By: Staff Writer
October 18, Colombo (LNW): Colombo’s entertainment calendar is set for a distinctly Bavarian flavour as City of Dreams Sri Lanka prepares to host four nights of Oktoberfest celebrations at The Podium from October 21 to 24, combining German cuisine, live music and a festive atmosphere aimed at bringing together friends, colleagues and partygoers.
Powered by Commercial Bank, the event seeks to recreate the lively spirit of Germany’s celebrated Oktoberfest tradition in the Sri Lankan capital, offering visitors an opportunity to experience Bavarian food, beverages and musical entertainment without travelling overseas.
At the centre of the celebrations will be Slipping Chairs, the headline musical act performing exclusively at City of Dreams Sri Lanka during this year’s Oktoberfest season. The band will take the stage on all four evenings, providing continuity across the festival while sharing the spotlight with a different supporting act each night.
The opening performance on October 21 will feature Cold Sweat alongside Slipping Chairs. Black will join the headline band on October 22, followed by Pop Culture on October 23. Magic Box Mix Up will complete the programme on October 24, bringing the four-day celebration to a close.
Organisers have designed the event around a combination of live performances, food and beverages, creating an environment suited to after-work gatherings, social occasions and evening entertainment. The changing musical line-up is expected to offer visitors a different experience each night while retaining the festival’s central attraction.
Food will be a major feature, with a Bavarian buffet showcasing traditional German specialities. Among the highlights will be Schweinshaxe, the crispy pork knuckle associated with German cuisine, alongside grilled Leberkäse and German sausages, including Weisswurst and Cheese Krainer.
The spread will also feature Obatzda, a traditional Bavarian cheese dip served with freshly baked pretzels. Guests can finish their meals with Apfelstrudel, the classic apple pastry that has become a familiar feature of Central European cuisine.
Generous servings of beverages and the lively atmosphere of The Podium are intended to complement the dining experience, positioning the festival as a social outing rather than simply a musical performance.
Tickets are priced at LKR 9,800 nett per person, including the Bavarian buffet and live entertainment. The package offers visitors a combined dining and entertainment experience within a single ticket price.
The event also reflects the growing role of themed dining and international entertainment in Colombo’s hospitality sector. By combining a recognisable European festival concept with live local performances and speciality cuisine, City of Dreams Sri Lanka is seeking to attract customers looking for experiences beyond conventional restaurant visits.
With four consecutive evenings of performances and a menu centred on Bavarian favourites, Oktoberfest promises to bring a taste of Germany to Colombo while providing a lively gathering point for the city’s entertainment-seeking public.
