25+ Spots To Celebrate Oktoberfest in Connecticut

Who doesn’t love a wedding? Wait…what? Did you know that Oktoberfest got its start in 1810 as a celebration of the wedding of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen? (please try saying that last name after a stein of brew.) We can get onboard with any wedding celebration that involves giant pretzels, bratwurst for miles, and beer flowing like a Bavarian river. Another little factoid for you to thrill your beer-buddies with: the current Oktoberfest in Germany only serves beer from the original six breweries in Munich. Our list, lucky for you, is a tad longer. You can call that a win and not even have to fly anywhere. Oktoberfest, weddings, whatever you are celebrating-Raise those steins! Prost!

Enjoy these 25+ spots to celebrate OKTOBERFEST in Connecticut!

Hop Haus-Plainville, Southington

www.hophauscraftbeer.com

Hop Haus is a casual, upbeat craft eatery featuring a full menu with farm-to-fork food, unique craft beer and hand-crafted cocktails. Serving two locations, one in Plainville (CT) and the other in Southington (CT), each location has a beautiful Beer Garden as well as indoor dining for your visit. There are over 50 varieties of craft brews both on tap & in cans! Local is their specialty! Hop Haus hosts monthly beer dinners featuring a fully paired menu designed around your favorite local breweries, hosted at the Plainville location's 50-person banquet room. Keep an eye out for their Hop Haus Mobile Food Truck which has been at local beer events such as Twelve Percent Beer Project's Oktoberfest and Crazy Brew Bash. Hop Haus offers special Lunch & Happy Hour menus every Tuesday through Friday.  Online ordering through the website with safe, curbside pickup also available.  

Westoberfest-Westport

www.westportdowntown.com

Westoberfest, the Westport Downtown Associations 3rd Oktoberfest style event, is taking place on October 16th in the heart of downtown Westport! With over 60 tastings from a variety of award-winning and innovative craft breweries, they will also have an assortment of fun fall activities including: live music from Amber Anchor and Paul Green Rock Academy sponsored by Earth Animal, local food by Dough Girls Pizza and Walrus & Carpenter, air-cooled cars, an apple giveaway sponsored by Riverside Realty, a Pumpkin Giveaway underwritten by Gault and Daigle & Travers, a street magician and strolling bubbles for the kids, unique take-home tasting glasses with matching beer koozies provided by Lux Bond and Green and a location steps away from the best shops and restaurants Westport has to offer! Westoberfest will be the perfect way to spend an October afternoon with friends and family.

The Hops Company-Derby

www.thehopscompany.com

It’s finally happening! You’re invited to the 6th Annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, October 10th!  Doors open at 12:00. FREE ADMISSION. Authentic German music by the Adler’s Band & the HSV Bavaria Dancers, Stein-holding contest, German-style beers, food, games, prizes and giveaways! Make sure to bring your dancing shoes and maybe your stretchy Thanksgiving pants, and it’s probably time to step up your arm day preparing for the Stein-holding contest. EIN PROSIT!

Athletic Brewing Co.-Stratford

www.athleticbrewing.com

Oktoberfest is one of the best occasions to celebrate beer, and when it comes to going the long haul in the name of lederhosen, there’s only one brewery that lets you shine from first sip to last call: Athletic Brewing Company. Their award-winning, non-alcoholic craft beers have taken the industry by storm and given beer lovers and health enthusiasts a new lifestyle to tap into. With an incredible lineup of non-alcoholic, full flavor and low-calorie craft styles, Athletic brews let you celebrate to the fullest without compromise, or hangovers. And with their flagship brewery proudly pouring craft styles right in Stratford, CT there’s no better place to say “Prost!” this October. 

Berlinetta Brewing-Bridgeport

www.berlinettabrewing.com

Since opening in June of this year, Bridgeport’s Berlinetta Brewing has established a unique presence in the CT craft-beer scene. Berlinetta’s bright and airy tasting room, vintage vinyl selection, and focus on traditional European styles distinguishes it from its neighbors. For this, their first Oktoberfest offering, Berlinetta has crafted a Märzen that they call “Zehn.” With a full body, rich amber hue, and slightly higher-than-usual 6.7% ABV, it’s smooth and flavorful and easy on the palate.

The Hideaway Kitchen & Bar-Ridgefield

www.thehideawayridgefield.com

Head to The Hideaway, a cozy neighborhood gastro pub with an inviting fireplace which makes it a perfect spot to be on cool, autumn evenings. They are located near beautiful downtown Ridgefield and within walking distance of the Ridgefield Playhouse. The Hideaway will be celebrating Oktoberfest this year by offering authentic German dishes such as Sauerbraten, Wienerschnitzel, and Butternut Squash Ravioli, as well as Bavarian Pork Chops & a Double Decker German Pork Cutlet Sandwich. On tap they will have Spaten Oktoberfest, one of the oldest traditional Oktoberfest beers brewed in Munich, along with 15 other draft beer selections.

Jealous Monk-Mystic

www.jealous-monk.com

Jealous Monk is Mystic’s only beer garden and remains the must-visit destination for beer lovers everywhere. Featuring a constantly rotating selection of 32 tap beers and plenty of different bottles and cans, you’re sure to discover your next favorite beer. Their unique menu features house-made bratwurst, house-ground burgers prepared with Jealous Monk’s custom blend of choice beef, and a charcuterie board that can’t be beat. With a combination of house-made cuisine, the world’s finest craft beers on tap, a spacious beer garden, and an indoor social hall, you won’t want to miss Jealous Monk in Mystic, CT. 

Small State Great Beer Festival-Hartford

www.smallstategreatbeer.com

Your all-time favorite festival is back with a new backdrop! The 2021 SMALL STATE GREAT BEER FESTIVAL is moving to Dillon Stadium alongside Hartford Athletic, Connecticut's Pro Soccer team, on October 30th. Sip on unlimited tastings from Connecticut's top breweries, vibe out to live music and explore the food truck district. Every year, SMALL STATE GREAT BEER transforms a craft beer showcase into an immersive live-event experience that is a celebration of this thriving culture. The event features unlimited tastings from the largest line-up of CT breweries, cideries, and distilleries alongside live music and local food trucks. Visit hartfordathletic.com/ssgb for tickets and more information.

Wakeman Town Farm-Westport

www.wakemantownfarm.org

The Beer Garden at the Farm, Sunday, Oct. 17, noon-4. Wakeman Town Farm, 134 Cross Hwy, Westport. They are super excited for fall on the Farm! Put on a sweater, bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and join them for live music by Hitch + the Giddyup and Rob Morten, pizza from the wood-fired oven by Tony Pizza Napolitano, tacos by Urban Taqo, crepes by Christophe’s Crepes, and Craft Beer by Nod Hill Brewery, Veracious Brewing and New Belgium Brewing. Play a little corn hole or browse the local wares from a few of the favorite small vendors. It’s a family affair, so bring your whole crew! There will be a kids’ area with pumpkin decorating, and live animal encounters for the littles, too. Entry tickets are $10 per adults. Kids are free. Food + beverage purchases are a la carte. Proceeds benefit Farm educational programs. 

Broad Brook Opera House-Broad Brook

www.broadbrookoperahouse.com

Their first Oktoberfest, so go help them celebrate! Beer samples and lots of live music to accompany! Buy tickets online. October 9th.

Charter Oak Brewery-Danbury

www.charteroakbrewing.com

Not only is it OAKtoberfest, but it’s their 10 year anniversary! That merits a whole lot of glass raising. Live music, their CT-based craft beers and FREE bratwurst. October 16th.

2021 CT Craft Beer Fest, CT Brewers Guild-Wallingford

https://www.connecticut.beer/events/2021ctcraftbeerfest

Held at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre, 60 + breweries will be present and pouring! Chat with brewmasters and if you spring for the VIP tickets, you’ll get to sample exclusive brews. October 9th. Get tickets online.

East Rocks Brewing Company-New Haven

www.eastrockbeer.com

The only German-inspired brewery in CT is a perfect place for an Oktoberfest! Live music from the TubaFrau Hofbrau Band, German-inspired food, games, and prizes. Limited tickets available so don’t miss out! October 2nd

Elicit Brewing-Manchester

www.elicitbrewing.com

Limited tickets are available for Oktoberfest, which will be held this weekend, October 2nd and 3rd. Live music, stein-hoisting contests, German food, food trucks, dancing and a whole lot of drinking.

Landmark Beer Garden-Stamford

www.facebook.com/landmarkbeergarden

Head here for Trivia Nights, Extreme Music Bingo, corn hole and lots and lots of beer. For Oktoberfest, they have an extensive beer menu, Bavarian pretzels and more surprises. 

Nod Hill Brewery-Ridgefield

www.nodhillbrewery.com

For the past month and concluding “Fest Season” soon, Nod Hill Brewery is serving up festive beers in their Tap Room and Biergarten. German-style Fest Lager and Amber, fall beers, Kolsch-style and more. Grab a friend, grab a pint, relax and enjoy the season.

Parkville Market-Hartford

www.parkvillemarket.com

Parkville Market’s 2-week Oktoberfest event ends this weekend! Head there for Beer Bars, German music, food pop-ups, raffles, family-friendly entertainment and more.

Plan b-Milford, Simsbury, Southington, Stamford, West Hartford

www.burgersbeerbourbon.com

The entire first week of October, head to Plan b (Burgers, Beer, Bourbon) for their Oktoberfest featuring specialty snacks, pumpkin beer and, of course, the three Bs they love so much-burgers, beer and bourbon.

Powder Ridge Beer Festival-Middlefield

www.hookerbeer.com

Thomas Hooker Brewery is hosting-so head to Powder Ridge Mountain Park, chill with fellow beer lovers and try some new brews. They even have gluten-reduced beers. October 2nd.

Redding Road House-Redding

www.thereddingroadhouse.com

Their 3rd Annual Oktoberfest featuring Nod Hill Brewery! Live music, beer and German eats will be the name of the game on October 8th. Be sure to RSVP on their website.

Rowayton Civic Association-Rowayton

www.rowaytoncivicassociation.org

It’s the beloved 8th Annual Oktoberfest on October 23rd. German food, beer, singing and dancing. Go ahead, wear the lederhosen. Tickets available online.

Sandy Hook Craft Beer Festival-Newtown

www.beerfests.com

Vendors, food trucks and over 45 breweries will be represented and pouring. And who doesn’t love giant lawn jenga? October 19th.

Seed-to-Plate Local Harvest Celebration-Newtown

realfoodshare.kindful.com/e/seedtoplateevent

Hosted at beautiful Castle Hill Farm, this autumn celebration is the 1st Annual Seed-to-Plate event from Real Food Share. Local food and local chefs, live music, wines and beer, a bonfire and lots of fun. October 2nd, get tickets online.

Twelve Percent Beer Project-North Haven

twelvepercentbeerproject.square.site

Oct 1-3rd!  Live music from The Beer Hall Boys, David Goxlowski Solo Accordian and Acoustic Moshpit, games, pretzels, sausages, food vendors like the Meriden Turner Society and Hop Haus Food Truck, dancing, and beer, beer, beer. Get tickets online.

Wurst Haus-West Hartford

www.wurst-haus.com

Beer and brats at their parking lot party! Live music with the Berkshire Mountain Wanderers and a whole lot of beer. Their full menu will be served inside in the event you can’t live without schnitzel. October 15-16th.

If you are hosting your own Oktoberfest…

Bon Appetit & Co.-Hamden

www.bonappetitct.com

Alpine, Irish Porter Cheddar, Red Dragon with mustard seed and ale, Beer-washed rind cheese and more, perfect for your Oktoberfest!

East Side Restaurant-New Britain

www.eastsiderestaurant.com

Order by the ounce or by the pan for your own celebration-items like Chicken Liver Pate, German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, Spaetzle, Sauerbraten, and Roast Pork Tenderloin.

Karl Ehmer Quality Meat Products-Danbury

6 Federal Road, Danbury

German foods and meats, jams, breads, sweets-time to stock up!

Noack’s Meat Products-Meriden

www.noacks.com

For 50 years, Noack’s has specialized in smoked and fresh meats that are made using recipes from the Lake Constance area in the Black Forest area of Germany.

Taste of Europe-Norwalk

330 Westport Ave

Large stock of Eastern European foods (hot, cold, packaged), sweets, desserts, pantry items