The year-long wait is over for Oktoberfest revelers, with the annual festival returning to Happy Wednesday for three race nights at Happy Valley, starting on Wednesday, 26 September.

Exciting sport and a traditional German vibe will bring the spirit of Germany’s world famous event to Hong Kong’s most famous midweek party. The Munich Oktoberfest, which enjoys global renown, originated from a horse race at a royal wedding.

Happy Valley Racecourse will embrace the annual worldwide celebrations for three consecutive Wednesdays (26 September, 3 October and 10 October), offering loads of fun with an edge of modernity. Punchy live German bands, authentic trackside Bavarian-inspired foods, and an abundance of German beers are on offer.

Oktoberfest returning to Happy Wednesday

Opening Party to mark start of festivities

The Oktoberfest party will begin this Wednesday (26 September), with the official pouring of the first stein of beer by Mr. Dieter Lamlé, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s CEO Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. Three ever-popular performing troupes, namely Lederhosen group DDC Breakdance, as well as music groups DDFK and Rock Oompahs will entertain racegoers with live shows.

True to the time-honoured Oktoberfest tradition, fans can join in a host of beer-related games. The Stein Hoisting Challenge (aka the game of holding beer-filled mugs as long as one can) Table Curling and Cornhole Challenge are in the line-up to test fans’ skills and add to the fun, whilst prizes totalling more than $12,000 will also be up for grabs. Gorgeous Oktoberfest ambassadors will be roving in the Beer Garden to take photos with fans.

Authentic German beer and gourmet food

As ever, a delightful array of beverage and culinary delights will be on offer for fans’ enjoyment at the Happy Valley Oktoberfest. More than 18 different beer brands will be on tap to tempt tastebuds, all served ice-cool and foaming – just as they should be. A great selection of traditional fare will also be offered at the Beer Garden take-away counters – Roasted Pork Knuckle with Sauerkraut & Gherkin (HK$125); Poached Pork Knuckle with Sauerkraut & Gherkin (HK$125); Mixed Sausages with Sauerkraut & Gherkin (Cheese Krainer, München, Nürnberger) (HK$75); Sauerkraut and German Mustard Super Hot Dog (HK$60); Pretzels with Obatzda Dips (HK$43); Roasted Chicken, Potato Wedges and Beer Gravy (HK$85); Oktoberfest Roll (Pork Knuckle Meat, Sauerkraut, Gherkin and Cheese) (HK$68); Spicy Chicken Wings with Ketchup (HK$55).

Win a pair of return tickets to Asia cities

Fans taking selfies on-course and sharing them on designated social media platforms are in for a chance to win a pair of return tickets sponsored by Hong Kong Airlines between Hong Kong and popular cities in Asia – Bali (26 September), Bangkok (3 October) and Manila (10 October).

Oktoberfest festivities at the Gallery

The Gallery will celebrate Oktoberfest with German beer Paulaner paired with German-themed main courses and the festive treat of pretzels.

The Gallery will host a special Pink Event on 10 October, when racing host Scarlett Cheng will join the fun with fans. Participants who dress in blue or white on the night will have the chance to win the Best Dressed Award. The winner will receive a HK$800 racecourse food and beverage gift certificate and a glass of Paulaner beer for everyone at their table.

Prost at adrenaline

Happy Wednesday’s lounge is home to a live band that plays all the way until midnight after every race. With balcony views, a buffet featuring German dishes, and signature cocktails, it is the place to be. As part of the festivities, adrenaline will be serving Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier draught beer: Dunkel and Naturtrub.

Online reservations for these two venues can be made online via www.bookingrc.hkjc.com. For more details, please log into http://happywednesday.hkjc.com/en/parties.aspx. For enquiries, please call the HKJC Customer Hotline 1817. All racegoers must be aged 18 or above.