Just over a month to go until Oktoberfest returns to Chelmsford

Chelmsford's Oktoberfest celebrations are now just over a month away, with Central Park set to be transformed into a huge Bavarian-style party for two days in October.

Oktoberfest Chelmsford will return to the city on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October, bringing Bavarian beer, live music, Oompah bands and traditional German-inspired food to Central Park.

The 18-plus event forms part of the touring Oktoberfest UK celebrations and will feature a large Bier tent designed to recreate the atmosphere of Germany's famous autumn festival.

Three sessions across two days

The festivities begin with an evening session from 6pm until 11pm on Friday 23 October.

Saturday 24 October will then feature two separate sessions, with an afternoon event running from midday until 5pm before the celebrations resume for an evening session between 6pm and 11pm.

Some of the cheaper early-bird options for Saturday have already sold out, although standing, seated and VIP options remain available.

Beer, bratwurst and Oompah bands

Organisers are promising a full Bavarian-style experience, with a beer bar serving drinks in XL steins alongside live entertainment and plenty of opportunities for festival-goers to join in with traditional Oktoberfest singalongs.

Food will include bratwurst and pretzels, while entertainment is set to include Oompah bands and other live music.

A mini trader village and photo booth are also among the attractions planned for the weekend.

And anyone wanting to embrace the occasion fully can expect plenty of lederhosen and traditional Bavarian-inspired outfits among the crowds.

Oktoberfest returns to Central Park

The festival will once again take place in Central Park, giving Chelmsford residents the opportunity to experience a taste of one of Germany's most famous celebrations without leaving the city.

Oktoberfest has its origins in Munich, where the original festival dates back more than two centuries and has developed into one of the world's best-known folk festivals.

The Chelmsford event takes inspiration from those traditions while combining them with live entertainment and the atmosphere of a modern UK festival.

With just over a month remaining until the first steins are raised, tickets are already being snapped up — and some ticket categories have sold out.

Oktoberfest Chelmsford takes place at Central Park on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October 2026 and is open to over-18s only.