CIR Life & Luxury
After a six-year absence, German Business Cambodia (GBC) is reviving the highly anticipated Oktoberfest in Phnom Penh. The festival, a major event in the city’s social calendar, celebrates Cambodian-German relations through traditional German food, music, and entertainment. Set to take place on October 25th and 26th at the Connexion Community Mall on Koh Pich Island, Oktoberfest Cambodia 2024 promises to reconnect the Cambodian community with German culture while fostering ties between the two nations.
GBC, a founding chapter of EuroCham Cambodia, has organized the event since the early 2000s, hosting it in venues such as Sunway Hotel, Hotel Cambodiana, and even large tents on Koh Pich. However, the festival has been on hold since 2018 due to various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a lack of sponsorship, and manpower shortages. This year’s event marks its return, offering an all-inclusive package that incorporates entertainment, food, beer, and soft drinks.
Reviving a Cultural Tradition
GBC President Tassilo Brinzer expressed excitement over the festival’s return and the renewed collaboration with successful Oktoberfest models from neighboring countries. “The Oktoberfest was a highlight of the Phnom Penh event calendar for many years, but from 2018 we had difficulties to make it work due to COVID-19, a lack of manpower, sponsors, or venues,” Brinzer explained. He noted that the revival is made possible by aligning with the successful formats used in Vietnam and Thailand, which focus on offering an all-inclusive experience for attendees. “This year should be the first of a new series of Oktoberfests in Cambodia, and we are really excited to launch it again in 2024,” he added.
Up to 1,000 guests are expected to attend the festival, which will feature a blend of traditional and modern German food, live entertainment, and drinks. Guests will enjoy a performance by Ozapft, a six-piece band from Germany and Austria, known for playing at Oktoberfest celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Bangkok. The band will bring the lively atmosphere of Bavaria to Phnom Penh, while local food partners Hops Restaurants and Hummus House will serve an array of German and international dishes, including BBQ and vegetarian options.
Cambrew Ltd., the event’s official beer partner, will provide an assortment of beers, including Carlsberg, Angkor Beer, Singha, 1664 Blanc, and Black Panther, alongside various soft drink options to cater to all preferences. Guests will also receive a complimentary German beer stein as a keepsake, while wines and selected spirits will be available for purchase.
Community Support and Key Partners
The local business community has rallied behind the event, with notable companies such as Auskhmer, Celliers d’Asie, DHL, Rhenus, Rieckermann, Hellmann, and Würth lending their support to ensure the festival’s success. The event also has a partnership with the BMW Motorrad Club Cambodia, whose president, Oum Bunreth, embarked on a journey from Munich to Cambodia on his BMW GS 1250 to coincide with Oktoberfest. Unfortunately, Bunreth encountered engine trouble in Bulgaria, which delayed his trip, but he will address the crowd via a video message from China, where he is currently traveling. His trip, along with the festival, is raising funds for Cambodia’s Kantha Bopha Foundation.
German Ambassador to Cambodia, H.E. Stefan Messerer, will officially open the event on Friday, October 25th, at 7:00 PM. The festival is expected to attract a significant number of VIPs and Cambodian celebrities, continuing its tradition of being one of Phnom Penh’s major social gatherings.
Tickets for the event are priced at $52 and are available for purchase at the door, with group discounts available. Each ticket includes access to the live entertainment, free-flowing food and drinks, and entry to an after-party at Chew & Bash Club, located within walking distance of the Connexion Community Mall.
Brinzer emphasized that the festival not only celebrates German culture but also plays a key role in strengthening Cambodian-German business ties. “German Business Cambodia looks forward to celebrating this joyous occasion and to fostering the continued friendship between Cambodia and Germany,” he said. As Oktoberfest Cambodia 2024 makes its much-awaited return, it is expected to once again become a signature event on Phnom Penh’s social calendar, providing attendees with a memorable cultural experience while supporting local businesses and charitable causes.
Event Details:
- Dates: Friday & Saturday, October 25 & 26, 2024
- Location: Connexion Community Mall, Ground Floor, Koh Pich Island, Phnom Penh
- Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Entrance fee: USD 52 at the door (group discounts available)
