Oktoberfest, Munich’s most famous tradition of beer and camaraderie, will once again find its way to Manila this October. From October 8 to 11, Newport World Resorts and Hilton Manila will host the festival inside The Ballroom, recreating the Bavarian experience with music, food, and flowing steins of beer.

First held in 1810 as part of Crown Prince Ludwig’s wedding celebrations, Oktoberfest has grown into one of the world’s best-known cultural gatherings. In Manila, the festival has become a yearly chance to indulge in Bavarian fare, toast with authentic German beer, and join the spirited atmosphere of communal dining.

This year’s celebration introduces a buffet-style spread for the first time. Guests can expect long tables filled with pretzels, rye bread, sausages, schnitzel, sauerkraut, and the signature crispy pork knuckle with its golden crackling. Classic sides such as spaetzle and braised red cabbage round out the savory plates, while apple strudel, Kaiserschmarrn, and jam-filled krapfen provide sweet finishes. The dishes will be prepared by Newport World Resorts’ culinary team, aiming to capture the rich, hearty flavors of Bavaria.

The beer selection highlights Weihenstephan, regarded as the world’s oldest brewery. Weissbier and lager will be served on draft, with darker brews available by the bottle, offering guests a taste of nearly a thousand years of brewing tradition.

Music and revelry remain at the heart of the celebration. Austria’s Anton Showband returns with brass-driven performances, sing-alongs, and the kind of lively antics that have made them a festival staple. Between rounds of music, guests can take part in stein-holding contests, raffles, and games that add to the festive energy.

For four nights, the ballroom will transform into a Bavarian beer hall where strangers become seatmates and meals stretch into evenings of laughter and cheer. The festival serves as both a cultural exchange and a reminder that food and drink, shared around a long table, have a way of bringing people together.