You don't have to go to Germany to enjoy the traditional German Oktoberfest celebrations. The state of Florida is just one of many in the United States that is hosting its own versions of the traditional beer festival.

The world's biggest Oktoberfest event is in Munich, Germany, where the festival has been a part of the city's cultural calendar for over 175 years. The annual ten day event sees an estimated six million visitors coming to the city, making it the world's biggest fair of any type. Over the years though, the tradition has spread to become a worldwide event and Florida is just one of several US states that take part. Michigan also holds a big Oktoberfest event, which in fact became the first outside of Germany to be officially recognised by the city of Munich. Other countries that also have Oktoberfest events include Canada, Mexico, Ireland and Australia.

Unlike Germany at this time of year when temperatures are cooling and there's an Autumn chill in the air, Florida is still experiencing warm sunny weather. Typical weather in Orlando during the first half of October would be bright sunshine with daytime highs in the high twenties - just like the best days of a British summer. Despite the weather differences, Florida seems to have embraced the Oktoberfest tradition wholeheartedly. There are celebrations and festivals all over the state where people can enjoy a bier, bratwurst, music and the camaraderie the tradition engenders.

Florida's specific Oktoberfest variations include the Daytona Biketoberfest, when the resort welcomes bikers from all over the state and beyond to a festival that has been taking place since 1937. Other Oktoberfest events in Florida include The Greater Gator Beer Festival in Gainsville, the Germany Pavilion that forms part of Epcot's International Food