Oktoberfest has officially kicked off in Germany and celebrations can be found just about anywhere in the world. Here are a few events where you can take part in the festivities in Phoenix this month.
Oktoberfest at Pedal Haus Brewery
With locations in Downtown Phoenix, Tempe and Chandler, this locally owned and operated brewery recently launched a special Oktoberfest food menu and annual Oktoberfest beer. At Pedal Haus Tempe and Downtown Phoenix, you can look forward to Pedal Haus beer brats, crispy pork schnitzel, German-style flammkuchen (similar to a flatbread pizza topped with mozzarella, bechamel, applewood smoked bacon, caraway seed and caramelized onions), and a big Bavarian pretzel. The Chandler location will offer those items, plus beer-braised and grilled Von Hanson’s Big Poppa Brats stuffed with bacon, jalapeño and mozzarella. For $15, you can purchase a commemorative Oktoberfest stein filled with your choice of Oktoberfest, German Style Pilsner or Day Drinker Light Lager.
Three Valley locations, pedalhausbrewery.com
Gilbert Oktoberfest
It’s time to lace up your dirndl, throw on your lederhosen and grab a stein to celebrate Oktoberfest in Gilbert on Saturday, October 15 from 2 to 9 p.m. The festival menu will include spiced sausages, bratwurst, pretzels, streusel and refreshing Bavarian suds from some of Gilbert’s finest craft breweries. Attendees can participate in crowd favorites including traditional polka music, a brat-eating contest and a stein-holding competition. This year’s event will include live music from Sublime tribute band Badfish as well as traditional polka from the “Queen of Oktoberfest” and her band The Oktoburlesques.
3005 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, forty8live.com
OktoberWest Festival
Join the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale on Saturday, October 15 for a western twist on a traditional Oktoberfest gathering. From 4 to 10 p.m., you can enjoy this country-themed festival filled with live music from local crooner Ashley Wineland and premier country-rock group, Mogollon Band. You can indulge in mouth-watering food from some of the best food trucks in Arizona along with a variety of beverages in the bourbon-tasting and beer garden. Guests can expect to hear music from a live D.J. and take part in line dancing, corn hole and mechanical bull rides. Proceeds from the event benefit Friends of Freedom, a Phoenix-based veteran nonprofit.
6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale, eventbrite.com
Four Peaks Oktoberfest
Four Peaks Brewing Company’s 49th annual Oktoberfest event will consist of three fun-filled days full of activities for the entire family. Come out to Tempe Town Lake October 7, 8 and 9 to experience traditional polka, bratwurst and brews. Look forward to a kid- and adult-friendly carnival, a stein-holding competition and dachshund races. The festival will also feature three bratwurst tents and a variety of Four Peaks beer selections, German-style drafts, wine and cocktails. Authority Zero, The Black Moods and Voyager headline each day’s live music lineup. Admission for Friday and Saturday is $20 and free on Sunday.
Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., fourpeaksoktoberfest.com
PHOENIX magazine Presents!
Arizona Craft Beer Awards & Festival
Come enjoy Arizona’s best beers at the inaugural Arizona Craft Beer Awards & Festival on Saturday, October 22, a real-life experience of PHOENIX magazine’s recent beer issue. Participating breweries include Bone Haus Brewing, Huss Brewing Co., Simple Machine Brewing Company and more. On-site vendors such as AZ Lemonade Stand, Bro’s Seafood and Tap That AZ add to the fun. General admission is $50 and VIP admission is $80.
9600 W. Sportsman’s Park South, Glendale, azcraftbeer.com
