Hofbräuhaus Keeps the Good Vibes Rolling for its 57th Oktoberfest

This spring, Melbourne’s legendary Hofbräuhaus is once again raising its steins high, celebrating its 57th Oktoberfest in true Bavarian style. From Saturday, 13 September to Saturday, 25 October, the city’s oldest German restaurant outside of Germany transforms into a lively Munich-inspired beer hall, with six weeks of bier, banter and Bavarian feasting.

Since opening its doors in 1968, Hofbräuhaus has been a cornerstone of Melbourne’s dining scene, and Oktoberfest is its crowning celebration. More than 15,000 revellers are expected this year, ready to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of Gemütlichkeit – that unbeatable German word for warmth, friendliness and good vibes.

The kitchen stays true to its roots, with family recipes and dishes made fresh in-house. Expect crisp schnitzels crumbed to order, hearty pork knuckle, currywurst with Berlin-style sauce, and comforting German classics like knödel (dumplings) and flammkuchen (flatbread).

On a recent visit, we sampled some of the new-season highlights, and every bite was as hearty as it was satisfying:

Brezel Schnitzel – marinated chicken breast, Brezel-crumbed and served with bratkartoffeln, slaw and a rich Dunkel-Bier sauce.

Schweinebauch – Bavarian roasted pork belly with crispy crackling, red cabbage, bread dumplings and Dunkel-Bier sauce.

Pilz Flammkuchen (v) – a crisp flatbread topped with mushrooms, onions, chives, Alpine cheese and crème fraîche.

Veggie Schupfnudeln (v) – German-style gnocchi with caramelised onions, mushrooms, spring onion and Alpine cheese.

Hofbräuhaus Brezel Sundae (v) – a playful finale of vanilla bean ice cream, white chocolate rocks, warm Brezel and Bier-malt-caramel.

The bier is, of course, the star. Hofbräuhaus boasts one of Australia’s largest selections of imported German brews, with more than 16 varieties flowing freely, including two exclusive Oktoberfest pours. Raise a stein and you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of Munich’s Wiesn.

Entertainment is equally unmissable. The Hofbräuhaus Haus Band brings Bavarian singalongs and party favourites to the stage every Thursday through Sunday, while a six-piece traditional Oktoberfest band in full costume amps up the energy on 13 special dates.

Competitive types will want to test their strength in the infamous stein-holding contests, where winners in both male and female categories score free beer for an entire year – and more than 100 lucky guests are expected to claim the prize.

And if you’re celebrating a birthday during the festival, you’ll be treated to a free stein of beer and a round of schnapps for your table – a Bavarian birthday bash to remember.

Between the steins, schnitzels, singalongs and schnapps, Hofbräuhaus continues to prove why it remains one of Melbourne’s most enduring institutions. So dust off your dirndl, pull on the lederhosen, and get ready to join thousands of Melburnians in the heart of Chinatown for six weeks of Bavarian cheer. After all, nothing says spring in Melbourne quite like Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus.

Oktoberfest at Hofbräuhaus

📍 18-28 Market Lane, Melbourne

📅 13 September – 25 October 2025