-Courtesy of Aversa PR & Events
Oktoberfest season is ready to take over the greater Philadelphia region with giant street festivals, German beers, Bavarian food specials, blue and white decor, live music, dancing and stein hoisting – and much more. Celebrate in the #4 Oktoberfest destination in America as ranked by WalletHub. Break out the lederhosen and dirndl for one of the best times of year to raise a liter in Philadelphia – with festivities running this year from September 11th to last call on Sunday, October 15, 2023.
For large celebrations, street festivals and block parties, look for the return of South Street Oktoberfest, 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest, Fishtown Fall Feastivale, Fall for Ardmore Festival and Oktoberfest, BRU and Tradesmans Fall Festival and Roxtoberfest. For those who want to sip and sample over 100 beer selections, head to the grand return of OktoBEARfest at Philadelphia Zoo. For those craving delicious Bavarian signature dishes, head to BRU Craft and Wurst for a special three-week Oktoberfest menu of food and drink on top of the standard menus. For those wanting to celebrate in South Jersey and the Shore head to 6th Annual Oktoberfest on the Square in Westmont and Cape May Oktoberfest Weekend at Harry’s Ocean Bar and Grille and Montreal Beach Resort. For those wanting locally made Oktoberfest beers, don’t miss Is Butter a Carb from Evil Genius Beer Company and Oktoberfest by Stoudts!
1) BRU Oktoberfest
BRU Craft and Wurst / 1318 Chestnut Street
Celebrate Oktoberfest season in Philadelphia for THREE WEEKS this year! BRU Craft and Wurst presents 2023 Oktoberfest in Center City with a special menu of Bavarian favorites from the kitchen and German beers pouring at the bar. Look for potato pancakes, Dumplings and Gravy, Currywurst, Jagerschnitzel, Roasted Half Chicken and Apple Strudel. For the beer list, look for a rotating selection of traditional German Oktoberfest Biers from Paulaner, Hofbrau, Ayinger, Traunstein and more, alongside BRU’s everyday German favorites. Save $3 off drafts during Oktoberfest Happy Hour during these dates, Monday to Friday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Look for special events and other surprises to be announced as Oktoberfest season approaches. (Note: Available every day from Sept 11 to October 1st EXCEPT Saturday, September 30th for Midtown Village Festival. Look for an abbreviated menu for that special one-day event.)
2) OktoBEARfest
Saturday, September 16, 2023 / 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Philadelphia Zoo / 3400 W. Girard, Philadelphia PA 19104
Philadelphia Zoo is thrilled to announce the return of its signature fall beer festival, OktoBEARfest, happening Saturday, September 16 from 7:00-10:00 pm. New for this year, the Zoo’s Peacock Pavilion will be transformed into a Bavarian beer tent with authentic Oktoberfest beers on tap, stein-holding and pretzel-eating competitions (with prizes!). OktoBEARfest will also include live performances by local DJs and Philly’s #1 Oktoberfest Polka band, Polkadelphia. Guests can sample more than 100 fresh, seasonal beers and ciders from dozens of breweries, including Warsteiner, Urban Village Brewing Company, Big Oyster Brewery, Conshohocken Brewing Company and Evil Genius Beer Company. Come hungry for sweet and savory street food from the region’s best food trucks, including BYZ. Empire, Deke’s BBQ, Wokworks, Bonjour Creperie, The Munchy Machine, Bacon on a Stick and more. Sip, savor and stroll while visiting animals around the Zoo. OktoBEARfest serves as a fundraiser and supports Philadelphia Zoo in its mission to create joyful discovery and inspire action for animals and habitats. This adults-only event is limited to those 21 or older with valid identification. Tickets are available exclusively through philadelphiazoo.org.
3) 15th Annual South Street Oktoberfest
Presented by Brauhaus Schmitz / 700 Block of South Street
Saturday September 16, 2023, 12:00pm to 8:00pm
https://www.brauhausschmitz.com/events1/
Philadelphia region’s largest Oktoberfest celebration returns. Brauhaus Schmitz presents the 15th Annual South Street Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 12:00pm to 8:00pm. Oktoberfest will be held in front of Brauhaus Schmitz on the 700 block of South Street beneath a massive tent with seating for 1,000 people, making the event rain or shine. This is one of fall’s most exciting food-and-drink events and a do-not-miss celebration for beer lovers. Festivities will include nearly a dozen German beers available on draught, a wealth of German food, live Oom-pah music, face painting, German dancers, Liter Lift competition, games, delicious schnapps and more. Music will be provided by Die Heimatklänge with dancing by United German Hungarians. Guests can attend and purchase beers and food on a pay-as-you-go basis or upgrade to an exclusive VIP package- which includes private access to the Brauer Bund, VIP drafts, liter mug, a Bavarian buffet, seven tokens for beer, five private no-wait bathrooms and additional swag.
4) Fishtown Fall Feastivale
By Fishtown District
Saturday, September 23, 2023 / 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Frankford Ave from Girard to Palmer and side streets (Master St from Front to Frankford, Thompson from Front to Frankford)
Free to attend, food drink pay-as-you-go
Fishtown District presents Fishtown Fall Feastivale on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from Noon to 8:00pm. Fishtown’s largest festival is part food fest, part Oktoberfest and part street carnival. This all day, all ages family friendly event takes over Frankford Avenue, from Girard Avenue to Palmer Street, with 25 participating Fishtown restaurants serving outside, plus 75 local retailers, artists and makers, live DJS, German folk band, dancing in the street, a dunk tank, carnival games, family fun, photos opps and other surprises. Come feast your heart out in Philadelphia’s top food destination. This event is family and fido friendly, 21 and up to drink with identification. Admission is free, with food and drink pay as you go.
5) 6th Annual Oktoberfest on the Square
Saturday, September 23, 2023 / 12pm-10pm
Presented By Brauhaus Schmitz
Haddon Square Pop Up Garden, 51 Haddon Ave, Westmont, NJ 08108
https://brauhausschmitz.com/events/
This is the biggest and best Oktoberfest in all of South Jersey. Our friends in the Garden State really know how to party! This is a partnership between Brauhaus Schmitz and Keg & Kitchen and takes place in Haddon Township’s 20K square foot outside beer garden “On the Square.” Join us under the big tent decked out in Bavarian Blue and White! Imported tables and benches paired with giant steins of German bier will transport you to Munich for this fun filled German festival like no other in South Jersey! A pig roast as well as traditional German specialties will keep your bellies full while you dance the night away with live music on stage from Maria and John Band. This event is family friendly and free to attend.
6) Fall for Ardmore Festival and Oktoberfest
Presented by Ardmore Initiative
Saturday, September 30, 2023 / 2:00pm to 6:00pm
Schauffele Plaza (parking lot adjacent to Tired Hands Fermentaria)
The second annual Fall for Ardmore event, featuring a VIP Beer Garden is happening on Schauffele Plaza (parking lot adjacent to Tired Hands Fermentaria) on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. Downtown Ardmore will be alive with shopping, food, beer, music, and fun activities for the whole family! Tired Hands Brewing Co, Iron Hill Brewery, and more will bring several beer selections that include local and seasonal favorites. Jack McShea’s, Sophie’s BBQ, and others will join Tired Hands in serving delicious fare, including Oktoberfest-inspired favorites like bratwurst, sauerkraut, pierogies, and Bavarian pretzels, brisket, and more. Music and family fun found throughout the downtown round out the day with shopping, kids’ activities and more., Lulu’s Casita will bring the Lulu’s on Wheels party bus for an afternoon of fun for the kids! Admission to Fall for Ardmore is free with food and drink for sale. Tickets are also available for entrance into the VIP Beer Garden experience which includes reserved seating and drink tickets for a fixed price. For VIP tickets, beer ticket packages, participants, and more information visit www.DestinationArdmore.com.
Fall for Ardmore will also include a free, historic walking tour of Ardmore, highlighting the Windows into History project – a coordinated effort with the Ardmore Initiative, Lower Merion Conservancy, Lower Merion Historical Society, and Lower Merion Township. As part of the Ardmore Sesquicentennial celebration, this partnership is intended to bring a bit of history to modern day Ardmore. Throughout the downtown, visitors will view historical photos and background information about their favorite spots in Ardmore in windows and storefronts.
7) BRU and Tradesmans Fall Festival
Saturday, September 30, 2023 / 12:00pm to 8:00pm
1300 Block of Chestnut Street (Outside BRU Craft & Wurst, U-Bahn and Tradesman’s)
Presented by Craft Concepts Group, BRU Craft & Wurst, U-Bahn and Tradesman’s
BRU and Tradesmans Fall Fest is back and bigger than ever! Craft Concepts Group, BRU Craft & Wurst, U-Bahn and Tradesmans take over the 1300 block of Chestnut Street with eight hours of outdoor food, beer and music on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Come hungry for BRU’s housemade bratwurst on the grill, Tradesman’s pulled pork sandwiches, German pretzel, BBQ favorites, and much more. Bartenders will pour your favorite crafts from beer tents – including local crafts, Oktoberfest and other seasonal selections. On the outdoor stage, get ready for a full day of music with live bands and DJs – that have in the past included Levee Drivers, DJ Jack Tripper, American Dinosaur, Brad Moser and Chris Paterno Band. BRU and Tradesmans Fall Festival is free and open to the public, and 21 and older to drink (with identification). BRU and Tradesman’s will serve an abbreviated version of the regular daily menu inside. Food and drink are pay-as-you-go. Band, beer and menu line-ups will be announced in early September. For more information about BRU, visit http://www.bruphilly.com/. For more about Tradesmans, visit https://tradesmansphl.com/
8) Cape May Oktoberfest
Harry’s Ocean Bar and Grille / 1025 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204
Friday, September 29, 2023, 12:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturday, September 30, 2023, 12:00pm to 9:00pm
Sunday, October 1st, 2023, 12:00pm to 9:00pm
Harry’s Ocean Bar and Grille will celebrate Cape May Oktoberfest Weekend from Friday, September 29th to Sunday, October 1st, with delicious and hearty Bavarian food specials from the kitchen and German and Bavarian beer additions on the taps, with live music all weekend – including the hottest band in Cape May, Loose Ends, from 1-5pm on Sunday, October 1st.
An iconic Fall celebration! Come celebrate one of New Jersey’s most popular Fall events and raise a glass to great beer! Seasonal beer on tap with some Bavarian style creations on the menu! Live music on the rooftop all afternoon. Our Bavarian pretzel is warming, comforting and the perfect companion to a crisp, seasonal brew! Be sure to also try one of our seasonal cocktails available all season long!
9) Roxtoberfest 2023
Presented by Roxborought Development Corporation
Saturday, October 7, 2023
RAIN DATE: October 8th
12:00pm to 6:00pm
Ridge Avenue between Lyceum Avenue & Leverington Avenue
Roxtoberfest celebrates its 11-year legacy as a cherished Roxborough fall tradition. This famed street festival will take place on Saturday, October 7th from 12:00pm to 6:00pm (Oct. 8 rain date) with the traditional feel of a German beer fest including performances by an Oktoberfest band, the dazzling spectacle of circus performers, spirited competitions, an enticing array of food trucks, plenty of beverages fit for a fall fest, and fun activities to delight our youngest attendees. While festively walking along Ridge Avenue from Lyceum to Leverington Avenue you’ll enjoy shopping over 60 unique crafters and get to know local community organizations.
10) 5th Annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest
Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14, 2023
Friday: 7:30pm to 11:30pm
Saturday Day: 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday Night: 7:30pm to 11:30pm
Presented by Brauhaus Schmitz
23rd Street Armory, 22 South 23rd Street
GA – Friday $20/Saturday $30
VIP – Friday $65/Saturday $75
UBER VIP – Friday $85/Saturday $95
www.armoryoktoberfest.com
Philadelphia, Brauhaus Schmitz saved the best Oktoberfest of the season for last! Celebrate with Brauhaus Schmitz at the 5th Annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest October 13 through October 14, 2023. Staged in the sprawling 23rd Street Armory, the fest includes three sessions, each able to accommodate 1,400 revelers for one of the biggest beer-drinking events to hit Philadelphia and one of the most authentic Oktoberfest parties in the United States. Experience what many call “The most Authentic Oktoberfest experience outside of Munich!” The fortress-like structure located at 22 South 23rd Street in West Center City (only a 5-minute walk from 30th Street Station) will mimic an authentic Munich festival tent. The 16,000 square foot space will be decked out with Bavarian blue and white ceilings, authentic festival tables and benches imported from Germany, as well as a lofted stage area for musical acts, which includes Brauhaus regulars Die Heimatklänge on Friday night and Saturday daytime, and Die Schlauberger Band for Saturday night. Traditional German dance performances with United German Hungarians. Traditional Oktoberfest food will be provided by Brauhaus Schmitz and beer will be provided by the world famous Hofbräuhaus München – Das Original. There truly is nothing currently like this in the entire region or state. This event draws attendees from Philadelphia, Southeast Pennsylvania, Baltimore, Washington D.C., New York City, New Jersey, Delaware and beyond. New this year, celebrate the 5th anniversary with $10 off on all tickets for Friday night! General admission is $20 per person for Friday and $30 per person for Saturday. VIP is $65 for Friday and $75 for Saturday, and UBER VIP is $85 for Friday and $95 for Saturday. Tickets are on sale now at: www.armoryoktoberfest.com
SPECIAL BEER RELEASES
Is Butter A Carb?
Don’t get it twisted. The only thing better than pretzels and beer is pretzels *in* beer. This crisp Oktoberfest-Style Lager was brewed with malt, hops, and warm, soft pretzels for an extra dose of rich flavor. “Is Butter A Carb?”, Evil Genius’ 5.5% Oktoberfest brew, will be available starting Mid-August in six packs, as well as kegs for bars, across the company’s ten state distribution network. Also look for it at Evil Genius Beer Company in The Lab in Fishtown. The recommended price for six-packs is about $11.99 but can vary depending upon location. For more information or to find this beer near you shoot an email to info@evilgeniusbeer.com
Stoudts Oktoberfest
In 1910, the Germans threw a party with beer that was so good that they’ve made it every year since. This is that beer. It has the perfect blend of rich malt and subtle hop character. If you dislike this beer, you are wrong. Stoudts Oktoberfest is available starting in August at your favorite local bar in PA. 4.5% – Oktoberfest Lager
Philadelphia RowHome Magazine's Blog 