Oktober'FAV

Oktoberfest, Alsatian style

Launched in 2024 by Colmar Expo, Oktober'FAV was born from the desire to revive the legendary Colmar Sauerkraut Days, a gastronomic event that enlivened the city over sixty-five years ago. Drawing inspiration from the great Bavarian beer festivals while proudly asserting its Alsatian identity, Oktober'FAV offers a unique festive experience that combines gastronomy, craft beer, and unbridled musical atmosphere at the Colmar Exhibition Centre.

A monumental festival hall

Hall 3 of the Exhibition Centre is completely transformed for the occasion: long wooden tables, decorations in the colours of Alsace, hop garlands, and the atmosphere of a giant Bierstube. Guests sit side-by-side in a typically Alsatian spirit of conviviality. The hall can accommodate several hundred participants who share meals, toast, and dance together in a warm and good-natured atmosphere.

Royal Sauerkraut and Alsatian Beers

The Oktober'FAV menu celebrates the best of Alsatian gastronomy. The meal begins with a platter of charcuterie as an appetizer, followed by the star dish: a generous royal sauerkraut with sausages, bacon, knuckle, and smoked meats, prepared according to tradition. An ice cream vacherin and coffee conclude the feast. For drinks, craft beers from Brasserie Météor, a historic partner, flow freely, while Alsatian wines from the Bestheim house offer a quality oenological alternative.

Folk Music and Festive Atmosphere

Musical entertainment is at the heart of Oktober'FAV. Les Willerthaler, a famous Alsatian folk orchestra, open each evening with their repertoire of traditional music and lively covers that get the whole room singing and dancing. The German band AlpenFeuer takes over in the second part of the evening with an energetic show mixing Bavarian music and festive hits. Finally, DJ Fabrizio keeps the party going until 1 am with dance sets that transform the hall into a giant dance floor.

An Event Rooted in Alsatian Tradition

Oktober'FAV doesn't just imitate Munich's Beer Festival: it asserts a deeply Alsatian identity. IGP Alsatian sauerkraut, locally brewed beers, wines from the nearby vineyards, and regional folk music make this event an authentic celebration of the Haut-Rhin terroir. On Sundays, a more family-oriented lunch service allows families to enjoy the atmosphere in a more relaxed setting.