Exeter’s 2026 Oktoberfest was officially opened on Friday 25th September with a ceremonial barrel tapping ceremony led by the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Gemma Rolstone and Councillor Gordon Czapiewski, Chairman of Mid Devon Council, at the sustainability-driven Utopian brewery. In doing so, the Mayor and the Leader followed in the footsteps of the many officials who have tapped open the Munich Oktoberfest since 1950.
The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Gemma Rolstone said, “I am delighted to be taking part in this year’s Oktoberfest celebrations at Utopian Brewery and to continue the long-standing tradition of the ceremonial barrel tapping. Exeter is fortunate to be home to innovative businesses that are gaining recognition far beyond our region, and it is wonderful to see local companies bringing people together through events that celebrate both craftsmanship and community. I look forward to joining the team and raising a glass to another successful Oktoberfest.”
Utopian Founder and CEO Richard Archer said, “In the same way that Oktoberfest brings an enviable global attention to the style and highest quality brewing standards in the original ‘beer-land’ of Bavaria, we’re adopting the German festival ethos – but in a Devonian Utopian Arcadian way. We’re taking this opportunity to showcase our philosophy, commitment and of course, our delicious, award-winning premium lagers and beers of all styles, educating as we enjoy it all.”
Richard continues, “Our Head Brewer Jeremy has created our limited-edition festival brews as our homage to two of the world’s favourite beer styles and we can’t wait to share them and take our Exeter Arcadia locals and supporters on this beerland adventure with us.”
Exeter’s Arcadia has now transformed into Devon’s own Oktoberfest beer hall as Utopian takes over the venue for a nine-day celebration of ‘seriously good, award-winning British lager’ with a distinctly Bavarian twist and a Devonian attitude.
From 25 September to 3 October, Arcadia’s Oktoberfest takeover sees steins, beer flights, Bavarian-inspired food and entertainment, head-brewer chats and likely some lederhosen, to the epicentre of Exeter. The nine-day beer festival is built around two special Oktoberfest Utopian beers, created to mark the 2026 occasion by Head Brewer Jeremy Swainson, who trained in Munich.
Jeremy’s limited-edition brews feature a ‘Fest Mȁrzen’, the historic Oktoberfest amber style beer, alongside the ‘Festbier’ style now more commonly associated with the famous Munich festival.
Utopian Brewing is the Devon-based craft brewery on a mission to create world-class premium British lagers, brewed sustainably using 100% British-grown malt and hops in every pint. Founded in 2018 by passionate and visionary beer enthusiast Richard Archer, and backed by over 200 local crowdfund investors, Utopian brews from a repurposed farm building at Clannaborough Barton near Crediton.
The company was recently heralded by leading beer critic Adrian Tierney-Jones as one of his 10 ‘British brewing stars’ and ‘one of the most impressive of the new wave of lager makers.’ In the just-announced 2026 World Beer Awards Utopian took an impressive four accolades including; England Country Winner for their Bohemian Lager and the Silver medal for their Alcohol-Free Pilsner in the No and Low Alcohol Lager category.
Arcadia is Utopian Brewing’s flagship bar and eatery in Exeter, housed in a once-empty historic building on Northernhay Place recently reborn as a relaxed, community-focused taproom and kitchen. Alongside Utopian’s full range of British-brewed beers, Arcadia serves a small-plates menu drawing on global flavours and fresh, local ingredients, plus an independent wine list and a Sunday roast.
Since opening in March 2025, Arcadia has quickly become one of the city’s best-loved spots — winning Best Bar at the 2025/2026 Food Drink Devon Awards, with judges praising its welcoming atmosphere and quality offering.
Oktoberfest at Arcadia and the limited-edition Fest Mȁrzen and Festbier festival brews bind together the Utopian team’s commitment to historic Bavarian beer traditions, delivered in a contemporary, sustainable Devonian way.
A beer and food pairing dining evening on Friday 25th September saw a set menu of small plates offering Bavarian-themed food matched with the Festival beers which were also available in ‘Steins’ (traditional litre jugs). While lederhosen or German dress styling wasn’t a requirement, it’s certainly wasn’t discouraged and was be the perfect attire to experience Devon’s premier Oktoberfest event.
Further Oktoberfest events include a Meet the Brewer Guided Beer Tasting with Utopian’s Head Brewer Jeremy Swainson between 18:30 – 20:30, Tuesday 29th September. Alongside five different beer tastings with light snacks, Jeremy will take attendees on a journey through the history of Oktoberfest, his time in Munich, how he uses his German knowledge in his everyday Devon brewing techniques and the beer styles included in the tasters for the evening. Saturday 3rd offers a BBQ between 12:00 – 14:30 featuring the legendary Bratwurst sausage. Events come to a close on Saturday 3rd October with Oktoberfest After-dark DJ set and a party between 22:00 and midnight with optional Oktoberfest themed fancy dress.
Tickets are available for the Meet the Brewer Guided Beer Tasting at Arcadia via this link.
