Quebec, like Bavarian Germany’s tresses-dirndl-sabots, is known for its love and almost sporty consumption of beer. Microbreweries, beer festivals, it’s an agricultural and artisanal tradition that has its roots in the first European migrations to “New France”.
So it’s no surprise that just outside Montreal, a 45-minute drive from downtown, there’s a Quebec version of Oktoberfest – Repentigny’s OKTO.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is a two-week festival in Munich, Germany. It ends on the last Sunday in October.
The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of the Prince of Bavaria to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Initially, it was just a big party, but over the years kiosks from 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, around 2 million gallons of beer are consumed. There’s also dancing, funfair games and rides – and traditional Bavarian folk music and the embroidered aprons emblematic of the region’s milkmaids, the dirndl.
Repentigny Oktoberfest
For the past 18 years, Repentigny has been hosting a Quebec-style Oktoberfest, paying tribute to the Bavarian festival with a Quebec twist . But the spirit of community, celebration and encounters – and the love of beer – is still there.
This Okto de Repentigny lasts three days: from Friday, September 5 to Sunday, September 7.
As with the iconic Bavarian festival, there will be music, beer, rides and games…
Classic Oktoberfest games are promised at Repentigny, and after a little research we’ve come up with a list of these boozy Olympics.
- pretzel toss
- beer pong
- hau den lukas – a contest of strength with a jackhammer
- mug relay contest – running with a flat beer mug at arm’s length
We can’t wait to see what’s in store at Repentigny’s “OKTO games”.
There will also be 400 microbrewery beers (how many thousands of liters is that?) and plenty of food trucks.
And, for authenticity , there’ll be a special “Old Munich” tent for dirndls, history and Bavarian Quebecers who want to dance the old-fashioned way…
Practical info
Where: Parc de l’Île Lebel, 50 rue Lebel, Repentigny
Where?
September 5 to 7, 2025
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Friday, September 5, 2025: 3pm to 11pm
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Saturday, September 6, 2025: 11am to 11pm
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Sunday, September 7, 2025: 11am to 6pm
How to get there? The ticket office is here!
1-day ticket with plastic glass: $21 + taxes and fees
1-day ticket with glass: $28 + taxes and fees
3-day ticket with plastic glass: $36 + taxes and fees
3-day ticket with glass: $45.50 + taxes and fees
Prost!