How Oktoberfest Is Celebrated in Northern Cyprus

In late September and early October, Oktoberfest-themed events traditionally begin appearing in Northern Cyprus. Restaurants, bars, hotels and resort complexes host themed evenings and celebrations featuring music, special menus, beer and entertainment. In 2026, the first venues have already announced their dates and programmes, and more events may be added to the calendar closer to October.

• What is Oktoberfest?
• How Oktoberfest is celebrated in Northern Cyprus
• Oktoberfest 2026: dates and venues
• Riva Lounge — 26 September
• Salamis Bay Conti — 26 September
• Caesar Resort — 3 October
• Mackenzie Bay — 3 October
• Kaya Palazzo — 3 October
• The Arkın İskele — 4 October
• Frequently asked questions

What is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest began in Munich in 1810, following a grand public celebration of the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese. The tradition took hold, and over time the festival grew to include music, rides, Bavarian cuisine and large beer tents. Today, Oktoberfest is associated above all with beer, pretzels, sausages, live music and traditional Bavarian clothing — Dirndl and Lederhosen.

Despite its name, the main Oktoberfest in Germany does not take place throughout October. It is held in the second half of September and early October: in 2026, the Munich festival runs from 19 September to 4 October. Most Oktoberfest-themed events in other countries also take place in late September and early October.

How Oktoberfest is celebrated in Northern Cyprus

Oktoberfest has been celebrated in Northern Cyprus for several years. Restaurants, bars, hotels and resort complexes organise their own programmes. Some venues return to this format year after year, so the calendar gradually fills up with new events in late September.

There is no single Oktoberfest in Northern Cyprus. Each venue puts on its own version of the celebration: in some places, it is an evening with beer, pretzels and German dishes; in others, a large concert with an open buffet; and elsewhere, a family celebration with children’s entertainment. Traditional Bavarian-style décor is also common, and staff and guests at some events dress in outfits inspired by Dirndl and Lederhosen.

Oktoberfest-themed events may also take place in Kyrenia’s city parks and at other outdoor venues. These events are often announced closer to the date, so it is worth keeping an eye on the latest event listings.

When choosing an event, it is therefore worth considering not only the date and location, but also the format: programmes for adults, family events and hotel day-use Oktoberfest packages can differ considerably.

Oktoberfest 2026: dates and venues

26 September — Riva Lounge — an evening Oktoberfest from 18:00, with themed food, pretzels, beer and entertainment.

26 September — Salamis Bay Conti, Famagusta — a hotel-style Oktoberfest celebration.

3 October — Caesar Resort, İskele — Oktoberfest at Pantheon from 18:00, with live music, a DJ, games, German-style food and drinks. Free entry.

3 October — Mackenzie Bay — a family Oktoberfest from 14:30 to 18:00, with a children’s programme, games and entertainment. Free entry.

3 October — Kaya Palazzo Resort & Casino, Kyrenia — EFES Oktober Fest from 19:00, featuring a concert by BEDÜK and Ezgi Alaş, beer and a large open buffet with German-style dishes.

4 October — The Arkın İskele — an Oktoberfest day-use package featuring a hotel stay, the sea, a pool, food and drinks; the main themed programme runs from 16:00 to 19:00.

The list may grow: some venues in Northern Cyprus publish their Oktoberfest programmes only a few days or weeks before the event.

Riva Lounge — 26 September

Riva Lounge kicks off its season of themed events on 26 September. It starts at 18:00. The programme features an Oktoberfest with German-style food and drinks, pretzels and beer.

The format is primarily designed for an evening out at a restaurant, rather than a large all-day festival.
Location

Salamis Bay Conti — 26 September

Oktoberfest at Salamis Bay Conti in Famagusta will take place on 26 September from 14:00 to 19:00. The programme includes a festival menu with beer, burgers and hot dogs, live music, a DJ, dance and acrobatic shows, inflatables, festival games and horse rides..
Location

Caesar Resort — 3 October

Oktoberfest at Caesar Resort in İskele will take place on 3 October at the Pantheon venue. It starts at 18:00.

The programme includes live music, a DJ, games, and German-style food and drinks. Admission to the event is free.
Location

Mackenzie Bay — 3 October

Mackenzie Bay is holding a separate Oktoberfest for families with children. The event will take place on 3 October from 14:30 to 18:00, with free entry.

The focus here is not on a beer party, but on family fun. The programme includes children’s entertainment, pony rides, face painting, sand art, a bouncy castle and a children’s disco.

Separate food packages are also available for children. This option is therefore better suited to families who want to spend a few hours with their child while enjoying the Oktoberfest theme.
Location

Kaya Palazzo — 3 October

One of the largest-scale options in 2026 is EFES Oktober Fest at Kaya Palazzo Resort & Casino in Kyrenia. The event will take place on 3 October, with doors opening at 19:00.

BEDÜK and Ezgi Alaş will perform on stage. The programme includes an open buffet with a themed menu. The announced dishes include pretzels, potato and cabbage salads, pork, beef and chicken sausages, roast meat and other German-style dishes.

This is more than just a themed evening at a restaurant: it is a large ticketed Oktoberfest with a concert programme, food and drinks.
Location

The Arkın İskele — 4 October

On 4 October, The Arkın İskele will host an Oktoberfest as part of a full day of relaxation at the hotel. The day-use package is available from 09:00 to 19:00 and includes a buffet breakfast, lunch, drinks at the bars, snacks, use of the outdoor pool and beach, as well as Mini Club activities for children.

The Oktoberfest itself starts at 16:00. An interactive themed dance programme is scheduled for 16:30, followed from 17:00 by competitions and games: a beer-drinking contest, nail-hammering, tug-of-war, musical chairs and sack races. The programme ends at 19:00.

Day-use: 09:00–19:00
Oktoberfest: 16:00–19:00
Price: 110 EUR per person
Children aged 6–11.99: 50% discount
Children aged 0–5.99: free, one child per two adults
Bookings: +90 392 632 20 00
Photo ID or a passport is required for entry.
Location

Frequently asked questions

When does Oktoberfest take place in Northern Cyprus?

The main events in 2026 fall in late September and the first days of October. Programmes have already been announced for 26 September, 3 October and 4 October.

Is there one Oktoberfest for all of Northern Cyprus?

No. These are independent events organised by restaurants, bars, hotels and resort complexes. Each venue has its own date, programme and admission terms.

Are there any free events?

Yes. For example, the listings for Caesar Resort and the family Oktoberfest at Mackenzie Bay on 3 October state that admission is free. The terms for paid events and any additional costs depend on the venue.

Are there Oktoberfest events for children?

Yes. On 3 October, Mackenzie Bay is holding a separate family event with children’s entertainment. Some hotel programmes are also designed for the whole family.

Where will there be a large concert-style Oktoberfest?

On 3 October, EFES Oktober Fest will take place at Kaya Palazzo Resort & Casino in Kyrenia, featuring BEDÜK and Ezgi Alaş, an open buffet and a themed programme.

Do I need to book in advance?

For ticketed events, it is best to buy tickets in advance. For free restaurant and resort programmes, check directly with the organiser whether a table reservation or advance registration is required.

Will more events be announced?

More events are likely to be added to the calendar. Restaurants, bars and hotels in Northern Cyprus hold Oktoberfest celebrations year after year, and some venues publish their programmes only shortly before the event.