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.
1. Fountain Hills Oktoberfest
Date: September 25 & 26, 2009
Grab your stein and join the Town of Fountain Hills for a celebration of Oktoberfest in Fountain Park. Musical entertainment, a beer garden, fun contests, kids inflatable rides and raffles. The Mayor will officiate the “Tapping of the Keg” to kickoff the festivities. 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. Musical entertainment, a beer garden, fun contests, kids inflatable rides and raffles. The Mayor will officiate the “Tapping of the Keg” to kickoff the festivities. Free admission, bring cash for food and beverages.
See pictures of a previous Fountain Hills Oktoberfest celebration!
2. Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake
Date: October 2, 3, 4, 2009
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 four stages of entertainment, beer gardens plus wines & spirits, non-stop polka, local bands and games and activities for every age. New in 2009, there will be a John Madden Video Football Tournament, $10 play all day Video Games, and a 16 band high school & college “Garage Band” tournament. Arts & crafts and games for kids in Kinderfest, Regensburg Bounce Land and Splash Waterpark. Free admission.
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 four stages of entertainment, beer gardens plus wines & spirits, non-stop polka, local bands and games and activities for every age. New in 2009, there will be a John Madden Video Football Tournament, $10 play all day Video Games, and a 16 band high school & college “Garage Band” tournament. Arts & crafts and games for kids in Kinderfest, Regensburg Bounce Land and Splash Waterpark. Free admission.
3. Oktoberfest in Downtown Mesa
Date: October 9, 2009Downtown Mesa has a theme for each month of their "2nd Friday" event. There will be live entertainment, vendors, food and drink (available for purchase) at this family friendly street faire. Free admission.
4. Old World Phoenix Oktoberfest
Date: October 10, 2009
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 lively tunes 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 lively tunes 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!
5. German Oktoberfest
Date: October 17, 2009
On the front lawn of the Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa. German entrees, a German band and German beer. Oktoberfest Wear Costume Contest with prizes. Admission is $10 not including food.
On the front lawn of the Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa. German entrees, a German band and German beer. Oktoberfest Wear Costume Contest with prizes. Admission is $10 not including food.
See a picture of a previous Litchfield Park Oktoberfest celebration!
6. Oktoberfest on the Verde Canyon Railroad
Date: Weekends in October
Take a day trip to Clarkdale for a scenic train ride. During the entire month of October the 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 weekend train rides feature specialty beers, brats and other Oktoberfest-style fare.
