Get ready to swap your usual Friday night plans for something a little more festive as Friday Night Racing returns to Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Friday, 2 October 2026.
Gates open at 15:00 and entry is free, giving you the perfect excuse to round up your friends and family and head to the races for an evening inspired by one of the world’s biggest celebrations.
But what exactly is Oktoberfest? It’s basically an event that has become a globally recognised celebration known for bringing people together over great food, beer, live entertainment and plenty of festive energy.
For this edition of Friday Night Racing, we’re putting our own local spin on the celebration. Expect German-inspired flavours, exciting racing, live music, a buzzing beer garden, drinks specials and plenty happening around the track.
In other words: come for the racing, stay for the festivities.
A Beer garden with a local twist
What’s Oktoberfest without a beer garden! The Hollywoodbets Greyville Beer Garden will bring together seven breweries, giving you the chance to explore a selection of locally brewed beers all in one place.
Joining us for the evening will be:
From familiar favourites to craft brews you may not have tried before, the beer garden is the perfect place to settle in, grab a cold one and discover what South Africa’s brewing scene has to offer.
Bring your friends, take your taste buds on a little brewery tour and find your new favourite pour while enjoying the atmosphere of the evening.
Live entertainment all evening
There’ll be plenty happening on the entertainment front, with a lineup designed to keep the energy going long after the first race.
Taking to the stage will be:
Whether you’re there to enjoy the music, soak up the atmosphere or simply have a good time with friends, there’ll be plenty to keep the evening moving between races.
German-inspired Flavours and Plenty to Eat
Of course, an Oktoberfest celebration needs food to match.
A variety of food vendors will be serving up everything from comforting favourites and sweet treats to pizzas, street food and more.
Food vendors include:
Whether you’re craving something savoury, looking for a quick bite between races or saving room for dessert, there’ll be plenty to choose from.
Drinks Specials
The beer garden isn’t the only place to grab a drink. There’ll also be a selection of specials available throughout the evening.
Selected Beers & Ciders – 3 for R90
Grab three selected beers or ciders for just R90 and settle in for the evening.
Whisky Specials – R15 a tot
Whisky lovers can enjoy selected pours for just R15 a tot.
Selected Wines on Special
There’ll also be selected wines on special throughout the evening.
With beer, wine and whisky options available, you’ll have plenty of choice when it comes time to raise a glass.
Durban View Room
If you’re looking for a more relaxed sit-down dining experience, the Durban View Room will also be open for the evening.
The buffet is available for R325 per person, with a menu that brings together hearty favourites and a few dishes inspired by the Oktoberfest theme.
On the menu:
It’s the perfect option if you’d rather settle in for a proper meal while taking in the atmosphere and racing action.
Make a night of it
This Friday, Hollywoodbets Greyville is swapping the ordinary for something a little more festive.
With free entry from 15:00, an exciting evening of racing, a beer garden featuring local breweries, live entertainment, food vendors and drinks specials, Oktoberfest at Friday Night Racing is bringing a taste of the festival spirit to Durban.
