Mallorca is getting a taste of Bavaria this autumn as Santa Ponsa prepares to welcome back its Oktoberfest celebrations, with ten days of live entertainment, traditional German food and giant beer steins.
The popular event returns from Friday, October 23, until Sunday, November 1, for its third edition, transforming the fairground beside the windmill in Santa Ponsa, Calvià, into a festival tent inspired by Germany’s famous beer celebrations.
With Mallorca’s busy summer season winding down, the festival offers residents and visitors another reason to get together, enjoy live music and experience a different side of the island’s autumn social scene.
Traditional German food and beer
Food will be a major attraction, with the festival serving Bavarian favourites alongside vegetarian alternatives.
The menu is expected to include grilled pork knuckle with gravy and potato dumplings, spit-roasted chicken, traditional Bavarian meatloaf, white sausages with pretzels and sweet mustard, and Kaiserschmarrn, a shredded pancake dessert served with apple purée.
Vegetarian options will also be available, including a traditional Bavarian cheese spread, vegetable-filled pasta and salads.
The festival kitchen is scheduled to operate daily from 1pm until 9.30pm, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy a meal before settling in for the evening’s entertainment.
Beer drinkers can order a one-litre stein of original Munich Hofbräu beer for €14.90. Alcohol-free beer and Radler, a beer mixed with a soft drink, are also listed on the drinks menu at €13.60 per litre.
Live bands and Bavarian entertainment
Music will be at the heart of the celebrations, with performers bringing everything from traditional Bavarian sounds to party anthems to the festival tent.
Announced acts include Austrian party band ZWIRN, Munich-based showband Happy Bavarians, Mallorca-based schlager singer Mia Weber and performer Lola, known for appearances at major Oktoberfest celebrations. Further artists, DJs and performance times are expected to be announced.
Visitors can also look forward to traditional festival games, including stein-holding competitions and the popular nail-driving challenge, where participants test their skills with a hammer.
A dirndl costume contest is another planned highlight, giving guests the chance to show off traditional Bavarian dress. Judges will assess the overall look, accessories and authenticity of the outfits.
The programme will also feature FC Germania Mallorca, the island’s German football club, as part of the celebrations.
Where is Oktoberfest in Santa Ponsa?
The festival will take place at the fairground beside the windmill, on Frente de la Molina in Santa Ponsa, close to the motorway exit. Organisers say parking is available on both sides of the festival tent, making it accessible for visitors travelling from other parts of Mallorca.
The event listing describes admission as free, although visitors planning to reserve a table should check the booking conditions. ArtsMallorca lists table reservations at €20 per person, redeemable against food and drink.
With traditional food, live entertainment and a full programme of activities, Santa Ponsa’s Oktoberfest promises a lively alternative to the usual autumn evenings on the island.