Yorktoberfest Beer Festival

Yorktoberfest returns to York Racecourse for two weekends this October, running on the 16th and 17th and then again on the 23rd and 24th. It's the festival's sixth year, and it takes its name from the original Oktoberfest that started in Munich in 1810 at the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and his princess bride — a celebration that proved so popular it became an annual custom. York's own version brings a giant Bavarian-style beer tent to the racecourse, and this year it comes with a new Big Blue Top stage.

Inside the tent, the live entertainment is led by The Bavarian Strollers, a live oompah band, with drag artist Velma Celli on the bill. There's a traditional funfair on site too, with Dodgems and Twister, and Bavarian fancy dress is encouraged. For food, The Dog Haus serves German-inspired fare like bratwurst, currywurst, schnitzel, apple strudel and pretzels. The Bavarian Bar pours beers from Brew York alongside wines, prosecco, spirits and zero beer.

It's spread across two weekends, so you've got a few different ways to fit it in. Friday sessions run from 7.00 to 11.00pm, and Saturdays have two: one from 1.00 to 5.00pm and another from 7.00 to 11.00pm. Doors open at 6.30pm on Fridays and 12.30pm on Saturdays. It's an 18+ event, and you'll find it at The Clocktower Enclosure, York Racecourse, Knavesmire Rd, York, YO23 1EX.

Tickets are £25 for a standard individual unreserved spot, or £150 for a standard reserved table of six. If you want to go VIP, it's £35 for an individual reserved spot or £210 for a reserved table of six.