From 10 to 12 September 2026, it’s that time of year again at the German International School Pretoria: O’zapft is!

Since 1977, Oktoberfest has been an important part of our school’s history. What began with a small group of dedicated organisers has grown into Pretoria’s Original Oktoberfest, one of the biggest events in our school community and, at the same time, the largest fundraiser of the German International School Pretoria.

And in 2026, there is once again plenty to look forward to!

A Line-Up Worth Celebrating

For an authentic Oktoberfest atmosphere, the Frankenräuber are travelling all the way from Germany to Pretoria. With traditional brass music, Oktoberfest favourites, party hits and plenty of good humour, they will have the main festival tent singing, dancing and swaying along.

This year’s programme also features a fantastic South African line-up, including Robbie Wessels, Nicholis Louw, Ivan Roux, Dodo Nyoka, Drommedaris, Maeztro and Cantina Brass.

This combination captures exactly what has made our Oktoberfest so special for many years: German tradition and South African joie de vivre.

Whether it’s Oompah music in the festival tent, South African stars on stage or celebrating together in the beer garden, there will be plenty of great music and entertainment throughout all three days.

A Festival for Food Lovers

Of course, no real Oktoberfest would be complete without great food.

Look forward to traditional German favourites such as Eisbein, Kassler, Bockwurst and pretzels – and, of course, no Oktoberfest would be complete without a traditional Lebkuchenherz gingerbread heart.

Our food area also offers a wide variety of additional options for anyone looking for something different. Culinary-wise, Oktoberfest becomes a celebration of both German festival traditions and Pretoria’s diverse food culture.

Saturday starts in especially traditional fashion with a Bavarian Weißwurst breakfast. The Frankenräuber will provide the live music – it is hard to get much closer to a real Oktoberfest experience under African skies.

Three Days – Three Special Experiences

On Thursday, the festival begins with the VIP Opening Night and traditional German Gemütlichkeit in the main festival tent.

Friday is our “Festival Friday”: music, dancing, the beer garden and a full evening of Oktoberfest celebrations.

And on Saturday, Oktoberfest becomes a festival for the whole family, with live music, rides, games, entertainment for children and, of course, plenty of Oktoberfest atmosphere.

More Than Just an Oktoberfest

Perhaps the most special part of our festival is something you will not find on the official programme.

Every year, countless people from our school community make Oktoberfest possible: parents, students, teachers, staff members, alumni, friends and supporters of the DSP. Together, their ideas, countless hours of work and helping hands create three truly special days.

And it is all for a good cause. As the school’s largest fundraiser, Oktoberfest directly supports the German International School Pretoria and its continued development.

Since 1977, Oktoberfest has become much more than just an event.

It is a piece of Germany in Pretoria. A piece of Pretoria with German roots. And above all, a festival that brings people together.

So Come and Join Us!

Celebrate with us, bring your friends and family, and experience German tradition under African skies.

Look forward to fantastic live music, great food, genuine Oktoberfest Gemütlichkeit and three days filled with celebration, encounters and unforgettable moments.

10–12 September 2026

German International School Pretoria

We look forward to seeing you at the 48th Oktoberfest – O’zapft is!

Tickets: https://oktoberfest.howler.co.za/events/the-original-oktoberfest-in-pretoria-2026-454b?utm_campaign=Instant+Search&utm_medium=Web&utm_source=Howler+Search