Filtering by Tag: Kids Cooking Classes,Oktoberfest

Guide to Kids Cooking Camps & Classes (2025 Edition)

Features Cooking Cooking Classes Kids Cooking Camp Kids Cooking Classes kids activity Homepage

Hannah Goodman

Spring is just about here and summer is not far behind, which means warmer weather is finally upon us. Yay! It also means that new and exciting cooking classes and camps for young kids, teens, and in-betweens are just around the corner. This list offers one-day classes, private chef-lead cooking parties, and week-long (or summer-long) camp sessions for all types of cuisines and skill levels. Whether your high schoolers are looking to hone their knife sharpening and other kitchen techniques, or your elementary school-aged kids just want to bake cupcakes from scratch and decorate them (whilst licking the bowl), Connecticut has many opportunities for a wide range of culinary interests. Some classes are coming up this month and summer programs fill up quickly, so don’t delay! Keep your kids’ creative juices flowing and register them today! 


Guide To CT's Fall/Winter Cooking Classes For Adults & Kids

Features Cooking Cooking Classes Education Kids Cooking Camp kids cooking party Kids Cooking Classes Highlight

Hannah Goodman

Let’s admit it, summer is over. But instead of being sad about the end of hot days and warm nights, why not get excited about what autumn and winter have in store for us? Put away those bathing suits, flip-flops, and floppy beach hats we bought on a whim because we thought they were cute but never actually wore. Now get out those deliciously cozy leaf-colored sweaters, oversized flannels, and UGG(ly) slippers because it’s time for the best cooking, baking, and cocktail classes CT has in store this season. 

Oh me, oh my, are there some amazingly inspired courses out there! Whether you’re looking for a date night culinary adventure, a girls’ night out pizza making and wine tasting experience, classes for your little ones, or advice on eating clean, mean, and in-between, this list has you 100% covered. So don’t be sad that those long summer days are behind us, be glad they happened. Then get over it, because the best of 2024 has yet to come! 


60+ Spots To Celebrate Oktoberfest In Connecticut (2024 Edition)

Features Oktoberfest Brewery Beer CT Beer Events Homepage

Carly Terzigni

Summer vacation has come to an end, which can only mean one thing…it’s Oktoberfest season!  Known for its abundance of excellent beer and German food, you’ll find restaurants, bars, and festivals across the state offering an Oktoberfest celebration in the coming weeks. You can find one-day events or, in some instances, festivities that span multiple weeks.

As the name implies, Oktoberfest originally took place over 16 days in October. These days, the festivities usually begin sooner, with the first festivals starting in September. That means your favorite Connecticut town or restaurant is in the final preparation phases for this year’s Oktoberfest. Organized by county, you’ll be able to find an Oktoberfest celebration near you. 


Guide to Kids Cooking Camps & Classes (2024 Edition)

Features Cooking Classes Kids Cooking Camp Kids Cooking Classes Cooking Summer Camp Homepage

Hannah Goodman

Spring is right around the corner and summer will be here before you know it, so why not stay ahead of the game and take advantage of the many kids cooking classes and camps being offered all over Connecticut? There’s nothing quite as important as your children’s diet. Each of these courses will teach them about nutrition, kitchen safety, food preparation, different types of cuisines, and how to make food and cooking fun. Every child is creative in their own right, so let these culinary chefs help foster their creativity and you may just have someone cooking for YOU…and let’s be honest, that would sure be a nice change. 


Guide To Cooking Classes In Connecticut (2023 Edition)

Features Cooking Cooking Classes Education Kids Cooking Classes Guide Highlight

Carly Terzigni

It’s that time of year again when fall-inspired meals are probably popping up all across your social media feed. If you ever caught yourself thinking, “Wow, I’d love to be able to cook something like that myself,” then it may be time to look into taking a cooking class! And with the holidays right around the corner, now is the perfect time to brush up on your culinary skills. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year or have been charged with bringing a dish to your office holiday party, make this year the one where you really impress your family and friends!

There are many businesses across the state that offer cooking classes and workshops to hone your craft. Classes can range from learning how to use the various tools in your kitchen to preparing everything from soups to desserts. Take a look through this roundup of classes and see which ones you can put to use this holiday season – they also make for a great gift idea for the budding chef in your family!


40+ Spots To Celebrate Oktoberfest In Connecticut 2023

Events Features Holiday Oktoberfest Brewery CT Beer Events EVENT Festival Beer Dinner Beer Festival Homepage

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!


Guide to Kids Cooking Camps & Classes 2023

Features Guide Cooking Classes Kids Cooking Classes Kids Cooking Camp Summer Camp Cooking Homepage

April Guilbault

There are so many kids camps and classes to choose from these days, why not choose one that starts with the basics: our food. Classes at these following establishments range from the basics of utensil skills to cooking up favorite foods and learning about nutrition and where our food is grown. That’s a whole lot of inspired learning about something that is both important and delicious and can be carried with a person long past a single summer. Bon appetit, foodies-in-training!


30+ Spots to Celebrate Oktoberfest 2022 in Connecticut

Brewery Features Events Oktoberfest Festival Beer CT Beer Beer Garden Holiday Homepage

April Guilbault

Hops is on the brain and Oktoberfest is on the calendar. It’s that delightful time of year to gather with friends, German-style! Chomp into a giant pretzel, grill a brat, raise a stein (or 20, if you are partaking in a competition), and then toast, toast, and toast some more. Across our state, Oktoberfest celebrations are happening and you’ve simply got to get in on one of them. A better time will not be had! Prost!


Guide to Kids Cooking Classes & Camps in Connecticut (2022 Edition)

Features Cooking Cooking Classes Kids kids activity Kids Cooking Classes Guide Education Highlight

April Guilbault

Feels like we were all just stuck home together and dreaming of getting OUT and low and behold, now we can! Let’s start with getting those kiddos some cool stuff to do once school lets out. Let’s hear it for cooking camps! To learn (in a fun way) about food, where it comes from, what the heck we can do with it, and yummm, how it tastes-what could be better? Follow it with some parent-kid trips to your local farms or farmers’ markets, and lookie there, you’ve just filled the calendar a bit for the summer months. Here’s to brilliant and tasty new discoveries!


25+ Spots To Celebrate Oktoberfest in Connecticut

Features Events Oktoberfest EVENT News Beer CT Beer Holiday Homepage

April Guilbault

Who doesn’t love a wedding? Wait…what? Did you know that Oktoberfest got its start in 1810 as a celebration of the wedding of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen? (please try saying that last name after a stein of brew.) We can get onboard with any wedding celebration that involves giant pretzels, bratwurst for miles, and beer flowing like a Bavarian river. Another little factoid for you to thrill your beer-buddies with: the current Oktoberfest in Germany only serves beer from the original six breweries in Munich. Our list, lucky for you, is a tad longer. You can call that a win and not even have to fly anywhere. Oktoberfest, weddings, whatever you are celebrating-Raise those steins! Prost!

Enjoy these 25+ spots to celebrate OKTOBERFEST in Connecticut!


Westoberfest Downtown Westport Beer Festival w/ Over 50 Craft Breweries, Food & Fun sponsored post

Events Features Festival Oktoberfest

CTbites Team

Over 30 New England craft breweries will serve up their favorite seasonal beer tastings at Westoberfest on October 19 at 2:00 p.m. in the heart of downtown Westport on Elm Street. Building on a successful inaugural event last year, and in partnership with Westport's newest wine and spirits merchant, The Grapevine, there will be even MORE breweries this year, with more than 50 unique pours of the best local and regional craft beer for three hours of unlimited tasting. Buy your tickets here!

The perfect complement to flavorful craft brews is tasty food, and Westoberfest will serve up two local favorites, Kawa Ni and Rothbard Ale + Larder, with options to satisfy any appetite. Line up early to experience traditional brats and pretzels from Rothbard’s or satisfy your culinary craving with spicy miso ramen, tofu pockets, and sesame noodles from Kawa Ni. The always crave-worthy DoughGirls truck will also be making an appearance in the kids' area (yes, there’s a KIDS AREA).

What’s on the Menu? Check it out…


Nibble: Tasty CT Food Events For September 15-22

Features Events News Oktoberfest Festival

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

The 7th Annual Two Roads Ok2berfest takes place September 21 starting at 12pm.  In addition to the brewery’s own tasty drafts, there will be Authentic German music, German-style beers, food, games and more. 

Artisan West Hartford celebrates its 2nd Anniversary with a Havana Nights themed party on Wednesday September 18.  Executive Chef Frederic Kieffer will be showcasing Cuban-themed cuisine including: Cubanos with pulled pork and pickles, Ropa Vieja , and other appetizers.  In addition, unlimited Beer, Wine, Soda and Signature cocktails will be served.  Dressing up for the event is encouraged! 

Max Chef to Farm presents an Oktoberfest Dinner at Hanging Hills Brewery on Thursday September 19.  This collaboration will bring Chef Hunter Morton together with selections from one of Connecticut's most popular craft brewers, Hanging Hills Brewing Company.  Tickets are $79 inclusive and the event is limited to 70 seats. 

Match Restaurant in Norwalk is turning TWENTYCelebrate with them on Thursday September 19.  Party with complimentary bites and bubbles along with a cash bar for other specialty drinks. 

Greenwich Wine + Food Festival, located at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, CT, is a multi-day event celebrating this area’s rich culinary landscape and showcasing innovation in the food and beverage industries.  This year’s festival includes special guests like Martha Stewart, Margaret and Geoffrey Zakarian, and Valerie Bertinelli.  Little Big Town headlines the musical entertainment.  This year’s proceeds will go toward Food Rescue US and Greenwich Parks & Recreation. 


20+ Places for Oktoberfest in CT: 2019 Edition

Features Oktoberfest Holiday Festival CT Beer Beer Garden Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

It may be called OKTOBERfest, but 2019’s Oktoberfest festivities are kicking off as early as September!  Breweries are creating their own German inspired beers while popular restaurants are providing their own renditions of bratwurst and more.  Get your lederhosen ready… Oktoberfest 2019 is here!

The Hops Company, Derby

The Hops Company will be hosting its 4th annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, October 13, 2019 beginning at 12:00pm.  Featuring Von Trapp Brewery, the day will include live bands, giveaways, and specialty casks.  A highlight of The Hops Company’s Oktoberfest is the Stein Hoisting Contest.  Each winner will receive an overnight stay for two at the Von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT.

Half Full Brewery, Stamford

Oktoberfest in the Park, presented by Half Full Brewery, returns to Stamford on September 27 & 28.  Festivities include food trucks, a Pop-Up Beer Garden, and Live Music from a variety of local and regional acts. The festival is held in support of the Mill River Park Collaborative and takes place on The North Lawn & Grand Steps in Mill River Park in downtown Stamford. 

Troupe429, Norwalk

Saturday October 5 is PRIDEtoberfest at Troupe429 in Norwalk.  The free event features plenty of drinks, food, and live performances. 

Sandy Hook Craft Beer Festival, Newtown

Just in time for your Octoberfest parties comes the Sandy Hook Craft Beer Festival.  There are currently over 45 breweries signed up and 6 food trucks.  Additional vendors will provide food, candy, spirits and other shopping fun.  Join them Saturday October 15 from 1-5pm.


Nibble: CT Food Events For Week of September 30th - October 7th

Features Events News Oktoberfest Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

On October 7, put your stomach to the ultimate test with the inaugural Dew Drop Wing Eating Contest!  It costs $25 per person to enter and proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club. 

Millwright’s Social Club, in conjunction with The Wise Old Dog, will take place on Wednesday October 3 from 6-7:30pm.  The “casual night of food and drink in the loft” will feature wines from Lieu Duet and Peterson Winery.  It is $50 per person.

On October 4, Hadley + Occum, Farm Dinner Events continue with Chefs from Àvert.  The series takes place at Sub Edge Farm in Farmington from 6-9pm. 

It’s the end of summer (sigh) and Artisan in Southport invites you to an “End of Summer Patio Party” on Tuesday October 4.  From 5-7pm, enjoy complimentary cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and live music.


20+ Places To Celebrate Oktoberfest in CT: 2018 Edition

Features Holiday Oktoberfest Beer Garden CT Beer Events

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Fall is here!  That means spice pumpkin lattes, apple picking, Halloween shopping, and of course… Oktoberfest!  Connecticut restaurants, farms, museums, and fairgrounds are holding their own versions of the German holiday.  These places are serving up German-inspired cuisine, brews, music, entertainment, and more. We will continue to update this list as venues announce events. Check back for more events throughout the month. 


CTBites Scene: Ok2berfest At Two Roads Brewing

Features Brewery Oktoberfest

James Gribbon

CTBites travels Connecticut finding the best food, drinks, and events in the state. Sometimes we'll see you out there as part of a new series we're calling CTBites Scene. 

Ok2berfest returned to Two Roads Brewing Company in Stratford on September 16-17, and CTBites was there. This was the fifth year of the highly anticipated event, and a capacity crowd of 3,000 was on hand each of the two days as bands played, food trucks sold their cornucopia, and the sun shone. Two Roads brewed three specialty beers for the event: Ein marzen, Zwei festbier, and drei altbier.

Did you make the scene?


Places To Celebrate Oktoberfest in CT: 2017 Edition

Features Events Oktoberfest

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Oktoberfest is arriving early this year!  Local restaurants and hotspots are celebrating the fall festival as early as September!  From authentic German cuisine to live music to imported beers, here are places in Connecticut with upcoming Oktoberfest celebrations. Do you know of an event we missed? Share your Oktoberfest party below.

  1. Two Roads, Stratford: The 5th Annual Two Roads Ok2berfest takes place September 16 and 17. There will be authentic German music, German-style beers, food, games and more.
  2. Rothbard Ale & Larder, Westport: Their second annual Oktoberfest will take place on Saturday, September 23. Join them for authentic German beers, dishes, games, and live music all day long.
  3. Half Full, Stamford: At Half Full Brewery, Octoberfest is “CanToberfest.” On September 30, enjoy a pop up beer garden, lawn games, a can stein hoist competition, food trucks, and more. The festival will support the Mill River Park Collaborative
  4. Beer Garden at Shippan Landing, Stamford: On September 16 & 17, participate in Oktoberfest at The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing! The two day event features pumpkin and harvest beers, cocktails, live music, food trucks, contests and more!
  5. The Seehund, New London: The Seehund German Pub & Restaurant will celebrate Oktoberfest from Join us October 6-10.

 


15 Foodie Places for Oktoberfest Events & Festivals in CT

Restaurant Events Holiday Oktoberfest

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Autumn means pumpkin flavored everything, falling leaves, apple cider donuts… and of course Oktoberfest! CT restaurants are celebrating with German inspired fare, seasonal brews, and festivals.  From Redding Roadhouse to Rothbard Ale + Larder to Vespa, here are 10 places where you can raise a stein this fall.

  1. Redding Roadhouse, Redding: Through October 31, Redding Roadhouse will be their 31st annual Oktoberfest. There will be authentic German cuisine, 1 liter bier steins, and a live OOmpah band from 4-8pm every Sunday.
  2. Rothbard Ale + Larder, Westport: Rothbard Ale + Larder will have their first ever Oktoberfest on Saturday September 24 from 1:30-8pm. There will be authentic German beers and food, games, and music all day long.
  3. The Hops Company., Derby: T.H.C. (The Hops Company) will celebrate Oktoberfest every Sunday through October 23. Visit them from 3-7pm for free admission, German bands, Oktoberfest inspired fare, and beer.
  4. Norwich Oktoberfest Pub Crawl, Norwich: On October 1, go on an Oktoberfest pub crawl in downtown Norwich. Visit places like Harp & Dragon, These Guys Brewing, and La Stella Pizzeria.
  5. Harlan Publick, Norwalk: Harlan Publick will have an Oktoberfest party on Saturday September 24

Porktoberfest 2014 @ Saugatuck Craft Butchery...A Piggy Photo Recap

Butcher Events Oktoberfest

Stephanie Webster

Saugatuck Craft Butchery's 2nd annual Porktoberfest came and went this past Sunday in Westport, with great weather, epic pig action and plenty of beer from New England Brewing. People lined up to grab photos and gawk as each beautiful Berkshire pig was lifted out of its Caja China roasting box. Austrian tunes played, kids ate s'mores and a generally good time was had by all. Thanks to Saugatuck Sweets for the seasonal desserts as well as the newly opened Garelick & Herbs for some tasty sides. Enjoy the photos and see you next year. 


Friday Froth: Oktoberfest Was Born In March

Ingredients Restaurant CT Beer Oktoberfest Beer

James Gribbon

I'm forever tempted to geek out in FrothHop varieties from New Zealand, Gemini astronauts on labels, fat tankers, coolships - I'm curious about everything, and I'll drink most of it once. Today I'll attempt to make a few points, mention beer early, then get out. Here we go: 

Oktoberfest is not a style of beer. In fact, it has more to do with a horse race than anything we drink. 

Most beer drinkers have heard the basic origin story: On October 12, 1810, crown prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen and everyone in Munich was invited to party on the fields in front of the city gates, which have been known as Theresienwiese, or "Theresa's meadow" ever since. Everyone had a great time, and you know damn well there was some beer involved, but the highlight of the party for everyone but the non-royals (probably) were the horse races which closed the jubilation. It was the desire to have the horse races again the next year which lead to Oktoberfest becoming an annual tradition.