Ask a Bartender: Your Last Chance for Octoberfest in New England

Sunday, October 11, 2015

If you have already exhausted all of the nearby apple orchards and pumpkin patches, but still want to enjoy some time outside this month, there is hope! There are a number of Oktoberfest events happening this weekend and next. What better way to enjoy the New England foliage, and gamble with the weather that keeps you on your toes, than with a beer in your hand? Whether you are looking for something local, or wouldn’t mind a long ride with your windows down, here are a few great festivals to check out this week.

White Mountain Oktoberfest at Loon Mountain – Saturday, October 10th – Sunday, October 11th

A family-friendly two-day event at Loon Mountain in New Hampshire hosted by Samuel Adams has fun for all ages. For adults the fun might be the stein hoisting competition, or the keg toss, or it might just be refilling your 1-liter glass boot with delicious seasonal beer all day long. Visit their site to reserve your custom Oktoberfest boot now.

Harpoon Octoberfest Vermont – Saturday, October 10th – Sunday, October 11th

Make the trek up to the Windsor brewery for the same bold Harpoon taste, but with less traffic and a bit more foliage. Free tours of the brewery all day, and a complimentary beer with your admission ticket. Keg bowling and bratwurst. I can just see the Instagram filters now.

Oktoberfest – Stamford, CT – Friday, October 16th

It goes without saying that you’ll enjoy some delicious German food with your seasonal beer, but this Oktoberfest peaked my interest at “S’mores Bar”. The event ends at 10:00pm, so there is time to make a pit stop at the grocery store and the liquor store on your way home if you didn’t get your fill.

International Oktoberfest – Providence, RI – Saturday, October 17th – Sunday, October 18th

This year Rhode Island’s annual Oktoberfest has moved to a new location at India Point Park. Waterfront festivals are rare this time of year, which is even more of a reason to check this one out. There are 32 beers to choose from, ranging from everyday seasonal brews such as Shipyard Pumpkin and Leinenkugel Harvest Patch, to some harder-to-find labels including Hofbräu, König, and Warsteiner. This event is 21+, and you can order tickets in advance, or at the entrance.