Oktoberfest 2026 returns to Munich in late September. Transform your venue into an authentic German Bierkeller with beer benches, stein glasses, patio heaters and BBQ equipment from Expo Hire.
Oktoberfest 2026 returns to Munich in late September. Transform your venue into an authentic German Bierkeller with beer benches, stein glasses, patio heaters and BBQ equipment from Expo Hire.
Oktoberfest is a genuinely global event that draws beer lovers into bars and restaurants well beyond Munich. The 2026 festival runs from late September into early October, following its traditional format at the Theresienwiese grounds. For bar and restaurant owners in England and Wales, it is a clear opportunity to run a themed event and drive strong trade across multiple weeks.
The cornerstone of any Oktoberfest experience is communal seating. Our beer benches and tables are sturdy, accommodate larger groups and create the communal atmosphere that makes the festival what it is. They are also practical for high-turnover service.
Standard beer bench sets seat 6-8 people per table. For a venue aiming to run a Bierkeller-style event for 60 guests, eight sets would provide seating with room for movement. For larger outdoor events, the sets can be arranged in long rows to replicate the traditional Bierkeller layout.
Beer bench sets are available in natural wood and dark stained finishes. The dark finish suits indoor venues aiming for a more atmospheric look; the natural finish works well outdoors or in venues with light, contemporary interiors.
Oktoberfest without steins is just beer in a pub. Our stein glass hire gives your guests the authentic experience and the visual identity that marks your event out as something distinct. Browse our glassware hire range for full options, including half-litre and litre stein formats.
For high-turnover bar service, order steins at 1.5x your seated capacity to allow for glasses in use, glasses in the wash and breakages. Running short of glasses during a packed Oktoberfest event costs revenue and kills the momentum of a busy service.
German festival food is simple and substantial: bratwurst, pretzels, pork knuckle, sauerkraut. A limited food menu adds revenue and keeps guests at their tables longer. For food service you will need:
If you are setting up an outdoor food station alongside the bar, a commercial BBQ paired with a preparation table and handwash unit covers most of what is needed for a simple German street food menu.
Late September evenings get cold. Outdoor areas that are comfortable in summer become uncomfortable quickly once the temperature drops after dark. Our patio heaters keep outdoor seating areas functional well into the evening during the Oktoberfest period.
Our gazebos provide shelter from rain and define the outdoor event space. A covered, heated outdoor area with beer bench sets can add 30-40% to your venue capacity during an Oktoberfest event. For a six-week festival period, that additional capacity has a measurable effect on revenue.
Plan your outdoor area layout before ordering. Factor in space for the gazebo footprint, clearance around heaters (minimum 1 metre from any structure or canopy), and enough room between bench rows for service staff to move freely.
Authentic Oktoberfest venues use chequered tablecloths in blue and white or red and white to reinforce the Bavarian theme. Our linen hire range includes tablecloths sized to fit our beer bench and table sets. Adding themed linen is a low-cost way to strengthen the visual identity of your event.
Oktoberfest is a busy period for hire companies. Beer bench sets and patio heaters in particular are high-demand items from mid-September onwards. Booking early secures your stock and avoids the risk of a key item being unavailable when you need it.
All equipment is listed online with pricing and real-time availability. Get in touch to discuss your requirements or place your order directly on the website for your dates.
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