German Beer Festival Comes to Tel Aviv With Free Entry
The German brewery Weihenstephan, recognized as the world's oldest, is bringing its traditional Oktoberfest celebrations from Munich to Tel Aviv. The festival will take place at Givatayim Square from September 29th to October 1st, operating daily between 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM, with free admission for the public.
During the three-day event, the square will be transformed into a lively Bavarian area featuring beer bars, traditional German cuisine such as pretzels, roast chicken, and sausages, a sausage-eating contest, and classic festival ceremonies. The entertainment lineup includes prominent Israeli artists likeכנסיית השכל, Muki, Itay Galo, and DJ Gilad Hazaken.
Weihenstephan will be serving its seasonal "Weihenstephan Festbier" 2026, a 5.8% ABV golden lager brewed specifically for the German festival season. The brand is also extending the celebrations to approximately 300 retail locations across Israel, offering tastings and special promotions.
In an effort to reduce single-use waste, all drinks at the festival will be served in branded, reusable third-liter glasses available through a deposit system. This initiative aligns with a broader green strategy.
The article also briefly touches upon recent challenges in the global beer industry, citing the 2025 bankruptcy filing of American brewery Alamo Beer from San Antonio, which faced increased operating costs and declining sales, producing less than 20% of its capacity.
