‘Tis the season for festbier, pretzels, oom-pah music, and more festive fun.
It’s time to tie on your trachten and flex your liter-hoisting muscles: Oktoberfest season returns to Greater Boston. The annual celebration of beer, bratwurst, and brass bands originated in Germany in the early 19th century. In Bavaria this year, it runs from Saturday, Sept. 16 through Tuesday, Oct. 3 — and around Boston, the party extends even longer.
In chronological order, check out these Oktoberfest events at breweries, bars, and beautiful locations around the region to get in the spirit. Prost!
Idle Hands
One of Boston’s original brewing companies, Idle Hands Craft Ales, is known for excellent renditions of classic beers — lagers included. The Malden brewery celebrates its own anniversary in conjunction with Oktoberfest, and the two-for party returns Saturday, Sept. 9, from noon until 9 p.m. There will be a celebrity dunk tank to raise funds for Housing Families. Festive food will include Jaju Pierogi and Lionheart Confections (think: pretzels and German desserts). Live music all day begins with Traditional German and Oktoberfest songs from Natalja Sticco of Mystic Side Opera (12:30-1:30 p.m.), and turns into a polka party with The Beer Hall Boys all afternoon. DJ Bean & Friends closes things out starting at 6 p.m. At 4 p.m., try your hand at an official U.S. stein-hoisting state competition to win an Idle Hands prize pack and entry into the championship happening Oct. 1 at Jack’s Abby. New this year: Discover the Lager Lounge in the back of the brewery, tapping a coveted list of lagers throughout the day. Tickets at the door are $10 and include a souvenir plastic stein and your first beer, or you can pre-order a limited-edition, 20-ounce ceramic stein for $25, which also includes entry and your first round.
