the Old Vienna Ghost Train offers kitsch, jump scares, and laughs in equal measure. Entry to the park is free, with rides priced from $4 to $18.

Back at the festival, music ranges from folk to pop to Schlager — Germanic high-energy, singalong hits — performed by acts from every Austrian region. Each state even gets its own dedicated day, complete with regional food, beer, and music. The program also includes theme days for seniors and a singles night, while families will find kids' activities on weekends like yoga, dancing, and face painting. With its mix of traditions, inclusivity, and sheer variety, the Wiener Wiesn Fest captures Austria's love of celebrating together — lively, welcoming, and always better with a beer in hand. There's something for every type of traveler in the elegant city of Vienna.