Thirsty? You look like you needed another excuse to drink. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best drinking festivals around the world.
From the classic Oktoberfest to the competitive wine-soaked battle in Spain, you’re sure to find a reason to pack your bags and head to the best vacation you’ll never remember.
When: September 21st – October 6th, 2019
Where: Munich, Germany
Once a year the world’s largest beer festival takes over the streets of Munich, filling patron’s bellies with beer, brats, and Barbarian fare at the one and only Oktoberfest.
Over 6 million beer-loving visitors make the pilgrimage to this German city for 18 days of boozy eats, drinks, carnival rides, and parades. Come early, while the 14 themed beer halls offer plenty of sights and delicious drinks to quench your thirst, they fill up quickly.
Stoke Travel are offering all-inclusive camping at their festival campsite, guides to direct you to the Oktoberfest beer halls on public transport and Stoke festival within atmosphere with an international vibe.
When: October 4 –13, 2019
Where: London, England
Pinkies up, London is showing us the proper way to party. If you’re looking for crazy innovative concoctions like the flaming marshmallow cocktail, look no further. London Cocktail Week features over 200 bars, a cocktail village, master classes, tours, tastings, and just about any cocktail you can imagine.
One ticket grants you access to the participating bars and the £5 special cocktail they’re offering. With over 200 locations to sample, planning ahead is recommended (but not required – stumbling through the streets of London may or may not be on our bucket list).
Official Website: Drinkup.London
When: September 16 – 22, 2019
Where: Bardstown, Kentucky
If barrel races, cowboy boots, and bourbon sounds like your kind of party, you’ve come to the right place. For one week every fall, Bourbon aficionados and distilleries gather just a half hour southeast of Louisville to celebrate the storied history of Kentucky’s most renowned industry.
Join more than 53,000 people from all over the world to taste the finest Bourbon, two-step your way onto the dance floor, and cheer on your favorite teams in the festival’s famous Bourbon Barrel Relay Races. And that’s just the start to a full week of fun!
When: June 29th – 30th, 2019
Where: Haro, Spain
If fancy tastings aren’t your thing, maybe shooting wine at your friends through a Nerf gun is. Haro Wine Festival is not for the faint of heart, before drenching your friends with the sweet Spanish nectar, you must make the trek up a mountain 5kms away.
All night parties both before and after the fight take place in the city. Once at the battleground, patrons are granted access to the trucks, water guns, and buckets filled with wine, no need to BYOW. Make sure to pack a white colored shirt (and some Advil).
Stoke Travel are offering all-inclusive camping at their festival campsite, transfers to and from the wine fight, red wine for throwing at wine fight and awesome campsite parties.
When: October 3 – 5, 2019
Where: Denver, Colorado
Taking place in the unofficial microbrew capital of the world, the Great American Beer Festival boasts the largest collection of U.S. beers under one roof. Competitions for over 96 categories of beer take place during this jam-packed 3-day festival.
Hundreds of breweries offer tastings, educational presentations, food pairings, and multiple hangout areas, including a silent disco.
When: August 6 – 10, 2019
Where: London, England
Across the pond, our British friends are gearing up to celebrate 40 years of the Great British Beer Festival. To celebrate, the festival is offering an online beer finder. Check in weeks before the festival for an online directory of all the beers available, so that you can plan out your perfect tastings beforehand.
In addition to sampling the largest collection of English beers, shop & book signings, food stalls, and tutored tastings are available during the festival.
Official Website: Great British Beer Festival
When: September 28 2019
Where: Seattle, Washington
Get your limes and salt ready; the largest Northwest Tequila Festival is returning this fall. 170+ bottles of tequila and local grub await your taste buds.
A cocktail competition (winner gets a trip to Mexico!), speakers, and an exhibit hall bring the best tequila in the world to Seattle, Washington for a festival you’re sure to love.
Official Website: Northwest Tequila Fest
Feature image credit: Bordeaux Tourisme
Read more about alternatives to Oktoberfest for beer tasting and crazy food fight festivals
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