Oktoberfest 2026 in the Netherlands and Belgium: these major celebrations are still to come
- 7 min reading time
Heading to an Oktoberfest this autumn? From Rekem and Arcen to Sittard and Brussels: the major Oktoberfests of October 2026 at a glance, plus this year's outfit trends.
Munich is almost ready, but for us, the Oktoberfest season is just getting started. From early to late October, large party tents, long beer tables and schlager bands are on the agenda in the Netherlands and Belgium. Do you already have tickets, or are you still wondering which party to choose? In this blog, you'll see which major Oktoberfests are still to come and which outfits will stand out this year, from dirndls to lederhosen. For your complete look, you can visit our Tyrolean and Oktoberfest clothing.
| Oktoberfest | Location | Date 2026 | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reckheimer Oktoberfest | Rekem (Lanaken, BE) | 1 to 4 October | Bavarian dress code every day |
| Oktoberfest Waalwijk | Waalwijk (NB) | 2 and 3 October | 10th edition |
| Achterhoekse Oktoberfeesten | Achterhoek (GLD) | 3 and 4 October | Sunday 18+ |
| Oktoberfest Wevelgem | Wevelgem (BE) | 3 October | Tent plus large outdoor area |
| Arcener Oktoberfest | Arcen (L) | 9 and 10 October | Opposite the Hertog Jan Brewery |
| Matrixx Oktoberfest | Elst (GLD) | 10 October | More than 20 artists |
| Brussels Oktoberfest | Jubelpark, Brussels (BE) | 14 to 24 October | Over a week of party tent |
| Oktoberfeest Sittard | Sittard (L) | 16 to 21 October | Largest autumn party in the Benelux |
Oktoberfests in the Netherlands
Oktoberfeest Sittard (Friday 16 to Wednesday 21 October)
Oktoberfeest Sittard is the largest Oktoberfest in the Netherlands and the largest autumn party in the Benelux. For six days, there are five party pavilions, an Almdorf with a German hut and an Oktoberfest fair on the Schootsvelden, within walking distance of Sittard station. Regular highlights are the Oktoberparade, the Miss Oktoberfeest election and the parade of about forty shooting clubs. If you are going for several days, a second outfit pays off: something classic for the opening night and a short dress for the fair day. Read more about tickets and the program in Sittard.
Matrixx Oktoberfest, Elst (Saturday 10 October)
Between Arnhem and Nijmegen, Park Lingezegen turns into one big Wiesn. Matrixx Oktoberfest goes all out with more than twenty artists spread across three areas, with a mix of Dutch party music and German schlagers. Here, groups of friends show up en masse in lederhosen and dirndls, so don't come in jeans.
Arcener Oktoberfest (Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October)
For the 19th time, the party tent is set up on the Festwiese opposite the Hertog Jan Brewery in Arcen. On Friday, shooting clubs from the region open the party by tapping the first barrel, and on both evenings you can sit down for a German buffet with schnitzel, sausage and Spätzle. The party is 18+.
Oktoberfest Waalwijk (Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October)
Waalwijk is celebrating the tenth edition this year, the Golden Edition. Friday is all about beautifully set tables with German dishes, Saturday is all about parties. An anniversary calls for a little extra sparkle, for example, a Tyrolean chain with your dirndl.
Achterhoekse Oktoberfeesten (Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October)
In the Achterhoek, it's all about long tables, half chickens and lots of beer. On Sunday, the party is 18+.
In addition, there are dozens of local parties in October, including in Apeldoorn, Panningen, Nijverdal, Rotterdam and Almere. Check the organization's website for the current dates.
Oktoberfests in Belgium
Reckheimer Oktoberfest, Rekem (Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 October)
Every first weekend of October, Rekem turns into what the organization calls the largest Oktoberfest in Belgium, with Tyrolean bands, schlager stars and live acts. Note: the Bavarian dress code applies here every day. Sunday is family day, then children up to 12 years old enter for free. A checkered blouse makes even the smallest partygoers Bavarian instantly.
Brussels Oktoberfest, Jubelpark (14 to 24 October)
In the Jubelpark, a large Bavarian party tent with beer, specialties and live music stands for over a week. During the week, the party starts in the evening, on the weekend already around noon. Dirndls and lederhosen are more than welcome, although they are not mandatory here. If you are coming straight from the office, a checkered blouse with suspenders can be put on in one minute.
Oktoberfest Wevelgem (Saturday 3 October)
Since 2018, Wevelgem has been a regular fixture with about 3,500 visitors annually. In addition to the beer tent, there is a large outdoor area with, among other things, a schnapps kiosk, food trucks and a 60-meter bungee jump.
Oktoberfest outfit trends 2026
1. Deep autumn colors
In Munich, wine red, midnight blue, jade green and sage green are the colors of the season this year. That fits perfectly with parties in October. Choose a classic dirndl in dark green, or a black one with a red or blue apron, for a stylish look that doesn't scream.
2. Bright color is definitely in
At the same time, you see the opposite: fuchsia, red, coral and light blue as a statement. Do you want to stand out in a tent with thousands of people? Then a brightly colored Oktoberfest dress in pink or red is your best choice.
3. Midi in the tent, short at the fair
For tent parties, the preference this year goes to midi-length. It is elegant and still gives enough freedom of movement to dance on the bench. For the fair and the outdoor area, a short dress remains practical. Not sure? Then check out dresses in all lengths for women.
4. Mix and match
It doesn't always have to be a complete dirndl. A separate blouse with a skirt, or a lederhosen look for women, is a popular way to create your own style.
5. Men: classic wins
For men, the classic continues to win: a real lederhose with a red-and-white or blue-and-white checkered shirt. Finish it off with knee socks, and you can walk right into the tent in Sittard.
6. Accessories make the difference
An outfit only becomes truly Bavarian through the details. Think of suspenders, knee socks, a heart necklace, braids or, of course, a hat with a feather. Handy if you already have a dirndl in the closet and want to look different this year.
7. Groups of friends choose humor
At large one-day parties, groups often make a joke out of it. One friend as a walking beer mug is guaranteed to provide the best group photo.
Tips for your Oktoberfest outfit
Order your outfit a few weeks before the party, so you can try it on at your leisure. October evenings are chilly, so knee socks are not only stylish but also practical. Would you rather celebrate the party at home or in your local pub? With Bavarian decoration, you bring the Wiesn atmosphere into your own home.
Frequently asked questions about Oktoberfest 2026
What is the largest Oktoberfest in the Netherlands?
Oktoberfeest Sittard is the largest Oktoberfest in the Netherlands and the largest autumn party in the Benelux. It takes place in 2026 from Friday 16 to Wednesday 21 October.
When are the major Oktoberfests in Belgium in 2026?
The Reckheimer Oktoberfest in Rekem is from 1 to 4 October, Oktoberfest Wevelgem on 3 October and Brussels Oktoberfest in the Jubelpark from 14 to 24 October.
What do you wear to an Oktoberfest?
Women wear a dirndl or Tyrolean dress, men a lederhose with a checkered shirt. A Tyrolean hat, suspenders and knee socks complete the outfit.
Is Bavarian clothing mandatory at an Oktoberfest?
That varies per party. At the Reckheimer Oktoberfest, the Bavarian dress code applies every day, in Brussels traditional clothing is welcome but not mandatory.
What are the dirndl trends for 2026?
Deep autumn colors such as wine red, midnight blue and green, midi-lengths for the party tent and separate blouses that you can freely combine. Those who want to stand out choose pink, red or coral.
Which side do you tie the bow of your dirndl on?
Traditionally, a bow on the left means you are single, and a bow on the right means you are taken or married. A bow in the middle stands for young girls, and a bow on the back for widows or waitresses.
