Celebrate Oktoberfest at these Connecticut craft beer festivals
It’s officially October, which means Oktoberfest is here. Every Saturday this month is filled with events where Connecticut brewmasters gather to show off what they make. All events also offer entertainment, music and food vendors.
All lineups are subject to change. Check websites for updates as it gets closer to the dates.
Oktoberfest
Sam Adams Oktoberfest is at Parkville Market, 1400 Park St. in Hartford, until Oct. 3.
Saturday is a ticketed event from noon to 4 p.m., with German food and live music, beer bars, a stein-hoisting contest and raffles. Admission is $65 and includes a Sam Adams stein, pin and hat; a lederhosen koozie; eight food and drink tickets; and Oktoberfest suspenders.
On Sunday, there will be family-friendly entertainment and outdoor pop-up shops. Information at parkvillemarket.com/oktoberfest-2021.
Sober Oktoberfest
Athletic Brewing Company hosts its third annual Sober Oktoberfest on Oct. 2 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the brewery at 350 Long Beach Blvd. in Stratford. Admission is $35 and includes entry and unlimited refills of Athletic beers, including newly brewed Oktoberfest variety. athleticbrewing.com.
CT Craft Beer Fest
The 2021 CT Craft Beer Fest, originally scheduled for April 3, is rescheduled to Oct. 9 from noon to 9 p.m. at Toyota Oakdale Theatre, 95 S Turnpike Road in Wallingford. The event is presented by the CT Brewers Guild and extends through three rooms at the Oakdale as well as outside.
A general admission session is 1 to 4 p.m., for $35. A VIP session is 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., for $50. A second general admission session is 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., for $40. Designated drivers are $15.
The event includes more than 60 participating Connecticut breweries and six food trucks. See them at connecticut.beer/events/2021ctcraftbeerfest.
G.O.A.T. Brew & Wine Fest
Hartford Yard Goats present the 2021 G.O.A.T. Brew & Wine Fest on Oct. 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Dunkin Donuts Park, 1214 Main St. in Hartford. The event is more beer- than wine-focused. Admission is $60, $25 for designated drivers. Participating Connecticut breweries — more will be added — include:
Alvarium of New Britain, Back East of Bloomfield, Black Hog of Oxford, Fifth State of Bridgeport, Firefly Hollow of Bristol, 5 Churches of New Britain, Hog River of Hartford, Lost Tourist of Meriden, ‘Merican Mule of Norwalk, Phantom of Hartford, Thomas Hooker of Hartford, WeHa of West Hartford, Paddle Creek of East Hartford, Boondoggle of Wethersfield, Color Blind of Branford, Counter Weight of Hamden, Great Falls of North Canaan, New England Cider Company of Wallingford, Problem Solved of East Windsor, Still Hill of Rocky Hill, Stony Creek of Branford, Two Roads of Stratford, Elicit of Manchester and Witchdoctor of Southington.
More information at milb.com/hartford/ballpark/brew-wine-fest.
Change in the Air
The Change in the Air Festival will be Oct. 23 from noon to 5 p.m. at Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, 470 James St. in New Haven. The event, presented by the CT Brewers Guild and Sacred Heart University Brewing Science Program, aims at “creating a more inclusive beer industry while uplifting and highlighting Black and Brown-owned food vendors, music and art.” Netflix and YouTube star Daym Drops will be the emcee. General admission is $35. Designated drivers are $5.
Connecticut brewers participating include: Rhythm of New Haven, Black Hog of Oxford, Two Roads of Stratford, New England of Woodbridge, Athletic of Stratford, Great Falls of Canaan, Dockside of Milford, Armada of East Haven, Counterweight of Hamden, Hog River of Hartford, Tribus of Milford, Best Friends of Stamford, Twelve Percent of North Haven, Labyrinth of Manchester, Fox Farm of Salem, Outer Light of Groton, Kent Falls of Kent and Little House of Chester.
More information is at changeintheairfest.net.
Small State Great Beer
The 2021 Small State Great Beer will be at Dillon Stadium, 250 Huyshope Ave. in Harford, on Oct. 30. It will be held in two sessions, from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Admission to each session is $48, $28 for designated drivers. The second session has a one-hour VIP early entry, for $20 more.
The list of participants is still in the planning stages. Connecticut brewers that have signed up so far are: Spoke & Spy Ciderworks of Middletown, Hartford Flavor Company, Back East of Bloomfield, Alvarium of New Britain, 5 Churches of New Britain, Hog River of Hartford, Fifth State Distillery of Bridgeport, Stafford Cidery and Two Roads of Stratford.
For updates and tickets, visit hartfordathletic.com/ssgb
Susan Dunne can be reached at sdunne@courant.com.
