Break out the lederhosen and fill your glass boots with beer, or rather "bier," because it's time for Oktoberfest fever to take over the Valley. Whether you're looking for a one-day fest to celebrate German food, drink and culture or a days-long party with live music and more beers can you can count, there's an event for just about any schedule. Here's your handy one stop guide to celebrating Oktoberfest in the Valley this year.
See also: 17 Food Festivals in Metro Phoenix: Chow Bella's Fall 2013 Guide
Tonto Oktoberfest Tuesday, September 17 to Thursday, October 24
Cave Creek's Tonto Bar and Grill is kicking of the Oktoberfest season on September 17, when the restaurant will begin offering a selection of German dishes and imported beers. Every week the restaurant will offer three different authentic dishes such as potato cakes, spatzel, sausage and strudel. The Oktoberfest menus will be available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only and prices will range from $5 to $22.50 per course. The six-week celebration kicks off with spicy heirloom tomato salad, German mustard roasted pork loin and Linzer torte with hazelnuts and red currant jam. To view each week's menu visit the Tonto website.
Fountain Hills Oktoberfest Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28
Expect foot-long brats, smoked turkey legs, sauerkraut, potato salad and more at this Oktoberfest celebration sponsored by the Town of Fountain Hills, the Southwest German Society, Fountain Hills Elks and Fountain Hills AMVETS. Live music at this year's event will be provided by the Die echten Waldbuam, a trio of German musicians. The event will also include contests and a designated children's area. Get in on the action from 5 to 10 p.m. both days at the Fountain Park. For more information visit the town website or the Facebook event page.
Brat Haus Oktoberfest Beer Diner Wednesday, October 2
Scottsdale's Brat Haus will be offering five-course beer-paired dinner to celebrate Oktoberfest this year. The menu includes five different styles of beer, each of which will be paired with a German-inspired dish. There's everything from a selection of wursts (sausages) to mini schnitzel with quail egg, caper and anchovy to look forward to as well as smoke cured wild boar loin and plum cake for desert. On weekends from September 21 to October 6 the restaurant will also offer pig roasts, beer specials and live music. Other weekend events include a keg tapping celebration, wiener dog fashion show and brat-eating contest. Visit the Brat Haus Facebook page for the full Oktoberfest schedule.
SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest Saturday, October 5
The 6th Annual SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest will take over the streets of downtown Chandler on Saturday, October 5 from 4 p.m. to midnight bringing live music, games, food and drinks to the (figurative) table. And because you can't have Oktoberfest without beer, the event will include a Bavarian-style beer garden where guests can sip on SanTan's Oktoberfest brew, a traditional German lager. The Expendables will be headlining the event, joined by Bad Cactus Brass Band, and while you're listening to some sweet tunes you can enjoy a few games of beer pong, bag toss or stein races or compete in keg stacking and brat eating contests. Tickets are on sale now for $10 and children are free.
Phoenix Old World Oktoberfest Saturday, October 5
Celebrate German heritage and culture with the Arizona Center for Germanic Cultures at the Phoenix Old World Oktoberfest at Margaret T. Hance Park on October 5 from noon to 9 p.m. The event will include traditional German food, beer (and beer maidens), German products and plenty of fun and games. Attendees can look forward to bratwurst, roast pig, sauerkraut, and apple strudel as well as the Das Boot Oktoberfest Special, a 28 oz. souvenir plastic boot of beer. For entertainment there will be the annual Alphorn blowing contest, Polka contest and the Warsteiner beir stein-holding contest for both the ladies and the lads. Admission cost $5 person and children are free.
Ottobrefesta at Taggia at the Firesky Resport and Spa Wednesday, October 9
This year Taggia chef Massimo De Francesa is throwing tradition out the window in favor of something a little more unique. To celebrate the tradition of German's Oktoberfest he's creating a multi-course German-inspired meal with a unique Italian twist. The dinner, which will costs $65 a person, includes "Salsiccia," grilled bratwurst with black truffle garlic aioli and "Brasato," bira braised short ribs with pretzel gnocchi and pickled butternut squash. For a resevation call 480-424-6095.
Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake Friday, October 11 through Sunday, October 13
The biggest Oktoberfest celebration in the Valley will take over Tempe Town Lake for three days of beer drinking ant brat eating this fall. There's a long list of events to look forward to including the 22nd annual Frank Kush Oktoberfest Foot Race on Saturday, concerts from Keltic Cowboys and Elvis Before Noon and Dashchund races. There will be multiple beer gardens and tents that will offer a selection of local, craft and German beers. During beer sampling hours you can guy eight 4 oz. beer samples for $20. As for eats expect bratwurst and a Bavarian Bakery with German strudel and other cookies and pastries. For the little (or just the little at heart) there will be carnival rides and games. For more information visit the Tempe Oktoberfest website. Admission is free.
WOB Oktoberfest 2013 Saturday, October 12
If you're looking for a totally beer-centric Oktoberfest celebration then World of Beer Tempe is the place to be. The beer-only bar will be hosting a one-day fest with German and seasonal favorites available on tap as well as live music. The event will also include prize giveaways. For details stay tuned to the World of Beer Facebook page.
Octoberfest at Salt River Fields Saturday, October 12
Scottsdale gets in on the Oktoberfest action thanks to Salt River Field's Octoberfest event from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 12. The event will have four "Beers of the World" bars to choose from including a College Bar and one called Euro Hops and Grapes. Expect more than 50 types of beverages and concessions that will include a dozen types of sausages, soft pretzels, fry bread and BBQ. And if you're looking to score big, the Octoberfest Cornhole Tournament brings a chance to win $5,000 in cash prizes. School of Rock, Lane Change and the Jukebox Kings will provide live music. Tickets cost $10 for general admission and can be purchased online.
Haus Murphy's Oktoberfest Friday, October 11 through Sunday October 13 and Friday, October 18 through Sunday, October 20
Glendale's German restaurant Haus Murphy's is celebrating the season with a special menu that includes beer, traditional German eats and live music to set the mood. For $40 guests can enjoy two German biers and their choice of braised pork shank, German sausage, Grillfliesch mit sauerkraut or half chicken. Desert options include apple strudel or chocolate sauerkraut cake. Entertainment from Die Guggeback Baum from Heidelberg, Germany will begin at 6 p.m. Kids menus are available. For more information visit the Haus Murphy's website.
