When Oktoberfest comes around, and you get that urge for donning your lederhosen, dancing the polka and eating wienerschnitzel, here are the best places around town where you can join in the fun.
These Oktoberfest events are listed in date order. You can see pictures of past celebrations in the Oktoberfest Picture Gallery.
Chandler Oktoberfest
© SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest, used with permission
September 24, 2011
Bratwursts, brews, and oompah-pahs will spice up Historic Downtown Chandler when an estimated 5,000 Oktoberfest revelers will gather at SanTan Brewing Company (8 S. San Marcos Place, between Arizona Ave. and Buffalo St.) beginning at 2 p.m. and party until 11 p.m. Live music, Oktoberfest activities, beers, and entertainment. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at SanTan Brewing Company.
Bratwursts, brews, and oompah-pahs will spice up Historic Downtown Chandler when an estimated 5,000 Oktoberfest revelers will gather at SanTan Brewing Company (8 S. San Marcos Place, between Arizona Ave. and Buffalo St.) beginning at 2 p.m. and party until 11 p.m. Live music, Oktoberfest activities, beers, and entertainment. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at SanTan Brewing Company.
See pictures of a previous Chandler Oktoberfest celebration!
Fountain Hills Oktoberfest
September 30 & October 1, 2011 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Grab your stein and join the Town of Fountain Hills for a celebration of Oktoberfest in Fountain Park. German music, great food, beer, contests and a designated children’s area. Free admission, bring cash for food and beverages.
Grab your stein and join the Town of Fountain Hills for a celebration of Oktoberfest in Fountain Park. German music, great food, beer, contests and a designated children’s area. Free admission, bring cash for food and beverages.
See pictures of a previous Fountain Hills Oktoberfest celebration!
Oktoberfest at Rico's American Grill
© Rico's American Grill
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Rico's American Grill at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort is celebrating October’s German beer season with a special charitable dinner benefiting the Beer for Brains Foundation. Guests may order a four-course meal of fine food paired with craft beers all with an Oktoberfest theme. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Beer for Brains Foundation, a Peoria-based non-profit that brings together craft beer lovers in the battle against brain cancer. The Oktoberfest event begins with a 6:30 p.m. appetizer reception followed by a seated four-course meal prepared by Rico's Executive Chef Kenneth (Arneson. Chef Ken and his staff have teamed with Munich-based Paulaner Brewing, to match the menu items with complementary German beers. At the start of each course, guests will be greeted by Chef Ken and a brew master from Paulaner to explain the pairing of the dish. $59 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations required. Call for reservations 602-997-5850.
Rico's American Grill at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort is celebrating October’s German beer season with a special charitable dinner benefiting the Beer for Brains Foundation. Guests may order a four-course meal of fine food paired with craft beers all with an Oktoberfest theme. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Beer for Brains Foundation, a Peoria-based non-profit that brings together craft beer lovers in the battle against brain cancer. The Oktoberfest event begins with a 6:30 p.m. appetizer reception followed by a seated four-course meal prepared by Rico's Executive Chef Kenneth (Arneson. Chef Ken and his staff have teamed with Munich-based Paulaner Brewing, to match the menu items with complementary German beers. At the start of each course, guests will be greeted by Chef Ken and a brew master from Paulaner to explain the pairing of the dish. $59 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations required. Call for reservations 602-997-5850.
Oktoberfest at Tonto Bar & Grill
© Tonto Bar & Grill
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from September 20 through October 27, 2011
Serving traditional German dishes and imported beers. Bavarian specialties from restaurants in Germany will be offered as three-course a la carte specials, including otato pancakes, spätzle, cabbage rolls, sausage, beef rouladen, strudel and Black Forest cake. Pair them with a trio of imported German beers: Reutberger Export Dunkle, Hopf Helle Weisse and Schönramer Gold. Each week the menu will be completely new. Prices range from $6 to $19 per course. 5736 E. Rancho Mañana Blvd., Cave Creek.
Serving traditional German dishes and imported beers. Bavarian specialties from restaurants in Germany will be offered as three-course a la carte specials, including otato pancakes, spätzle, cabbage rolls, sausage, beef rouladen, strudel and Black Forest cake. Pair them with a trio of imported German beers: Reutberger Export Dunkle, Hopf Helle Weisse and Schönramer Gold. Each week the menu will be completely new. Prices range from $6 to $19 per course. 5736 E. Rancho Mañana Blvd., Cave Creek.
Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake
October 7 - 9, 2011
Formerly known as Way Out West Oktoberfest. This annual celebration of Oktoberfest brings a bit of Germany to downtown Tempe at Tempe Beach Park. Features stages of entertainment, beer gardens plus wines & spirits, non-stop polka, wiener dog races, local bands, carnival and activities for every age. Arts & crafts and rides for kids. Family race/walk. Free admission, bring cash for food and some activities.
Formerly known as Way Out West Oktoberfest. This annual celebration of Oktoberfest brings a bit of Germany to downtown Tempe at Tempe Beach Park. Features stages of entertainment, beer gardens plus wines & spirits, non-stop polka, wiener dog races, local bands, carnival and activities for every age. Arts & crafts and rides for kids. Family race/walk. Free admission, bring cash for food and some activities.
Old World Phoenix Oktoberfest
October 15, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Celebrate German heritage and culture at a traditional German “Volksfest” in the heart of Phoenix. A giant “Bier Garten” with Bavarian brews, Bavarian bands playing music and leading sing-alongs of old time drinking songs, Bavarian dancing, kids activities at this authentic old-world family event. Sample traditional German foods and drinks, enjoy the music, and shop from a variety of authentic German products. Margaret T. Hance Park. Admission: $5, free for children under 12.
Celebrate German heritage and culture at a traditional German “Volksfest” in the heart of Phoenix. A giant “Bier Garten” with Bavarian brews, Bavarian bands playing music and leading sing-alongs of old time drinking songs, Bavarian dancing, kids activities at this authentic old-world family event. Sample traditional German foods and drinks, enjoy the music, and shop from a variety of authentic German products. Margaret T. Hance Park. Admission: $5, free for children under 12.
See pictures of the Old World Phoenix Oktoberfest celebration!
Oktoberfest on the Verde Canyon Railroad
Weekends in October 2011
Take a day trip to Clarkdale for a scenic train ride. During the entire month of October the "Ales on Rails" weekend train rides feature specialty beers, brats and other Oktoberfest-style fare.
Take a day trip to Clarkdale for a scenic train ride. During the entire month of October the "Ales on Rails" weekend train rides feature specialty beers, brats and other Oktoberfest-style fare.
Oktoberfest at Salt River Fields
October 22, 2011 from 11 a.m. to midnight.Live music, kids zone, contests and lots of beer. The Young Dubliners headline. Also appearing: Young Dubliners, Bouncing Czechs, Hans Olson, The Knockabouts, Bad Cactus Brass Band, The Instant Classics, The Elevens, Eric Capone Project, Jeordie, Peppermint James & Kenny Love and the Rockerfellas. General admission: $10 per person. Salt River Fields, Scottsdale.
