Break out your lederhosen: 6 events in Connecticut to celebrate Oktoberfest
While not everybody can make it to Munich for Oktoberfest, Connecticut has more than a few of its own festivities to choose from.
Expect a lot of local, craft beer, as Connecticut’s healthy mix of breweries go hand in hand with the festivities. The state’s rich, diverse culture means those brews are going to be paired with plenty of bratwurst, sauerkraut, and delicious, Bavarian pretzels.
Feeling thirsty, but not sure where to look? Have your lederhosen ironed and ready to wear? Here’s a list of places and events to check out for the holiday. Prost, and have a happy Oktoberfest.
Small State Great Beer Festival at Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford
As one of the biggest beer fests in the state, celebrate Oktoberfest with dozens of local, craft breweries.
You’ll have two sessions to choose from on Saturday, Sept. 24: 1-4 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. General admission is $48 and includes as many pours as you can handle, while VIP tickets tick up to $68 and get you in an hour early.
Along with hundreds of beers to sample, expect live music and games like cornhole, giant Connect 4, giant Jenga, giant Pong, and soccer right on Trinity Health Stadium’s field. There’s arcade cabinets as well featuring Pac-Man and Super Mario Bros., all provided by South End Game Zone.
Westoberfest Oktoberfest in Westport
The fun kicks off at noon on October 15 for Westoberfest!
The highlight, of course, is the beer tasting. Folks can get their craft beer fix starting at 2 p.m. with over 60 difference beers to choose from from a mix of award-winning breweries. You’ll get a unique souvenir tasting glass and matching koozies, too.
A 10k road race is planned as well for noon, with Fleet Feet pledging $1,000 from the race to fund Push Against Cancer. You’ll have an assortment of live music, plenty of food trucks to dine at, giveaways, and pumpkin decorating for the whole family.
Octoberfest Kick-Off Party at the Jealous Monk in Mystic
Tomorrow kicks off Jealous Monk’s Oktoberfest celebration, and it all starts at 5 p.m.
Grab a pint or two (or perhaps a few more) of a delicious märzen and pair it with their incredible food menu. You’ve got classic Belgian Frites, a Bavarian style pretzel with bier cheese, a charcuterie spread, and plenty more finger food to enjoy.
Wicked Peach will be jamming out in the beer garden from 5 to 8 p.m., and folks who are feeling competitive can take part in a stein holding competition that evening.
Oktoberfest 2022 at The Hops Company in Derby
Featuring brews from Von Trapp Brewery, The Hops Company is happy to bring another Oktoberfest celebration on Oct. 9.
Doors open at noon, with plenty of delicious beer and food sate your appetite. Choose from over two dozen different pizzas, nine styles of wings, and other delicious pub food like sliders, wraps, and more.
You’ll also have live music from The Adlers Band and entertainment from the HSV Bavaria Dancers. Suit up in your finest lederhosen and party on.
Crazy Brew Bash at Mount Southington Ski Area
Oktoberfest and beer go hand in hand, making Saturday’s 7th Annual Crazy Brew Bash a great choice to celebrate the holiday.
Dozens of different breweries will be setting up shop: WeHa, Velvet Libations, Tox, Transcend Beer Crafters, NebCo, Kinsmen, Counter Weight, 5 Churches, Twelve Percent, Alvarium, Broad Brook Brewing, and plenty more.
You’ve also got other fun events like a Crazy Bloody Mary Contest, BaR Rated Trivia, axe throwing by Litchfield County Axe House, and Spinner Ball. Top it off with some food truck grub and live music from Chaser Ei8ht, Otan Vargas, and Wheelhouse. The fun begins at 11 a.m. for VIP ticket holders and noon for everyone else.
2nd Annual Torrington Oktoberfest
Another year of Oktoberfest merriment is scheduled Saturday, Sept. 24 in Torrington.
Tickets are a flat $20, with proceeds benefitting Main Street Torrington, Inc. Bad Dog Brewing, Brewery Legitimus, and Great Falls Brewing will be topping off pints and steins. Pair it with a 10″ bratwurst from Student Prince Restaurant or Bavarian pretzels from Milwaukee Pretzel Co.
Don’t miss out on the raffle, either: 3 seasoned 36″ 4 Burner Blackstone Gas Flat-top grills will be given away to ticket holders.
