40+ Spots To Celebrate Oktoberfest In Connecticut 2023

April Guilbault

“Let’s get a drink”. “Come over for a drink!”. There’s nothing more convivial than sharing a drink together with a person or a whole group of favorite persons. And isn’t the ol’ saying -it’s 5 o’clock somewhere? Well, here’s a historical “reason” to raise your glasses high-Oktoberfest, the beloved, ancient event involving mouthwatering beers, so much (too much? never!) merriment and some fabulous lederhosen. Oktoberfest-ivities run pretty much the entire month of September and into October, so there are plenty of chances to raise that stein. And remember, we all put our lederhosen on one leg at a time. Prost!

Here are 40+ Spots for Oktoberfest in Connecticut.

Broken Symmetry Gastro Brewery-Bethel

www.downtownoktoberfest.com

Downtown Bethel wants to bring a little sip of Germany to you! Broken Symmetry Gastro Brewery is proud to host a fun-filled and vibrant Downtown Oktoberfest for the whole family. Get in line and enjoy nine rotating draft lines of small-batch craft beer, German lagers will be filling steins held high, there will be local food vendors Notch 8 with their new pizza truck and Whitlock’s pub, live music, golf putting, corn hole, a Stein Holding contest and a Brat Eating competition. Check website for details and you’ll have an unforgettable day out with the family! September 17th, 2023 from 12:00 - 6:00pm


314 Beer Garden-Norwalk

www.314beergarden.com

Dust off your lederhosen and dirndls and get ready for a legendary Oktoberfest celebration at 314 Beer Garden on September 29th! Experience authentic German delights with Brats, pretzels, the finest German beer, and the lively oompah tunes of the Oktoberfest Band from 6pm to 10pm. Prepare for the ultimate battle of the biceps in the Stein Holding challenge – sign up for free on their website to win prizes including a $50 314 gift card, a 314 T-Shirt, and the victorious stein! Champions in both the men's and women's categories proceed to represent 314 at the State Championship Finals at Two Roads Brewing Company. Prost to a night of strength, music, and fun!

Nod Hill Brewery-Ridgefield

www.nodhillbrewery.com

Drink to the end of summer and embrace the coming of fall over steins of hearty lager, good food, and celebratory music - Nod Hill Brewery in Ridgefield embraces the spirit of Oktoberfest during "Fest Season in the Biergarten," which runs from Sept 6 through Oct 8. The brewery will offer numerous German-style beers, including their Festbier, Märzen, Altbier, Kölsch, Gose & Dortmunder Export. Enjoy lagers by the liter, with authentic German-style gravity casks tapped on weekends. Each Saturday afternoon from 9/16 to 10/7, the brewery will feature live Oktoberfest müsik (polkas, brass bands, drinking songs). Walrus Alley will be serving brats, pretzels & more, with other food trucks visiting on weekends. A Steinholding competition will be held on Saturday 9/23, with the winners of the Men's & Women's categories invited to the official state championships in October! Admission is free, anyone under 21 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian. Come enjoy a uniquely festive setting in our Biergarten, with a casual & fun atmosphere that evokes an Old World feeling. For more info, visit www.nodhillbrewery.com - there you can subscribe to a weekly e-newsletter, the best way to stay updated on what's happening each week.

Elicit Brewing Company-Manchester

www.elicitbrewing.com

Get ready to raise your steins and join in the jubilant festivities at Elicit Brewing Company’s third annual Oktoberfest! This eagerly anticipated celebration will be hosted in Elicit’s outdoor biergarten and feature a wide array of house-brewed beers and handcrafted cocktails as well as plenty of guest drafts, ciders and seltzers. Elicit will offer a variety of activities for everyone including yard games, German inspired fare, stein-hoisting competitions, carnival games and live music. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or simply seeking an unforgettable day of merriment, this festival has something for everyone! Oktoberfest is held on October 7th from 12pm-7pm and tickets are available through the link provided here: elicit-brewing-company.ticketleap.com/oktoberfest-2023/

Hartford Yard Goats G.O.A.T. Brew & Wine Fest-Hartford

www.milb.com

The G.O.A.T. Brew Fest is a home run for beer enthusiasts, foodies, and family and friends looking for a great afternoon. Taking place at Dunkin’ Park, named Best Ballpark in America four times, the G.O.A.T. Brew Fest gives attendees unprecedented access to the home of the Hartford Yard Goats. Established in 2017, the G.O.A.T. Brew Fest features over 50 local breweries, seltzers, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks. Looking for fun, creative food options? They’ve got you covered. Live Music is featured on the field throughout the day. The G.O.A.T. Brew Fest is held Saturday, October 21st from 3-6pm at Dunkin’ Park. Tickets start at just $60, with a V.I.G. (Very Important Goat) option to get in early at 2pm. All attendees receive a commemorative mug. 

Hopmeadow Brewing Company-Avon

www.hopmeadowbrewingcompany.com

Hopmeadow Brewing Company is celebrating Oktoberfest in the most authentic way. From September 16th through October 3rd, enjoy 5 different German-Style beers on tap and hand-crafted by Hopmeadow Brewing Co. including two Weissbiers & Oktoberfest Bier. Drink from a 1-liter Stein while enjoying authentic German decor and soaking up the festive atmosphere. There will be live music, the ever-popular "Best Dressed Oktoberfest Enthusiast" (including dogs!) every Friday night at 6:30pm-with prizes!  and food trucks on site every night. Would you expect any less? Come on down and yell “Prost!” with us!

Oktoberfest in the Park-Stamford

https://millriverpark.org/event/oktoberfest-2022/

Oktoberfest  in the Park returns to Mill River Park in downtown Stamford, CT!  On Saturday September 30th and Sunday October 1st, from 2pm to 9pm, this 21+ event will immerse you in the rich traditions of Bavaria.  Revel in the festive atmosphere with live music, including toe-tapping Polka and other genres, performed throughout the day.  Savor the variety of delectable treats from their food vendors and participate in exciting contests like the King of the Stein completion and a thrilling food eating contest. This Oktoberfest promises a fantastic time, filled with laughter, great company, and unforgettable memories.  Prost! 

Two Roads Brewing Company-Stratford

www.tworoadsbrewing.com

Get your lederhosen and dirndl ready for the largest Oktoberfest event in the state, the Two Roads Ok2berfest! Hosted on their 10-acre campus in Stratford, CT, the 10th annual Ok2berfest festival will take place on Saturday, September 16th and Sunday, September 17th. The “Road Less Traveled” version of the classic German beer fest delivers on live music, mouth-watering food from local food trucks, and the new Two Roads Food Hall, along with endless activities and vendors. Test your strength in the traditional the stein hoisting competition, have a cigar on their Area Two rooftop, or take a bite out of the competition in their bratwurst eating challenge! Get your tickets soon - general admission and limited VIP tickets are on sale on their site now but tickets tend to sell out before the festival.

Walrus Alley – Westport

www.WalrusAlley.com

 Walrus Alley, renowned for its mouthwatering offerings and outdoor music, is proudly hosting its 6th consecutive Oktoberfest celebration. A tradition deeply rooted in its history, the restaurant's connection to German culture is no accident. Its once sister restaurant, Rothbard, was a haven for lovers of Austrian and German cuisine and refreshments. As Fairfield County’s go-to caterer for most Oktoberfest parties in the vicinity, Walrus has established itself as a central figure in the local German festivities. Of course, Oktoberfest at Walrus Alley isn't just a once-a-year occasion. Year-round, guests can dive into the restaurant's rich menu, which alongside American Southern cuisine, boasts German classics like schnitzel and bratwurst. For beer enthusiasts, Walrus Alley is a treasure trove, offering an array of hard-to-find German beers.

This year’s festivities start at 2pm with local legends Massive Diva, with the soulful vocals of Matt Rhone.  The Corduroys, with Dave Schnider of The Zambonis, will hit the stage at 7pm.  Local brewery, Nod Hill will be represented with a beer tent. Brats and other must-have German eats will be available from their food tent.  Reservations for table service is recommended.  Whether you're a longtime local or a first-time visitor, make your way to Walrus Alley and indulge in an Oktoberfest experience like no other.

Westoberfest-Westport

www.westportdowntown.com

Westoberfest, the Westport Downtown Association’s Oktoberfest style event, is taking place on October 14th in the heart of Downtown Westport! Enjoy over 60 tastings thoughtfully chosen in collaboration with Ninety9Bottles, from a variety of award-winning and innovative craft breweries plus an assortment of fun fall activities including: live music from One Bad Oyster, local food by Walrus Alley, Kneads Bakery, Lobstercraft and Little Pub, plus a pumpkin and apple giveaway, a street magician, strolling bubbles and face painting for the kids with activities led by the Artists Collective, MoCa Westport, and more. Plus, many vendors onsite including Savvy + Grace, Carib Collections, Stretch Zone and Fairfield Theatre Company. Enjoy unique take-home tasting glasses with matching beer koozies provided by Lux Bond and Green in a location steps away from the best shops and restaurants Westport has to offer! Westoberfest will be the perfect way to spend an October afternoon with friends and family with something for everyone! Head to events.beerfests.com/e/westoberfest

 to get your tickets! Save by buying in advance! 


Alvarium Beer Co.-New Britain

www.alvariumbeer.com

Alvarium's 2023 Okotberfest party is Saturday September 23rd. Join in their fun-filled day and enjoy seasonally paired offerings from Alvarium Roasting and Alvarium Beer companies! Food, music, competitions, fun costumes and more!


At the Corner-Litchfield

www.atthecorner.com

Saturday, September 16th through Sunday, October 1st, At the Corner will be celebrating Oktoberfest with a German-inspired menu and accompanying beers on tap; potato pancakes, Smoked Trout dip, giant Bavarian pretzels, Brats and Sauerkraut, Apple Strudel and more to fill out your lederhosen.


Back East Brewing Company-Bloomfield

www.backeastbrewing.com

Grab your lederhosen and save the date, because Back East Brewing's annual Oktoberfest Celebration is just around the corner! Happening 12-10pm on September 29th, Back East Brewing will have live music, German food specials, games and celebratory activities, and of course a full lineup of German style beers! 


Beer Garden at Shippan Landing-Stamford

www.beeratthelanding.com 

The annual Oktoberfest celebration at the Beer Garden at Shippan Landing is returning during the month of September! Starting Sept. 14th and continuing through the 24th, they will be highlighting various food trucks and bands. Check their website for times and details.

Berlinetta Brewing-Bridgeport

www.berlinettabrewing.com

Oktoberfest will happen on Sunday, September 17th-mark your calendar and get yourself to Bridgeport! Check out the new Marzen release, listen to live music and flex for the Stein Holding competition *every hour*. Fun starts at 1pm.

Bethel Downtown Oktoberfest-Bethel

www.downtownoktoberfest.com/tickets

A fun-for-all-ages Oktoberfest on Sunday, September 17th from 12:00-6:00pm. Hosted by Broken Symmetry Brewing, downtown Bethel will be overflowing with German lagers, food vendors and music. Lederhosen encouraged!

Brass City Brew & ‘Que-Waterbury

www.brasscitybrewandque.com

The Brass City Brew and ‘Que will be held for the 17th year on Saturday, October 7th in beautiful Library Park in Waterbury, Connecticut. Sample over 200 varieties of beer and other libations, hear live music from the Rob Glassman Band, partake in the beer Olympics, view the amateur barbeque pit competition, and much more. 

Brewfest at the Beach-New London

www.beerfests.com

On the Boardwalk at Ocean Beach Park, September 29th from 6:00pm-9:00pm will be the scene for live music, beer and food..all under the stars! Limited tickets available in advance at the door. Money raised benefits programs and organizations in the local area, as well as regional and international organizations.


Broad Brook Brewing-Suffield

www.broadbrookbrewing.com

Oktoberfest Kickoff Party with The Happy Five Oompah Band will take place Saturday, September 16th, from 11:30am-9pm. To accompanying all the oompahs will be German food specials, a Steinholding Competition (this is a U.S. Steinholding Competition CT State Champion qualifying event) and plenty of Oktoberfest beers to whet your whistle.

Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce BrewFest-Bristol

www.centralctchambers.org/brewfest

Head over to Muzzy Field on Saturday, September 16th, from 1pm-6pm to join in their BrewFest, which will have tastings-a-plenty, live music from multiple bands and food trucks galore. Check out the VIP Plus and VIP Plus + experiences. Email: info@centralctchambers.org

Change is in the Air Festival-New Haven

www.changeisintheairfest.net
3rd annual festival that aims to create a more inclusive beer industry, all the while highlighting black and brown food vendors, music, and art! Daym Drops will emcee and you can enjoy more tastes from 22 CT breweries. 

Charter Oak Brewery-Danbury

www.charteroakbrewing.com

It all goes down on Saturday Sept 30th 1-6pm. They’ll have 10 Oktoberfest/Fall beers on draft as well as German beer styles on draft from now until October 15th. They will be celebrating Oktoberfest with music, brats and raffles. German attire is strongly encouraged!

Crazy Brew Bash-Plantsville
www.crazybashes.com

8th Annual Crazy Brew Bash on Saturday, September 23rd from 12noon-4pm at Mount Southington Ski Area! They’ll have hundreds (!) of beers, plenty of sampling, a Bloody Mary contest, food trucks, raffles and giveaways, live music. Psst-bring a toy to the event for their Toy Drive.

Connecticut Valley Brewing Company-South Windsor

www.ctvalleybrewing.com

On Wednesday, September 13th, grab a brew and join the fun of their Oktoberfest Beer Trivia night! It’s free to play, teams are welcome and the top 3 of them win some prizes (lederhosen?).

Counter Weight Brewing Co.-Cheshire

www.counterweightbrewing.com

Oktoberfest 2023 is happening on September 22-24 from 12noon-10pm! There will German-inspired food and beer (of course), games, music and stein holding (again, of course)! Don’t miss the fun!

East Rock Brewing Company-New Haven

www.eastrockbeer.com

The only German-inspired brewery in CT is a perfect place for their 4th annual Oktoberfest that goes from October 7 at 12noon to October 8th at 4pm.  Choose your Session tickets (Oct. 7 12-4, Oct. 7 5-9pm, Oct. 8 12-4) and your tickets and raise a stein! Live music, German-inspired food, games, and prizes. Limited tickets available so don’t miss out!

East Side Restaurant-New Britain

www.eastsiderestaurant.com

September 16th is their official German Oktoberfest Kick Off! From 4:30pm-8:30pm, raise those steins and delight in authentic German culinary delights such as their Burgermeister Platter with German sausage, Knockwurst or Bratwurst, Jaeger Schnitzel, Spaetzle, Sauerbraten, and Black Forest Cake.

Half Full Brewery-Stamford

www.halffullbrewery.com

On September 16th from 12noon-11pm, Half Full will be kicking off Oktoberfest with special beer releases, live music, beer garden games (of course) and much more. First keg gets tapped at the strike of noon!

Harvest Bounty Brewfest-Litchfield

www.beerfests.com

October 7th is the day and 2pm-6pm is the time for the 16th Annual Harvest Bounty BrewFest! They’ve got over 20 brewers of beer, wine and spirits, food vendors, and 2 live bands and the first 150 registrants/attendees get a free tasting glass. Tickets online or at the gate.

The Hops Company-Derby

www.thehopscompany.com

You’re invited to the 7th Annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, October 8th!  Doors open at 12:00pm and the party continues until 10:00pm. Authentic German music by the Adler’s Band & the HSV Bavaria Dancers, stein-holding contest, German-style beers, food, games, prizes and giveaways. Free entry.

Jealous Monk-Mystic

www.jealous-monk.com

The events of all events: U.S. Steinholding Association Sanctioned Event…Steinholding Competition! September 13th at 5pm. One male and one female winner will be then invited to attend the state championships on Oct.15th at Two Roads Brewery in Stratford. Start practicing!

Litchfield Community Center-Litchfield

www.thecommunitycenter.org

16th Annual Harvest Bounty Brewfest on Saturday, October 7th from 2:00pm-6:00p under the tent! There will be 16 Craft brewers of beer, cider, and spirits, plenty of food vendors, live music, games and fire pits. Special glass guaranteed to the first 150 registrants.

Little Goose Cafe-Fairfield

www.littlegoosefairfield.com
Little Goose will be celebrating Oktoberfest from Saturday, Sept 23 through Sunday, Oct 1st, with live music (on Sunday 10/1) from 1-4pm.

Max’s Hoptoberfest-Simsbury

www.beerfests.com

October 8th is the day for Max’s 8th Annual Hoptoberfest at Rosedale Farms and Vineyards! Live music and a beerfest-inspired spread by Max Catering and Events. A portion of each ticket sold goes to the Max Cares Foundation, which aims to provide financial support to non-profit educational and charitable organizations within the Greater Hartford community.

Mohegan Sun BrewFest-Uncasville

www.mohegansun.com

On October 21st from 3:00pm-6:00pm at the Expo and Convention Center, you can sample over 100 beers from across the region, enjoy live music and take part in their Wicked Cornhole tourney. Signature food from local restaurants will be included in the ticket price.

Outer Light Brewing Co.-Groton

www.outerlightbrewing.com

Saturday, September 9th will be their Oktoberfest, to celebrate there Marzen-style lager release! Live music, cask tapping, great food, and wear all the lederhosen and dirndls you’ve dreamed of wearing. Family friendly, free admission.

Powder Ridge Beer Festival-Middlefield

www.powderridgepark.com

On Sunday, October 7th, from 3pm-8pm, belly up to the bar for beers (from over 50 breweries), brats and bands. Then, get those competitive juices flowing for their keg toss and stein-holding competitions!

Quinnipiac River Marina Oktoberfest-New Haven

Sunday, October 8th 3-7PM at 307 Front Street New Haven, Celebrate with live music from The Polka Brothers, & Adam Matlock, Food from Tavern On State, Fair Haven Oyster Co, The Pearl, East Rock Breads and Beer from New England Brewing. Tickets online at provisionsonstate.com or $10 CASH day of event.

Quaasy Amusement and Waterpark Oktoberfest-Middlebury

www.quassy.com

Step up to their Pavilion on September 23-24th for their Oktoberfest celebration, with live music, pre-sale meal, beverage and all-day ride passes available online using code OKTOBERFEST23.

Redding Roadhouse-Redding

www.thereddingroadhouse.com

The Redding Roadhouse is thrilled to be hosting their annual Oktoberfest celebration with Nod Hill Brewery and musical guests Hitch and The Giddyup on Saturday, October 14. They will be serving Oktoberfest fare and pouring german brews from October 4th-22nd!

Reverie Brewing-Newtown

www.reveriebrewing.com
September 30th from 12noon-10pm is the day for their 5th Annual Oktoberfest! Live music, food trucks, and fun. Table reservations needed for the outdoor patio and tent tables for groups of 4-10. Email events@reveriebrewing to reserve.

Rowayton Civic Association-Rowayton

www.rowaytoncivicassociation.org

The beloved 10th Annual Oktoberfest returns on Saturday, October 21st with
German food, beer, singing and dancing from 5:00pm-11:00pm. Tickets available online.

Smoke in the Valley Craft Beer and HomeBrew Festival-Derby

www.eventbrite.com

At BadSons Beer Co., on October 21st from 12noon-4:30pm, the fun begins! There will be a home brew competitions, beers and liquors from 30 local, regional and national breweries and distillers. To add to the fun, the home brew competition will feature beers brewed with candy, so there will be adult trick-or-treating and a costume contest!

Spacecat Brewing Company-Norwalk

www.spacecatbrewing.com

On October Oct 6, 7 & 8th from 12:00-8:00pm, join them to celebrate Oktoberfest and their 2nd anniversary! German beers, stein-holding contest, games and raffles. Tickets available online. Only 300 tickets will be sold, so don’t wait around in your lederhosen.

Stony Creek Brewery-Branford

www.stonycreekbeer.com

It’s Docktoberfest 2023-An Oktoberfest Celebrations! Head to Stony Creek on October 14-15 and you’ll be treated to a German beer garden with food trucks, games such a Stein Holding Competitions and plenty of good beer.

Torrington Oktoberfest-Torrington

www.mainsttorrington.org

Saturday, September 30th from 4:30pm-9:00pm at the Franklin Plaza will be the spot for their 3rd annual Oktoberfest! Live music, craft beer and brats. Tickets are limited and no tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets available on www.eventbrite.com

Tox Brewing Company-New London

www.toxbrewing.com

Save that date! September 16th from 12noon-9pm, Toxtoberfest will be in full swing! Beer, food, entertainment, contests…the usual fun that you won’t want to miss.

Tribus Beer-Milford

www.tribusbeer.co

Saturday, September 9th, they will host their version of Oktoberfest: Tribus Fest! Special beers and food menu, games, prizes, lots of music and oh so much more. Tickets available online and in their taproom (special pricing).

Twelve Percent Beer Project-North Haven

twelvepercentbeerproject.square.site

September 29th-October 1st! Festive live music, dancing, games, German food from vendors such as the Meriden Turner Society and Hop Haus Food Truck and beer, beer, beer. Get tickets online.

Wakeman Town Farm-Westport

www.wakemantownfarm.org
October 15, from 12-4pm, head to The Beer Garden at The Farm for their family event with live music, vendors, food and crafts (craft-crafts, not craft beer) for the kids!

Walrus Alley-Westport

www.walrusalley.com

Put September 30th on the calendar-ALL day! Get your brats, hear some bands, nosh on BBQ and all hail the beer!