Prost! Where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Central Florida
The annual Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, draws over 6 million people for a celebration of Bavarian beer, food, culture and entertainment. The origins of these festivities date back more than 200 years.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the large-scale event in Munich to be canceled for a second year in a row. Despite that, many Central Florida venues are going on with their own gatherings inspired by the German festival.
Here are ways to celebrate Oktoberfest in the greater Orlando area.
Duffy’s Sports Grill has Oktoberfest and Halloween deals until the end of October. Guests can taste wiener schnitzel, giant pretzels, Sam Adams OctoberFest and more. The Frankentini is also on the menu featuring Bacardi and Malibu rum, Midori, pineapple juice and cherries. Find the specials at any Duffy’s Sports Grill Location. More information: duffysmvp.com
Liam’s Oktoberfest is back for the first time in two years with Sam Adams beer, German food specials and live music at Liam Fitzpatrick’s Restaurant and Irish Pub. Guests can participate in a stein-hoisting contest and compete for the best lederhosen and dirndl outfits. Find the celebration 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Sept. 30 at 951 Market Promenade Ave. in Lake Mary. More information: facebook.com
WOBtoberfest provides German-themed festivities at Orlando’s World of Beer near Lake Eola. Enjoy Bavarian folk music and cuisine, enjoy fresh air in the biergarten or participate in several contests. The bar will host tests of strength, dancing, pretzel eating and more. Find food and beer specials, plus live music beginning at 6 p.m. Oct. 1 and 3 p.m. Oct. 2 at 431 E. Central Blvd. in Orlando. More information: facebook.com
The 5th Brutoberfest Beer Fest in Tavares provides unlimited tastings of 80 beers from more than 35 different breweries. Find live music and food from BTW — Burgers, Tacos, Waffles. Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 during the day of the event. Sample beer from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 2 at 143 E. Main St. in Tavares. More information: orlandoweeklytickets.com
Redlight Redlight Oktoberfest brings an event with live music, German beer, food, liter hoisting and a best-dressed competition. According to the local pub’s Facebook page, lederhosen, dirndls and masks are strongly encouraged. Enjoy festivities 2-10 p.m. Oct. 2 at 2810 Corrine Drive in Orlando. More information: facebook.com
Suncreek Brewery Oktoberfest provides live German music, food and drink specials and the Deutschland Perle lager for German-inspired celebrations. Listen to music from King Guys Band, Key Tunes, the Tanner Johnson Trio and more. Enjoy the festivities from 1-10 p.m. Oct. 2-3 at 790 W. Minneola Ave. in Clermont. More information: facebook.com
Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe, a staple for German cuisine in Sanford, hosts its annual Oktoberfest with authentic food, beer, music, dance and folk costumes at the Sanford Civic Center. Find a craft beer courtyard, live entertainment, children’s activities and the first annual Oktoberfest beard competition. Festivities take place 6-10 p.m. Oct. 8, 12-10 p.m. Oct. 9 and 12-6 p.m. Oct. 10 at 401 E. Seminole Blvd. in Sanford. More information: hollerbachs.com
Avalon Park hosts an Oktoberfest with German beer, live music, dancing and food. A beer garden preview opens 5-10 p.m. Oct. 8 and a family-friendly community festival is 5-10 p.m. Oct. 9 at 3651 Avalon Park Blvd. East in Orlando. More information: avalonparkorlando.com
Celebration Oktoberfest provides a themed “extravaganza” over the course of two days with traditional German music, plus a “Rocktoberfest” featuring Cat Ridgeway & The Tourists. Visitors can also find a hayride, experience leaves falling at Celebration Town Center and browse deals from local vendors. Enjoy the event 5-10 p.m. Oct. 22-23 at 610 Sycamore St. in Celebration. More information: celebrationtowncenter.com
Central Florida Oktoberfest, an annual celebration hosted by the German American Society of Central Florida, draws more than 10,000 guests each season for classic Oompah music, German beer and Schnitzel. Attendees can also find a traditional flag parade. Admission is $5 at the gate. Enjoy festivities 12-10 p.m. Oct. 23 and 30 at 381 Orange Lane in Casselberry. More information: orlandogermanclub.com
RockPitOberfest 2021 brings a third year of German-inspired celebration to Orlando’s Rockpit Brewing. Indulge with four new beers on tap, smoked brats and more. Guests can participate in contests of strength, drinking ability and costumes while enjoying live music. Find the festivities 6-10 p.m. Oct. 29 and noon-midnight Oct. 30 at 10 W. Illiana St. in Orlando. More information: facebook.com
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