Oktoberfest at The Wow Side

An Oktoberfest at the gates of Rome

Established in 2024, the Oktoberfest at The Wow Side is an autumn event that brings the atmosphere of the world's greatest beer festival to Fiumicino, in the Metropolitan City of Rome, at the heart of Lazio. The large outdoor square of the shopping centre on Viale Donato Bramante, just a stone's throw from Parco Leonardo and Leonardo da Vinci Airport, is decked out with Bavarian-style huts and artisanal sets that recreate a traditional Munich village.

Beers and dining

The heart of the event is, of course, the beer. The participating breweries offer a selection of craft beers ranging from the most beloved styles: light lagers and helles, citrusy and hoppy IPAs, rounded amber reds, and special seasonal brews. To accompany your pint, there is typical Bavarian festival cuisine served at the street food stands in the event square.

• Wooden huts with craft beers on tap
• Street food and traditional Bavarian dishes
• Communal outdoor tables, in the true spirit of a Festzelt
• Discounts for loyalty card holders of the centre

Music, shows, and kids' area

Throughout the event, the square is enlivened by live music and roving performances: bands playing traditional Bavarian folk repertoires, along with entertainment designed for all ages. Plenty of space is reserved for the little ones, with a kids' area managed by professional entertainers, face painting, and free creative workshops with an autumn theme (usually by reservation, as spots are limited).

Why it's worth a visit

Unlike large ticketed beer festivals, this Oktoberfest follows a different formula: it takes place in a redeveloped commercial space, admission is free, and there is no obligation to purchase. It is a convenient option for those living on the Roman coast or in the western districts of the capital who are looking for a family afternoon without the hassle of a long trip. The centre's free covered parking and its proximity to the Parco Leonardo train station make the event easily accessible even for those arriving from Rome.

Fiumicino beyond the airport

Those who take the opportunity to stay in the area will discover a town that offers much more than just the airport: the Fiumicino canal port with its seafood trattorias, the archaeological site of the Ports of Claudius and Trajan, the Macchiagrande nature reserve, and the beaches of Fregene and Focene are all just a few minutes' drive away. A Lazio-style Oktoberfest can thus become the perfect excuse for a full day along the Tyrrhenian coast, north of the Tiber river mouth.

When it takes place

The event is traditionally held between late September and the first weekends of October, following the calendar of the Munich festival. Previous editions have spanned one or two consecutive weekends, with hours covering the entire day until evening. The exact dates are announced each year on the shopping centre's official channels closer to the event.