Oktoberfest season! 5 beer-and-brat festivals coming to Boise, Meridian and Nampa
Bust out the dirndl dresses and lederhosen — Oktoberfest is here.
The parties will stretch over the next few weeks in the Treasure Valley. Here are some of the best places to quaff beers and crush brats.
Payette Brewing Oktoberfest: Sept. 15-17
Aficionados of local beer look forward to Payette Brewing’s annual three-day Oktoberfest bash. After Boise Mayor Lauren McLean kicks things off at 5 p.m. Friday, there will be lots of German-inspired food truck goodies, live music and games (ax throwing, hammerschlagen, stein hoisting, best-dressed contest). It’s free to enter and all-ages. Steins cost $7 or $10 depending on half-liter or full-liter size, drink tokens are $7. Dogs are allowed, but they might be a little stressed by the crowds.
▪ 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 15, and 2 to 10 p.m. Sept 16 and 17, Payette Brewing Company, 733 S. Pioneer St., Boise. payettebrewing.com/oktoberfest.
Old Boise Oktoberfest: Sept. 23
A dozen German or German-style beers will flow inside two large beer tents during Old Boise Oktoberfest, which has relocated slightly to 5th and Grove streets downtown. It costs $10 to enter (kids 11 and younger free). The first 200 people through the gate get a mug for free. After that, mugs cost $20. Drink tokens will be sold on-site for $7. Wolfie & The Bavarians and Pilot Error will provide music. Local restaurants Reef and The Front Door will sell food at booths. Smoothies and shaved ice will be offered by Summer Snow. Games will include brat toss, water balloon toss, ax throwing and stein hoisting competitions. Also, face painting will be available.
▪ 2 to 10 p.m. Sept. 23, 5th and Grove streets, eventbrite.com.
Das Alpenhaus Oktoberfest: Sept. 22-23
Boise’s German-inspired deli is beefing up staffing this year for its annual Oktoberfest celebration in the parking lot out front. It’s free to enter and all-ages. Every brewery featured will be from Germany or Austria, but there also will be red and white wine available, plus non-alcoholic beverages. The Boise Edelweiss Band and Treasure Valley Musik Meisters will supply tunes. And the food? Well, if you’ve ever eaten at Das Alpenhaus, you know the food is gonna be the real deal.
▪ 3 to 10 p.m. Sept. 22 and 23, Das Alpenhaus Delikatessen, 1340 S. Vista Ave., Boise. facebook.com/dasalpenhausboise
Oktoberfest in Nampa: Sept. 29
This annual event at Nampa Civic Center features lots of German cuisine and a beer garden. Entertainment includes the Boise Valley Edelweiss Band, plus games such as the Brat Shot, Mug Holding Contest, Beer Stein Race and more. The crowd will vote on best-dressed contests. Want to chuck an ax? Precision Axe Range will be on site again with a mobile trailer. If you bring the kids, there will be games, a coloring contest and a petting zoo. 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 23, Nampa Civic Center, 311 3rd St. South. Tickets: $7 advance for first 100 sold, then $10, ICTickets. Otherwise, $12 at the door. Special Prost package deal: $45. Details: nampaciviccenter.com/events/oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest in Meridian: Oct. 7
This will be the second annual Oktoberfest in downtown Meridian, put on by the city’s Chamber of Commerce and downtown committee. All ages are welcome at the event, which is free to enter. It will feature more than 100 vendors, plus a German beer garden with lots of brews, traditional German cuisine and other food options. Live bands will include the Boise Edelweiss Band, The Moody Jews and headliner Redstone. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 7, intersection of 2nd and Idaho streets.
