Oktoberfest: A Drinking Tradition
By Middagh Goodwin
Traditionally, Oktoberfest is the world’s largest Volksfest (German for “folk festival”). It combines a beer festival with a funfair and takes place each year on the Theresienwiese in Munich from mid-September to the first Sunday in October. If German Unity Day (October 3rd) follows that Sunday, the festival continues until the holiday. The first festival was held in Munich on October 12th, 1810, to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Over seven million people attend the event each year.
In the United States, we may not take Oktoberfest to such an extreme, but it is still a very popular event, especially at our various local breweries. You can expect special Oktoberfest beers to be served alongside brats, pretzels, and other tasty German foods, as well as games like stein-holding contests. So grab your lederhosen & dirndls, raise a stein, and PROST.
On September 5th, the Turlock Rotary Club hosts Oktoberfest at Pageo Lavender Farm. Enjoy BBQ chicken, sausage, sauerkraut, pretzels, dessert & more, plus brews & wines from Dust Bowl, Blaker, Fort Point, Half Moon Bay & Berryhill Wines.
Dying Breed Brewing in Oakdale celebrates its fourth annual Oaktoberfest on September 20th. Join them as they take you on a journey to Munich, where you’ll enjoy a three-course meal prepared by Food-Fix, live music, and games. Traditional German attire is encouraged, with an award given for the best-dressed.
Track 424 in Modesto is hosting Bavarian Brews and Bites on October 26th with 4 special brews: Chug Along Pilsner, Bavarian Hefeweizen, Marzen, and Doppelbock.
Brethren Brewing’s family-friendly Oktoberfest celebration on September 27th. Featuring family crafts, Jackos Taco with an Oktoberfest-inspired menu, a dessert bar, and live music and games kicking off at 6 PM.
Entry is free, and you can purchase a $25 Oktoberfest stein that gets you $6 cash pours of our Märzen all day, or bring your Brethren Brewing Company stein from a previous year, add this year’s charm, and still enjoy the $6 cash pours.
Morgan Territory Brewing in Tracy will celebrate on Saturday, September 27th, with 3 festbiers: Märzen, Festbier, and a Vienna Lager. There will be a craft fair, a German food truck, live music, a best dressed contest, and more.
Black Orchid Brewing, located in North Modesto, will be serving Dunkelweizen, Witbier, and an Oktoberfest Lager at their Oktoberfest celebration on October 4th. They are also working on bringing in an accordionist to play some traditional polkas. Essen Food Truck will be serving up German cuisine starting at 4 pm.
Sept 5th, 6 pm Pageo Lavender Farm, Turlock
Sept 20, 4 pm Dying Breed, Oakdale
Sept 26, 4 pm Track 424 Brewing, Modesto
Sept 27, 12 pm Brethren Brewing, Manteca
Sept 27, 1 pm at Morgan Territory, Tracy
Oct 4, 1 pm Black Orchid Brewing, Modesto
