Pitcher perfect

The Windhoek Oktoberfest continues to celebrate cultural diversity, as it has done for the past 61 years.
Michelline Nawatises
Justicia Shipena



This year’s edition of the annual Oktoberfest was launched at the headquarters of one of its founding sponsors, Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL), on Wednesday night.

The Windhoek Oktoberfest has grown to become one of the most appreciated cultural festivals in Namibia.

Having developed from a typical German beer fest to one of the country’s most culturally diverse events, this year marks the 61th consecutive year that the Windhoek Oktoberfest is taking place.

Last year’s jubilee attracted 6 670 festivalgoers, and this year the organisers are preparing for an even larger turnout at the Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW) on 25 and 26 October.

On 26 October, the fest will offer a mix of traditional games for all ages and traditional Bavarian cuisine. Music will be provided by the original Oktoberfest band from Munich, the Kirchdoker band, and the Jaegermeister band.

The Schuhplattler, a traditional style of folk dance popular in the German regions of Bavaria and Tyrol, will also form part of the entertainment programme.

And, of course, a specially brewed Festbier will be on tap to delight beer lovers.

According to project leader Danie Keulder a cashless payment system will be facilitated by Howler, a service provider with an outstanding track record in Namibia, including the annual Jazz Festival and Hop Heads Festival.

Nico Gericke, Windhoek Oktoberfest member, says this year’s Oktoberfest will also offer more food choices. The beer bar has been extended by 10 metres, while two additional bars will offer beer and spirits. To ensure that nobody will go thirsty, there will be an additional beer trailer.

Pupkewitz BMW dealer principal Armand Barnard says the company will ensure that people are chauffeured safely home whilst enjoying the hospitality of NBL at Oktoberfest.

Tickets to the Windhoek Oktoberfest are available at all Pick & Pay outlets countrywide, as well as online through Webtickets, at a cost of N$140.