Germany Is Full Of Fall Events & Festivals Beyond Oktoberfest

Largest Wine Festival In The World, A Grape Harvest & Windsurfing World Cup

Hoisting big beers, singing “Ein Prosit” and people wearing lederhosen and barmaid outfits may spring to mind when thinking fall events in Germany, but there’s a lot more happening in this country than Oktoberfest.

So other than that huge bierhall bash in Munich, here’s what else is happening in Germany for the fall of 2016.

• 600  Years  Of  The  Wurstmarkt  Wine  Festival,  Bad  Dürkheim

Sept. 9-13 & 16-18

This is the largest wine festival in the world! There are more than 300 wines from 50+ vineyards providing tastings in everything from small wine stands to big Oktoberfest-like halls. Plus there’s a wine village. The primary place to be is the Pfatz; use the train to get in because finding a hotel room in Dürkheim is next to impossible.

Link: Durkheim Website

•  German Wine Harvest Festival, Neustadt  an  der  Weinstrasse

Sept. 30-Oct. 10

An Oktoberfest-style celebration of the grape harvest, including a parade, fireworks and carnival rides, all centered around wine tastings. The primary place to be is the wine village and the parade is on Oct. 9.

Link: Wine Harvest Festival Website

• Festival Of Lights, Berlin

Sept. 30-Oct 16

The Festival of Lights turns Berlin into a world full of lighted art. International artists present glowing light projections, 3D video mappings and light installations. Landmarks such as Brandenburg Gate are lit up in colorful lights and the whole city is buzzing with a carnival-like atmosphere.

More than two million people visit Berlin for this event.

Link: Festival Of Lights Website

• Bremen Freimakt, Bremen

Oct, 14-31

Germany’s version of the USA county fair, this has been going on for 1,000 years (yes, you read that correctly). The  Freimarkt – or “free market” – features carnival rides, attractions, all kinds of German fair food, tents and more. And there’s plenty of places to drink those large 1-liter Oktoberfest-style beers.

The highlight is the parade on Oct. 22. It takes place behind the Breman train station.

Link: Breman Friemakt Website

• Windsurf World Cup, Westerland, Sylt

Sept. 39-Oct. 9

The world’s top windsurfers go to, yes, Germany, for an international competition and showcase of the sport. PubClubbers should note that it’s really a big beach party, too, with a beach club bar. And it’s all free!

Westerland is a resort on the German North Sea island of Sylt. It gets windy and can be cool, so dress accordingly.

Link: Windsurf World Cup Website

So you can see, Germany is diverse in its events and festivals, tho you certainly can’t go wrong with Oktoberfest, either.