Ten Days of Dirndls, Beer Steins and Sea Breeze: Oktoberfest in Santa Ponsa Begins on October 17

Celebrate like at home — only with the sound of the sea

When on October 17 the tent canvas at the old windmill of Son Bugadelles flutters again, the air suddenly smells of freshly roasted chicken and autumn. Santa Ponsa invites you to the big Oktoberfest opening in Santa Ponsa: ten days of traditional Bavarian dress (Tracht) — Wikipedia, lederhosen and Bavarian treats, but with the pleasant touch of sea air that always accompanies life on the coast here. If you've ever wanted to hear the clinking of beer steins on a mild evening while gulls cry in the background, this is the perfect setting.

What’s on the table — and in the glass

The organizers rely on tried and true classics: roast chicken (Hendl), pretzels and juicy pork knuckles will be served, and Hofbräu official website pours from real one-litre beer steins. A well-known island innkeeper — familiar to many regulars from previous festivals — is once again responsible for the taps and the kitchen. The waitstaff wear dirndls and lederhosen, the tent smells of roast and spices, and now and then someone waves a flag or leads a hearty song. In short: it will be cozy, loud and a little delightfully kitschy — in the best sense.

Opening hours, admission and practical information

The festival tent accommodates about 1,000 guests. It is open Monday to Friday from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and on weekends from 11:00 AM — closing each day at 11:00 PM. Admission is happily free. If you're coming with a larger group or want the best seats with views of the stage and the windmill, arrive early: the best tables fill up fast. Pro tip: pack a warm jacket for the evenings — the coast cools down quickly, even after a mild day.

Why the festival is good for the island

Events like this are more than just a party. They bring people together — residents, tourists, hotel and restaurant staff — and extend the season, as covered in October in Mallorca: Four Festivals That Make Autumn Tasteable. Last year, alongside German guests, a surprisingly large number of Spanish-speaking visitors joined the celebrations. That creates lively encounters and gives a small economic boost to local businesses: catering, service staff and suppliers benefit as much as small shops in the area. And yes, sometimes familiar faces turn up; the photo opportunities are part of it.

Setup, atmosphere and memories

Setup begins about a week beforehand, when trucks roll in and busy hands hang the blue-and-white garlands. The organizers clearly favor tradition over trendy experiments — a decision that seems to be well received. It’s about sitting together, listening to music, shouting “Prosit!” and sharing that feeling of celebration. As with any large event, not everything went perfectly last time — an unexpected stage incident gave people something to talk about — but most visitors remember the good mood and the communal celebration under the lanterns.

A short, practical tip: parking in the area is limited, and the best way to arrive is often by TIB Mallorca bus network or taxi. If you're planning a special evening, reserve a table if possible.

Quick facts:
When: October 17–26, 2025
Where: Windmill of Santa Ponsa – Son Bugadelles
Admission: free
Capacity: approx. 1,000 seats
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 1:00 PM–11:00 PM, Sat/Sun from 11:00 AM

The mix of Bavarian cosiness and Mallorcan sea air makes the Oktoberfest in Santa Ponsa a popular fixed point in the autumn calendar. So: check your dirndl, polish your lederhosen, and who knows — the music might last into the early night while the waves softly lap the shore outside.