Oktoberfest is back for the 2023 season and celebrations can be found around Arizona. Here are some events and festivals that are fun for all types of connoisseurs.
Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest 2023 Four Peaks Oktoberfest Gilbert Oktoberfest Arizona Craft Beer and Awards Festival OktoberWest Festival
San Tan Brewing Company and Pedal Haus Brewery are hosting their second annual Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest from September 30 to October 1. Live music headliners include Superhero on Saturday and Metalhead on Sunday. There will be German fare, canned cocktails from SanTan Spirits and plenty of local beer from Pedal Haus Brewery. Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest, held at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, will also have a family fun zone and a brat eating contest. Online Saturday presale tickets are $20 and $16 for Sunday.
178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler santanbrewing.com/event/downtown-chandler-oktoberfest-2023; eventbrite.com
The 50th anniversary of Four Peaks Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake will consist of three days filled with Bavarian-themed activities. The festival, held on October 13, 14 and 15 will feature live music throughout the weekend, including headliners Rock Lobster, Hollywood Gods N’ Monsters, and 2Tone Lizard Kings. Activities include carnival rides and games, a stein holding competition and everyone’s favorite, the dachshund races. Don’t forget to enjoy some authentic bratwurst and German beers. Pre-sale tickets for Friday and Saturday are $16 and Sunday is free. Anyone under 21 receives free admission.
80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, fourpeaksoktoberfest.com/music-listing
Gilbert Oktoberfest is kicking off the autumn season on October 7 with a lineup of events for everyone to enjoy. There will be bratwursts, pretzels and some of Gilbert’s finest local craft beers. Some of the breweries include O.H.S.O Brewery and Distillery, Oro Brewing Company and Desert Monks Brewing Co. Show off your skills and take on the stein holding contest and if you’re feeling hungry, try the brat eating contest. The Klaberheads will be in attendance to bring in the crowd for some polka music with a twist. Tickets are $15.
50 E. Civic Center Dr., Gilbert, forty8live.com/gilbertoktoberfest
PHOENIX magazine is presenting its second annual AZ Craft Beer Awards on Saturday, October 21, to recognize the best in Arizona brewing. In attendance will be 27+ breweries including Four Peaks Brewing, Huss Brewing and Bone Haus Brewing. All tickets will include a bountiful amount of drink tickets and a commemorative sample cup. There will also be on-site food vendors such as Melted Envy Mac & Cheese and Pelon’s Foodtruck. General admission is $50 and VIP admission is $70.
9600 W. Sportsman’s Park South, Glendale, azcraftbeer.com
The Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale is holding its OktoberWest festival on Saturday October 21 from 7 to 10 p.m. This country-themed festival takes a different approach to the usual German Oktoberfest celebrations. The festival will have craft cocktails, bourbon and savory barbecue for all. There will be plenty of country dancing and local Arizona bands including Southern Ways. Join the wild side and challenge yourself by riding the mechanical bull or play a game of cornhole while enjoying a cold beer. Tickets are available for $50 online. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Scottsdale Charros, an organization that supports youth sports and education.
6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale, kierlandafterdark.com/upcoming-events/oktoberwest
5 Local Beer Festivals to Toast to This Fall
Jacob SnelgroveSeptember 28, 2023
