By Betsy Natter
The approach of cooler fall weather also brings a seasonal favorite for beer lovers – Oktoberfest! While not strictly always held during the month of October, beer festivals will be taking place throughout September and October all over the region. With the increased popularity of craft brewing and micro-breweries popping up everywhere, MontCo has its own line up of special events sure to please every palate.
Elmwood Park Zoo – Sat., Sept. 9
1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, PA 19401
(800) 652-4143
Join the animals for the 10th annual Oktoberfest from 1 to 4 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo. Over 40 breweries will be sampling their best craft beers, wines and ciders. Party games, animal encounters, live music and plenty of food for purchase will be available throughout the event. Tickets are available for designated drivers at reduced rates. Registration is available online but closes Sept. 8th.
Vereinigung Erzgebirge – Sat., Sept. 9
130 Davisville Rd., Warminster, PA 18974
(215) 675-5380
Celebrate Oktoberfest in the traditional German style at Bucks and Montgomery County’s famous Erzgebirge Club, founded by German immigrants over 85 years ago. Enjoy live music all day featuring favorites such as Willi Aust and the Philadelphia German Brass Band. Traditional German food and beer as well as soccer games, kickball hayrides, moon bounces and a thriller obstacle course will provide fun all day. The event is held from 11am to 10 pm and tickets are just $5 per person in advance, $7 at the door.
Ardmore Oktoberfest – Sat. Sept. 23
Cricket Ave., (GPS use 17 Cricket Ave.) Ardmore, PA 19003
Downtown Ardmore comes to life with traditional German fare, beer, music and entertainment during their annual celebration which is designed to be family friendly. Let them Play Learning Center will watch the kids for two hours, providing them with crafts and a snack for $25 per child while parents visit the festival. Call the Learning Center directly at 484-413-2928 to register. Additional crafts and face painting (even Oktoberfest designs for adults) will be available as well. Enjoy bratwurst with sauerkraut, pretzels with obatzda (German cheese sauce), and potato pancakes with apple butter while listening to live music. A Beer Garden is also available to event goers with VIP tickets. Wrist bands purchased for $1 are required to purchase alcohol for non-VIP attendees.
Boyertown Oktoberfest – Fri/Sat., September 15-16
Town Center Parking Lot
Between S. Reading Ave & Boyer St., Boyertown PA 19512
Get a $5 wristband for this small town event and enjoy a special selection of handcrafted German style beers, local wines and ciders. Try a Dinkelacker Oktoberfest or Pilsner or perhaps a Jack–O-Traveler pumpkin beer. Taste wine from the local Manatawny Creek winery or a cider from nearby Frecon Farms. The event runs Friday evening from 5 to 9 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm. Enjoy food and craft vendors, live music and performances by the Auerhahn Schuhplatter Dancers.
KOP Beerfest Royal – Thurs., Oct. 5 & Sat., Oct 7
160 N Gulph Rd., King of Prussia, PA 19406
This party in the burbs takes place in two formats – a Donnerstag: Happy Hour on Thurs., Oct 5th from 5:30 to 9 pm and your choice of two sessions on Sat. Oct. 7th from 12 to 3:30 pm or 6 to 9:30 pm. The event is held outdoors under large tents on the parking lot of King of Prussia Mall and features sampling from dozens of breweries and food from the area’s finest eateries. Thursday’s ticket includes unlimited food and beer samples, wine, creative cocktails, delicious desserts, a cigar lounge and live music. Saturday session include unlimited beer tastings and food options for purchase. Tickets should be purchased in advance as the event typically sells out.
Ambler Oktoberfest – Sat., Oct. 7
Butler Ave., Ambler, PA 19002
Enjoy the quaint shopping and varied fare of local restaurants while enjoying Ambler’s 26th annual community beer festival. The event will be held from 11 am to 6 pm along Butler Pike in downtown Ambler and will spill over into several side streets with over 90 vendors and 10 food trucks. Kids’ rides, a beer garden, and live music on two stages provides something for everyone. No tickets required.
Pottstown Brewfest – Sat. Oct. 28
Norco Fire Company
144 West Schuylkill Rd., Pottstown, PA 19465
The third annual Brewfest to raise money for local charities is sure to please with over 125 craft beers, meads, wines, ciders and spirits to sample. Seven food trucks will be on site to satisfy your hunger and a variety of vendors will have their wares available. Enjoy sample, food and music from 12 to 4:30 pm. Standard or VIP tickets are available online.
Conshohocken Beerfest – Sat., Oct. 14
A. Garthwaite Stadium
East 11th and Harry Street, Conshohocken, PA 19428
Check out the third annual beerfest in Conshy and support the Plymouth Whitemarsh Rotary Club in their fundraiser to help local charities and community groups. The festival runs from 1 to 5 pm with general admission tickets sold online. Sample great food and beer at this popular event.
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