Oktoberfest in Connecticut Brings Brats, Bands & Beer

Grab your beer steins and and practice your best German cheers, it’s Oktoberfest! “But it’s only September?” Oktoberfest officially begins in September, not October, contrary to popular belief.

The popular German tradition began in the early 1800s and is celebrated in Munich, Germany for 16 days. It traditionally starts in the third weekend in September and ends the first Sunday in October.

Below are some festivals and happenings in Connecticut. Prost! Or as the young folks, say, “Ticky tocky, ticky tocky, hoi hoi hoi!”

Bethel

Old Heidelberg Oktoberfest, 55 Stony Hill Road

Each weekend in September: Sept. 12-14, Sept. 19-21, and Sept. 26-28 beginning at 12 p.m. each day.

Join friends and family at Old Heidelberg’s beer garden. This authentic German restaurant has delicious German fare including brats, kraut, potato pancakes and more. Swing your grog in the air while live bands entertain you and your guests. Bands play beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Fridyas and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Click here for a schedule.

Hamden

4th Annual Country Club Oktoberfest, 160 Hartford Turnpike

Oct. 11, 5-9 p.m.

This Oktoberfest is a charity fundraiser for AIDS research and his held at the New Haven Country Club in Hamden. La Cuisine restaurant cooking up tasty German food, and dozens of different beers will be available for tasting. Tickets cost $65.

Hartford

Tapping Into Twain Oktoberfest, Mark Twain House and Museum, 351 Farmington Ave.

Sept. 26, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

The Mark Twain House and Museum is hosting the Tapping Into Twain Oktoberfest fundraiser which includes beer form 20 local craft breweries, food from Hartford’s best chefs and live music. Tickets are $45 in advance, $50 at the door. Admission price includes a souvenir pint glass.

Madison

Oktoberfest On The Sound, Madison Surf Club, 87 Surf Club Road

Sept. 27, 2014

Sponsored by the Madison Lions Club, this charity event features a wide selection of Spaten biers including Munchner lager, Dunkel dark, and two Oktoberfest-stylet beers. Bavarian foods include wienerschnitzel, bratwurst, spatzel, red cabbage, potato pancakes, and apple strudel. Connecticut’s Frankenmusikanten will play polka music while the Heiko, Vera & Thommy Dancers dance traditional sets. The Steamrollers band plays at 8 p.m. Children’s activities include Dachshund races, pumpkin decorating, and face painting.

Meriden

Meriden Turner Society Oktoberfest

Oct. 25, 6 p.m.

Enjoy a smoked pork chop dinner, listen to live music and watch the Bavarian dancers perform for this fun-filled Oktoberfest event. 

Middlebury

Quassy Amusement Park Oktoberfest, 2132 Middlebury Road

Sept. 27-28

The 23rd annual Oktoberfest includes food, two bands and dancing in the Fieldside Pavilion. Traditional German food including bratwurst, roasted pork and sauerkraut will be served. Admission to the pavilion is free but there is a cost for rides, park attractions, food and beverages.

Milford

Milford Oktoberfest, 1 Shipyard Lane

Sept. 27 from 12-9 p.m.

The Milford Oktoberfest boasts a German biergarten, an authentic German band, a bratwurst eating contest, and children’s activities. Buy your tickets at the gate or call The Devon Rotary Club, who is sponsoring this event, at (203) 306-5172.

New Britain

New Britain Oktoberfest, 227 Main Street

Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. - 12 a.m. midnight

Sunday, September 14, 12-6 p.m.

Hofbrau Haus Bavarian Band will play traditional German favorites from 6– 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, followed by Jeff Pitchell with the Texas Flood and Mass-Conn-Fusion. On Sunday, Austrian Boys Band take the stage at noon, followed by the Alpenland Dancers and the largest Chicken Dance in Connecticut!

On Sunday at 5 p.m. local radio personality will judge who wore their dirndl best for the Annual Miss Oktoberfest. Oh, and did we mention there’s beer? CHoose different varieties in the Spaten Beer Hall, sure to wash down all of the delicious German fare. For details click here.

New Canaan

Oktoberfest-Style Harvest Festival, New Canaan Nature Center, 144 Oenoke Ridge

Oct. 4, 7-10 p.m.

The New Canaan Nature Center will host its third annual Oktoberfest-style Harvest Festival featuring local craft brewers and vintners pouring samples of seasonal beers, wine and cocktails. Indulge in traditional German food and drink while enjoying live music and outdoor games. Tickets are $65 each, 21+ up.

New London

The Seehund Oktoberfest, 345 Bank Street

October 3-5, Fri. at 4 p.m, Sat. & Sun. at 12 p.m.

The Seehund German Pub & Restaurant presents Oktoberfest event under the tent. Great German food, a beer garden, BBQ, face painting and balloon animals for the kids, There will also be artisans, vendors and live music.

Stamford

Oktoberfest on the Meadow, Stamford Nature Center

Oct. 17 from 7-10 p.m.

Enjoy Oktoberfest on the Meadow with German beers, live music from Green Eyed Lady, German food from Old Heidelberg and much more. Tickets are $60 for members and $75 for non-members in advance or $70 for members and $85 for non-members at the door. This event is 21+ older.

Stratford

Perry Haus Oktoberfest, 1128 West Broad Street

Sept. 20, starting at 6 p.m.

The Historic Perry House will transform into the Perry Haus for Oktoberfest. The Austrian Boys will lead the festive oompah and German fare from David Grant Caterers and beer will have you feeling like you’re in the Old Country for the day. Reserve your spot by calling (203) 37-PERRY. Tickets are $50 each.

Two Roads Ok2berfest, 1700 Stratford Ave., StratfordSept. 27-28 from 12-6:30 p.m.

Ok2berfest costs $15 to enter (21+ up) which gets you live music, food trucks and a commemorative beer stein. Beers are $5 each, cash only. The food trucks on Saturday include FireHouse Grill, Fryborg, Local Meatball, Caseus, Smoke n’ Bones, and Sugar Cupcake Truck. Click here for more info and to buy tickets.

West Haven

Harugari Singing Society Oktoberfest, 66 Highland Street

Sept. 21, 2014

The German-American family society holds an annual Oktoberfest with dinner, live music and entertainment, German beer and food. Harugari Schuhplatters will perform, along with Bernie’s Orchestra. Admission is $3 for adults. 18 and under, free.

If we missed any Oktoberfests, please tell us in the comments!

Photo: Flickr Creative Commons, 46137