Lake Garda

Gaia Tickets&Tours

Looking for a fun family day out near Verona combining wildlife, nature and entertainment? In September and October 2026, Parco Natura Viva hosts a special event: the Family Oktoberfest, bringing Bavarian traditions, live music, games and family activities to the wildlife park.

From 19 September to 4 October 2026, visitors can enjoy a Bavarian-style atmosphere alongside the park’s animals and attractions. On selected Saturdays, the celebrations continue into the evening, with the park staying open until 10:00 PM.

When is Oktoberfest at Parco Natura Viva?

The Family Oktoberfest 2026 takes place over three weekends:

- 19-20 September 2026

- 26-27 September 2026

- 3-4 October 2026

The Sunday dates feature the daytime Oktoberfest, while special Oktoberfest Nights are scheduled for 19 September, 26 September and 3 October.On these evenings, the park remains open until 10:00 PM, with evening admission from 5:00 PM.Opening times and activities may change for organisational reasons and to ensure the wellbeing of the animals.

What can you do at Parco Natura Viva during Oktoberfest?

The Family Oktoberfest is different from a traditional Oktoberfest because it takes place inside a wildlife park.Visitors can combine a day of discovering animals and nature with Bavarian-inspired food, live music, games and educational activities.

The Adventure Camp area is transformed into a Bavarian-style village, where families can take part in activities throughout the day.

Children can enjoy traditional games such as tug of war and sack races, as well as the LunaEcoPark, an area featuring sustainable games designed to combine play with environmental education.

 Oktoberfest at Natura Viva for families with children

The Family Oktoberfest is designed with children in mind too.On Sundays, children can enjoy themed face painting, with designs inspired by wildlife or Oktoberfest. Another family activity is “Tutti per Rino”, a rhino-themed treasure hunt that introduces children to this fascinating animal and the importance of wildlife conservation through play.The treasure hunt is available by reservation and is followed by a special talk dedicated to rhinos.

Live music and Bavarian traditions

Live music is part of the Oktoberfest atmosphere throughout the event weekends.A special performance is scheduled for Saturday 3 October 2026, featuring a Schuhplattler Show. This traditional Bavarian folk dance is known for its rhythmic clapping, jumps and energetic movements, offering visitors the chance to experience a distinctive Alpine tradition.

What to eat at the Oktoberfest

Food is another important part of the Family Oktoberfest experience.During the event, several food areas inside Parco Natura Viva offer dishes and snacks inspired by Bavarian cuisine.Visitors can enjoy pretzels, waffles, crêpes and other options for a quick break.

Oktoberfest Night: Parco Natura Viva open until 10 PM

The three Oktoberfest Nights on 19 September, 26 September and 3 October offer a different way to experience the park.The park remains open until 10:00 PM, with evening admission from 5:00 PM.

Live music, Bavarian-inspired food and a festive atmosphere continue into the evening.

However, the different areas of the park may close progressively during the evening according to organisational requirements and animal welfare considerations.

If seeing the animals is one of the main reasons for your visit, arriving earlier is therefore recommended.

An Oktoberfest supporting rhino conservation

The event also has a conservation aspect.Through the “A Beer to Save Rhinos” initiative, part of the proceeds from beer sales is donated to **Openature Foundation**, the park’s foundation, to support rhino conservation projects in the wild.This means that visitors can enjoy the event while also contributing to wildlife conservation.

Parco Natura Viva opening hours during Oktoberfest 2026

During the daytime Oktoberfest dates, Parco Natura Viva is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with last admission at 6:00 PM. The Safari area is open from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with last admission at 6:00 PM. During the Oktoberfest Nights, the park is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with last admission at 7:00 PM. The Safari area remains open from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM.Animal viewing times may vary depending on the closing times of individual areas.

How much time should you spend at Parco Natura Viva?

If you are planning a visit during Oktoberfest, allow enough time to enjoy both the wildlife park and the special event activities.You can spend part of the day exploring the animals and Safari area, take a break for lunch and then enjoy the Oktoberfest activities during the afternoon.

On the Oktoberfest Night dates, you can stay until the evening and enjoy live music and Bavarian-inspired food. This makes the event an interesting option for a family day out near Verona and Lake Garda in autumn.

Parco Natura Viva tickets: buy online and save €5

Planning your visit to Parco Natura Viva? Book your tickets online with us and save €5 compared to the regular price at the park. Choose the ticket that suits your visit: Fauna + Safari: €25 instead of €30 Fauna only: €20 instead of €25 Buy your ticket online in advance and enjoy a full day discovering the animals, nature and special events at Parco Natura Viva — including the Family Oktoberfest weekends.

Buy your ticket online here in advance and enjoy a full day discovering the animals, nature and special events at Parco Natura Viva — including the Family Oktoberfest weekends.