The great Marina di Carrara Beer Festival, featuring Bavarian steins, German cuisine, and live music.
The Carrara Bier Fest is one of the most deeply rooted summer events on the Tuscan coast: every year, between late August and early September, the spacious CarraraFiere grounds in Marina di Carrara turn into a large Bavarian village filled with long tables, beer steins, and music. The event takes place in the municipality of Carrara, in the province of Massa-Carrara, in the heart of the Apuan coast, and has always been a highlight of the summer season for both locals and tourists.
The festival has its roots in the historic twinning between Carrara and the German city of Ingolstadt, active since 1962. This bond of friendship between the two communities inspired the idea of celebrating Bavarian brewing traditions together, bringing the atmosphere, flavors, and folklore of Germany to the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Over the years, the Carrara Bier Fest has grown into a late-summer classic, attracting thousands of visitors from all over Tuscany and nearby Liguria.
The heart of the event is, of course, the draught beer: the essential Bavarian Weiss, blonde, and red varieties, accompanied by options to suit every taste. Alongside the steins, the large dining area offers authentic German specialties, from bratwurst to pork knuckle, sauerkraut, and desserts, all in a convivial setting with long tables under large tents.
Every evening, the stage comes alive with live music, German folk bands, and entertainment that keeps the party going late into the night, creating an authentic Apuan Oktoberfest atmosphere. The event is designed for families and groups of friends, offering ample space and an informal vibe.
After facing the risk of cancellation, a group of local entrepreneurs relaunched the festival: it is now managed by a new team that has invested in refreshing the event while keeping its popular spirit and connection to tradition intact. The Carrara Bier Fest remains one of the most anticipated free events of the Apuan summer, a symbol of friendship between Carrara and Bavaria.
The Carrara Bier Fest 2026 will be held at CarraraFiere, in Marina di Carrara, from August 21 to September 5, 2026. This edition marks the relaunch of the historic beer festival, saved by a group of local entrepreneurs and entrusted to new management (Level srl), who have also overseen a visual refresh of the event.
Free admission is confirmed, as is the Apuan Oktoberfest atmosphere, with draught Weiss, blonde, and red beers — this year featuring the introduction of a gluten-free option — Bavarian gastronomy, and live music every night. To facilitate access, a free shuttle service will connect the fair with the station and the town center on opening evenings.
The detailed program for each evening will be announced by the organizers in the weeks leading up to the event. As per tradition, the festival will feature live music, Bavarian folklore, and entertainment from the main stage every night.
For the 2026 edition, some of the entertainment highlights have already been announced, including "Manny" Manfred and Simone Lorenzini, along with traveling events leading up to the festival. Evening opening is generally scheduled from 6:00 PM until late at night.
Full details (times, guests, and evening schedules) will be published on the event's official channels.
The Carrara Bier Fest is held at CarraraFiere, at Viale Galileo Galilei 133, in Marina di Carrara (Massa-Carrara), Tuscany.
By car: take the Carrara exit on the A12 motorway, then follow signs for Marina di Carrara. By train: Carrara-Avenza station, from which a free shuttle service to the fair is available on event evenings. By plane: Pisa airport is about an hour away.
Admission is free. The area generally opens in the late afternoon (from 6:00 PM) and continues until late at night. It is recommended to check the updated hours on the official channels.
The event is very busy on weekends: it is best to arrive early to find a seat. A dedicated shuttle service is available to comfortably reach the fair from the station and the town center.
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CarraraFiere
Viale Galileo Galilei 133, 54033 Carrara