A giant Oktoberfest is coming to Greater Montreal with 400 craft beers starting at $2 a taste

Calling all Montreal beer lovers! You don't have to fly to Germany to experience the magic of Oktoberfest next month.

In fact, by hopping in the car for 30 minutes (or spending less than an hour on public transit), you can join 40,000 festival-goers as you sample 400 craft beers while enjoying delicious eats, comedy shows, musical performances and carnival rides — all in a beautiful riverfront setting, over the course of three days.

Oh, and did we mention each 4-ounce serving costs just $2 to $5 a pop?

Now in its 17th edition, Oktoberfest de Repentigny (l'Okto de Repentigny) has earned a reputation for being "one of the most important events of its kind" in the province. As Quebec's tourism board put it, "the Repentigny Oktoberfest is much more than an opportunity to taste a vast selection of beers: it is an immersion in the heart of Quebec flavours."

To tap into the rich tapestry of local brews, all you have to do is purchase a day pass, which comes with the glass of your choosing: $18 for a plastic cup (currently $14.66 if you snag the discount in time) or $24 for a souvenir glass. There are also three-day passes that gain you access to the entire fest ($30 to $35), and anyone who isn't drinking — if you're 17 or under, that means you! — gets in free.

With your glass in hand, you can meander between the kiosks, stopping to fill your cup with taste-test-sized portions of ale (or lager or IPA or... you get it) from tons of Quebec microbrasseries, including Pit Caribou, Ô Quai Des Brasseurs, Shawbridge, Le Trèfle Noir, Madawaska, Dieu du Ciel!, Benelux, Passenger Brewing Company and La Souche.

Cocktails, mocktails and ciders are also set to be available.

This year, for the first time ever, one of the festival's official beers is non-alcoholic: a zero-proof Gose by Alchimiste Microbrasserie — their take on the refreshing German sour wheat beer that combines salt, lemon, thyme and rosemary.

"We decided to feature a non-alcoholic beer this year in response to the changing expectations of our festival-goers. More and more people are looking for options that allow them to celebrate responsibly without compromising fun or taste," said Justin Archambault, founder of Oktoberfest de Repentigny, in a press release.

"This decision is also a tribute to the innovation and creativity of local brewers who are rising to the challenge of producing alcohol-free beers."

Regardless of whether you're staying sober or hitting the booze hard, you can pair your drinks with tasty snacks from 20 different food trucks as well as a dose of entertainment.

For $24, you'll get stand-up comedy hosted by Christophe Dupéré, a tasting workshop by the IPA podcast and Randolph's Bière Mystère game, described in the press release as "an exceptional sensory experience."

Then there are the concerts. "On the Loto-Québec stage, Oktoberfest pays tribute to Karl Tremblay with La Grand-Messe / Tribute to Les Cowboys Fringants on Friday night at 8 p.m., with opening act Fred Beretta. On Saturday night, Dumas and Oui merci will get the crowd dancing, and on Sunday, Fuso closes the festivities at 2 p.m.," the release reads.

Of course, no alcohol will be served to minors. However, children can still get in on the action with face painting, animation and an inflatable play area. Plus, at less than $6 a ride, the Ferris wheel provides breathtaking views of the river.

The 2024 Oktoberfest de Repentigny event is set to take place at Parc de l'Île-Lebel from September 6 to 8. This gives you plenty of time to transfer funds from your 'Munich plane ticket' savings account to your 'local beer drinking' chequing account.

Cheers, Montreal! Or shall we say, "Prost!"

These prices are confirmed at the time of publishing, but they can change at any time. Taxes and fees may not be included.

MTL Blog does not condone the overconsumption of alcohol or other substances. If you're going to drink alcohol or consume cannabis, please do so responsibly and only if you're of legal age.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.