LEISURE CHARTS

Find out what’s happening in the UAE this week.

Aslice of Munich comes to the UAE this month as restaurants around the country celebrate the Bavarian folk festival of Oktoberfest. The festival that usually runs for around 16-18 days started on September 16 and ran until October 3 in Munich, but most places in the UAE is just getting the party started this weekend so you have all the time to tuck into the bests of the wursts.

GIRDERS GARDEN AT JA OCEAN VIEW HOTEL

Oktoberfest revelries run throughout October. There’ll be singing, dancing, games and plenty of traditional food. Daily until October 31, from 4pm-1am. An Oktoberfest themed brunch will be served today and on October 13 and 20 from Dh199 per person; call 04 814 5590.

GRAND HYATT DUBAI

From October 11-28, you can dance to the Oktoberfest Die Kirchdorfer band (they get flown in from Munich every year). The packages at this hugely popular venue start from Dh195; call 04 317 2222. Wear your best lederhosen.

JW MARRIOTT HOTEL DUBAI

The party is already on at the hotel’s German restaurant Hofbräuhaus; it runs until October 28. A traditional live band will set the atmosphere while you tuck into Bavarian delicacies such as Wies’n hendl, (roasted chicken) and beef goulash. The Oktoberfest buffet is available on Thursdays and Fridays from Dh120; call 04 607 7977 or visit DiscoverJWMarriottDubai.com.

QD’S 2.0 AT EMIRATES GOLF CLUB

The QD’s tent will transform into an Oktoberfest party tent until October 14, decked out in the classic Oktoberfest colours of blue and white. The tent will also host a live oompah band, traditional foods and a special Okto-berunch today and on October 7, 13 and 14. Brunch packages start from Dh135, standard entry is Dh50 but guests dressed in their best dirndls and lederhosen get in free; from 5pm-2am. Call 04 4179999.

STEIGENBERGER HOTEL BUSINESS BAY

All things German will be celebrated in style at the Brotfest at the Brothaus Bakery-Bistro. The bistro’s outdoor terrace will play German tunes, and host competitions like stein holding, best dressed contests, board games and more. On Fridays, enjoy a special Brotfest Brunch starting from Dh195 per person. Until October 31; from 12pm till late. Call 04 3690000.

HILTON ABU DHABI

Today’s the day for the celebrations at the hotel’s Beach Garden, with performances by Das Element, a five-piece German band . You can also enjoy traditional Bavarian dishes like sauerkraut, apple strudel and pretzels. 7pm until late, Dh160 per person; call 02 692 4247.

LE MERIDIEN ABU DHABI

The hotel’s 14th Oktoberfest kicks off on October 26. The Münchner Buam band will perform traditional oompah music over two days and there’s a dedicated play area for kids while you enjoy a German buffet of pretzels, sauerkraut and potato salad. Entry is free, Dh120 per person for the buffet; 7pm on Thursday and 12.30pm on Friday; call 02 644 6666.

SHERATON ABU DHABI

Take the party to the beach with Oktoberfest at The Beachcomber on October 19 and 20. A buffet of traditional dishes starts at Dh120. From 7pm Thursday and 12.30pm Friday; call 02 677 3333.