The official Oktoberfest – the world’s largest beer festival in Munich, Germany – runs for 16-18 days, starting in mid-September and ending the first weekend of October.
Here in the America, most breweries and craft beer bars pack the festivities into a single day. This year that day appears to be Saturday, Sept. 30., when you can partake in at least eight Oktoberfests around the Valley.
The Brass Tap
From 3-6 p.m. Saturday, The Brass Tap at Mesa Riverview will be tapping a special series of IPAs from Santa Fe Brewing. Prize giveaways will include a VIP trip for two to the New Mexico brewery’s Oktoberfest.
SanTan Brewing
From 3-11 p.m. Saturday, thousands of revelers will indulge in German food, SanTan beers, and polka music in downtown Chandler. Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers and Reel Big Fish head the music lineup.
Pedal Haus Brewery
From 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Pedal Haus in downtown Tempe will its Oktoberfest beer on tap, $5 bratwursts, $5 pretzel plates, and pop polka music. The first 50 people (and anyone in Oktoberfest attire) can buy a one-liter stein for $5 and fill it for $5 all night.
The Hungry Monk
Through Oct. 3, The Hungry Monk in Chandler is offering a special ‘‘Monktoberfest’’ food menu with bratwurst, schnitzel, and pretzel items. Oktoberfest steins of Hofbrau and Sierra Nevada are $4.
Oro Brewing
At 1 p.m. Saturday, Oro in downtown Mesa celebrates its first anniversary Oktoberfest-style. There’ll be special beer tappings, giveaways, and awesome sandwiches from neighbor Worth Takeaway.
State 48 Brewery
From 1-11 p.m. Saturday, State 48 in Surprise will launch its Oktoberfest beer and serve German food, with live bandsplaying all day. Wear your lederhosen or dirndl to get $1 off your first beer.
Saddle Mountain Brewing
From 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, enjoy $3 pints of Saddle Mountain Oktoberfest in Goodyear. A polka band will play 2-4 p.m., and there will be house-made bratwurst specials all day.
Peoria Artisan Brewery
From noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Peoria Artisan in Peoria will have its Oktoberfest lager on tap (1-liter stein for $10) and authentic German sausage platters all day, and live German music from noon-3 p.m.
