Manchester is getting its own take on Oktoberfest this autumn as Freight Island Presents Oktoberfest, an eight-day celebration bringing beer, food, live music, comedy, drag performances, DJs and immersive entertainment to the city across two weekends in October.
Taking over Freight Island from Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th October and again from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th October, the festival is promising a high-energy alternative to the traditional beer hall experience.
General admission is FREE, while paid table tickets will put guests closer to the entertainment and at the centre of the action.
When Is Freight Island Oktoberfest 2026?
Freight Island Oktoberfest takes place across eight days in October 2026, running over two four-day periods:
- Thursday 1st October – Sunday 4th October
- Thursday 8th October – Sunday 11th October
The celebrations will run from the afternoon through to midnight, giving visitors plenty of time to settle in for an evening of beer, food and live entertainment.
Freight Island is putting its own spin on the world’s biggest beer festival, swapping a traditional Oktoberfest format for something bigger and more entertainment-focused. The programme will span music, comedy, drag, DJs and immersive performances.
Which Beers Will Be Served?
The drinks line-up is designed to bring an authentic taste of Oktoberfest to Manchester, with Paulaner Oktoberfest, Hacker-Pschorr Gold and Steigl Grapefruit among the beers available.
Freight Island will also serve party kegs and speciality cocktails, keeping the drinks offering going late into the evening.
Who Is Performing At Freight Island Oktoberfest?
Award-winning comedian Charlie Partridge will lead proceedings as Master of Ceremonies, while Acid Klauss, the Ringmaster of Chaos, will host party games and bring his hardcore beats and Bavarian beatboxing to the festival.
The Pretzel Twisters will deliver an Oompah spectacular, while drag performers Liquorice Black and Gisele will add glitter, spectacle and plenty of surprises.
DJ sets from Sister Amy Lou will provide another layer to the soundtrack, keeping the beer hall atmosphere going throughout the celebrations.
Oh My God! It’s The Church Headlines The Weekends
Cult live act Oh My God! It’s The Church will headline the weekends, bringing together rock ‘n’ soul, gospel, comedy and audience participation.
Following the live performance, DJs will take over and continue the celebrations through to midnight.
Is Freight Island Oktoberfest Family-Friendly?
Sundays will offer a more relaxed version of the festival, with families invited to experience Oktoberfest together.
Children can take part in arts and crafts, shadow puppet making and a Brothers Grimm-inspired trail, creating a playful daytime experience while retaining the food, drink and atmosphere of the wider event.
How To Book Freight Island Oktoberfest Tickets
Freight Island Oktoberfest takes over the venue across two weekends this October, bringing a packed programme of beer, food, comedy, live music, drag and DJs to Manchester.
For anyone looking for something different from a traditional Oktoberfest celebration, Freight Island’s event promises a distinctly Manchester approach to the festival, with free entry, live entertainment and a programme running from the afternoon until midnight.
Tickets are available now, so head to Freight Island’s Oktoberfest booking page to find out more and plan your visit.
