In October, Blumenau – SC opens the city’s doors for the traditional Oktoberfest 2023, the second largest in the world, behind only Munich, Germany. The party celebrates beer and German tradition, with lots of music, parades, food and exclusive shows for those who are part of the box. What are you waiting for? Dress in a typical costume, gather your friends and enjoy the celebration.
Origin of Oktoberfest in Blumenau
The origins of the liveliest party in the state of Santa Catarina, unfortunately, are surrounded by tragedy. In 1984, a major flood hit the city of Blumenau, leaving many people homeless. The mayor at the time, Dalto dos Reis, decided to create a party to recover the economy and cheer up the population.
Nothing better than uniting Germanic tradition and the excitement of the Brazilian people in one place! Thus, Oktoberfest was born and, from the first edition, it was a success. They say that after the festival, the city was never the same, as it attracted many tourists, boosted the economy and created a climate of hope among the population.
Oktoberfest Traditions
The original Oktoberfest was born in Munich, Germany. The city of Blumenau, home to many German immigrants, brought the festivity to Brazil, preserving traditions and incorporating Brazilianness. The most fun tradition is the inaugural parade: the party reaches the city center, on the famous Rua XV de Novembro, accompanied by music, dances, folk groups and lots of beer.
Royalty is also present in the tradition! At the end of each Oktoberfest, they elect a queen and two princesses who have the mission of traveling around Brazil promoting the traditional festival throughout the year. German cuisine is another big attraction – order spätzle, a type of pasta, würstchen, sausage and strudel. The party’s mascot is Grandpa Chopão who, alongside Grandma, cheers on those who go through the celebration.
Information about Oktoberfest in Blumenau 2023
To enjoy Oktoberfest 2023, organize your itinerary in advance. The information below will help you avoid setbacks and mistakes. Follow!
- When will be: The word oktober, in German, means October. As the name suggests, the party always takes place this month. In 2023, the schedule will be from October 4th to 22nd.
- Where does it happen: Oktoberfest takes place at Parque Vila Germânica. It is a space that imitates a German village with traditional houses, an incredible garden, many shops and restaurants.
- Classification: Children under 16 will need to be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians with a notarized declaration.
- Dishes prices: All sales points follow the haus model (house, in German). There are dishes with a wide range of prices. The festival aims to offer affordable cuisine.
- Schedule: the program is intense with performances by folk groups and local bands. You can check the complete program at official site.
- Spaten Stateroom: one of the main German beer brands sponsors the Oktoberfest 2023 Box. Among the confirmed attractions are Denis DJ, Jeito Moleque, Turma do Pagode, João Gomes, Vitor Kley and KVSH. You need to buy a separate ticket. Check prices on the website sponsor.
- How to get: The closest airport to Blumenau is Navegantes. After landing, you need to travel 43 km along the road. Florianópolis airport is 147 km away, and Joinville airport is 103 km away. In 2023, the news is that the small Blumenau airport will receive Azul flights on small planes with capacity for 9 people.
- How much does beer cost: There are options for all budgets and tastes, the average price varies between R$10 and R$30, depending on the quantity and brand.
- Typical costumes: It’s not mandatory, but why not get into the party spirit? Additionally, anyone wearing the trusty costume can enter for free or receive a discount. From Thursday to Saturday, public holidays and the day before public holidays, anyone wearing German clothes pays half. From Sunday to Wednesday, entry is free.
- Where to eat at Oktoberfest: the Vila Germânica emporium brings together shops and restaurants. The most popular are German Potato Choperia, Vila Bar Station, Bier Vila, Vila Germanica Choperia and Restaurant It is Eisenbahn Bierhaus.
- Transport: App cars are the best option. However, public transport is not very difficult to use, even on festival days, there is an increase in the fleet. Check the timetables here.
- Security: It is always good to be careful in busy places, especially with wallet and cell phone theft. However, there are security guards and cameras throughout the entire perimeter of Vila Germânica.
If you are staying in cities close to Blumenau, such as Florianópolis or Balneário Camboriú, it is possible to take a round trip to enjoy Oktoberfest and not spend money on accommodation there. Remember: if you drink, don’t drive!
Tickets for Oktoberfest 2023 in Blumenau
You have to pay to enter Oktoberfest 2023. However, the price is affordable, there are half-price tickets and days with free access. Check ticket prices below:
- 04/10: free access
- 05/10: R$22 (full price) and R$11 (half price), charge from 6pm
- 06/10: R$50 (full price) and R$25 (half price), charge from 6pm
- 07/10: R$60 (full price) and R$30 (half price), charge from 1pm
- 08/10: R$22 (full price) and R$11 (half price), charge from 1pm
- 09/10: free access
- 10/10: free access
- 11/10: R$50 (full price) and R$25 (half price), charge from 6pm
- 10/12: R$50 (full price) and R$25 (half price), charge from 1pm
- 10/13: R$50 (full price) and R$25 (half price), charge from 6pm
- 10/14: R$60 (full price) and R$30 (half price), charge from 1pm
- 10/15: R$22 (full price) and R$11 (half price), charge from 1pm
- 10/16: free access
- 10/17: free access
- 10/18: R$22 (full price) and R$11 (half price), charge from 6pm
- 10/19: R$22 (full price) and R$11 (half price), charge from 6pm
- 10/20: R$50 (full price) and R$25 (half price), charge from 6pm
- 10/21: R$60 (full price) and R$30 (half price), charge from 1pm
- 10/22: free access
If you wear typical German costume, you get free access or a discount on admission. Anyone with an Elo card gets a 10% discount. To buy your ticket, go to official site.
Oktoberfest 2023 opening hours in Blumenau
Oktoberfest 2023 opening hours vary throughout the 19 festive days. Before planning your visit, check the opening and closing times in the list below:
- 04/10: from 6pm to 3am (Wednesday)
- 05/10: from 11am to 3am (Thursday)
- 06/10: from 11am to 5am (Friday)
- 07/10: 11am to 5pm (Saturday)
- 08/10: from 11am to 1am (Sunday)
- 09/10: from 11am to 1am (Monday)
- 10/10: 11am to 1am (Tuesday)
- 11/10: 11am to 5pm (Wednesday)
- 10/12: 11am to 5pm (Thursday)
- 10/13: 11am to 5pm (Friday)
- 10/14: 11am to 5pm (Saturday)
- 10/15: from 11am to 1am (Sunday)
- 10/16: 11am to 1am (Monday)
- 10/17: 11am to 1am (Tuesday)
- 10/18: 11 am to 3 am (Wednesday)
- 10/19: 9am to 3pm (Thursday)
- 10/20: 11am to 5pm (Friday)
- 10/21: 11am to 5pm (Saturday)
- 10/22: from 11 am to midnight (Sunday)
Camarote Spaten can count on different opening hours. In addition to private shows, there is open food and an open bar. However, tickets start at R$600 and go up to R$800.
Where to stay in Blumenau
The ideal is to book accommodation well in advance, as daily prices rise during Oktoberfest. Check out the best hotels near Vila Germanica:
- Ibis Blumenau – $$: Accommodation follows the standard of the Ibis network, known for offering more affordable prices. It is a 5 km drive from Vila Germanica. There is still the Ibis Budget Blumenau for those who want to save even more.
- Hotel Slaviero Blumenau – $$: option with great value for money. Slaviero is 5 km from Vila Germânica. The rooms are not very luxurious, but they are ideal for resting after Oktoberfest. The highlight is the Blumenau Restaurant, open to the public.
- Quality Hotel Blumenau – $$$: The best hotel in Blumenau is a 5 km drive from Vila Germânica. It is possible to find more affordable rooms, with daily rates starting at R$250, up to the most sophisticated ones, such as duplex suites, which start at R$585. The swimming pool and attached bar create a perfect environment for accommodation. Parking and breakfast are included in the rate.
- Vila do Valle Boutique – $$$: 5-star hotel in Blumenau and 3 km from Vila Germanica. Spa, restaurant, bar and everything with great luxury. Some rooms have a swimming pool.
You can also choose an airbnb in Blumenau, an ideal option for enjoying Oktoberfest. During this time of year, rentals increase, so book in advance.
Other Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is not exclusive to Blumenau and Munich, Germany. Other cities in Brazil and around the world also celebrate beer in October. In Santa Catarina, the Itapiranga Oktoberfest is also very well known.
In Rio Grande do Sul, it is possible to have fun in Oktoberfest in Santa Cruz do Sul and on Church’s Oktoberfest. In Paraná, the biggest celebration takes place at Oktoberfest by Marechal Cândido Rondon.
In Mato Grosso, it is possible to visit the Rondonópolis Oktoberfest. Already the São Paulo Oktoberfest takes place in Ibirapuera. Finally, in the USA, the best known is the Oktoberfest Cincinnati.
You must have had a huge desire to experience the biggest Brazilian Oktoberfest 2023? Gather your friends and travel to Blumenau. Enjoy and discover the best restaurants in Blumenau. Toast joy responsibly!
