Quebec, like Bavarian Germany with its braids, dirndls, and clogs, is known for its love of beer and its almost athletic consumption of it.Microbreweries andbeer festivals are part of an agricultural and artisanal tradition that has its roots in the early European colonial migrations to “New France.”
And given this love (of beer), the absence of an “official” Bavarian-style festival was almost suspicious. This year, finally, Montreal is hosting its first official Oktoberfest at Parc Jean-Drapeau. For beer and clogs—and twirling those ruffled dresses—you need plenty of space.
Over two weekends, September 18–20 and September 25–27, 2026, there will be a little bit of Munich in Montreal and a “biergarten” on Île Sainte-Hélène.
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OKTOBERFEST
Oktoberfest is a two-week festival in Munich, Germany. It ends on the last Sunday of October.
The firstOktoberfest washeld in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of the Prince of Bavaria to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. At first, it was just a big party, but over the years, stalls run by local farmers were added, and large beer halls were built out of wood for the occasion—complete with balconies, thousands of seats around banquet tables, and colorful decorations.
Every year, during Munich’s Oktoberfest, about 2 million gallons of beer are consumed. There are also dances, games, and carnival rides—as well as traditional Bavarian folk music and the iconic embroidered aprons worn by the region’s dairymaids, the dirndls.
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AND MONTREAL’S “BIERGARTEN”
For Montreal’s Oktoberfest, there will be beer (both imported and local)—more than 100 different beers from 20 breweries and microbreweries. They’re also promising Bavarian waitresses (and waiters in dirndls, too, we hope)—Bavarian competitions and games, and a “sauerkraut party.”
Oktoberfest is presented by Loto Québec’s Rendez-vous Gourmands and Krombacher beer.
There will also be traditional German music, pretzels, and sausages—and music every day.
We’ll head there with braids, shorts, clogs, and a sober friend who’ll drive us home afterward. And we won’t drink too much—we don’t have the almost supernatural German tolerance for alcohol that we think we do.
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Where? Jardin des Floralies at Parc Jean-Drapeau
When? September 18–20, 2026 / September 25–27, 2026
What’s that? Free admission, package deals available
3 liters of Krombacher + a souvenir mug (for those who aren’t driving) / $74
“MICROBREW TASTING” package, which includes 6 glasses of beer from local microbreweries / $72
“CHOUCROUTE PARTY” / reservations for 6 at $324 or for 12 at $648
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