Oktoberfest Already? Here’s Where to Go In and Around Portland.
Image: Vibbily/Alamy
Despite its name, most of Oktoberfest happens in September. The centuries-old folk festival originated as the public celebrations of the wedding between Ludwig I of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. Toward the end of the nineteenth century, the festival shifted into late September, to take advantage of the early autumn sun. The Munich-based festival has since spread across the globe. These days, it's less about the matrimony of Bavarian royalty, more about feasting on sausages and schnitzel, dressing Fido up in tiny lederhosen, dancing jigs, and, of course, downing pints of lager—all activities many Portlanders love.
Eins, zwei, drei, g’suffa!
German Haus Oktoberfest
Noon–9pm Sat, Sept 12 | German American Society of Portland
The annual party from the German Haus features food from Wienerwurst PDX, beer both imported from Germany and local from Zoiglhaus Brewing Co., and live music from Bavarian Echoes, European Takeout Band, and Festival Brass. Tickets to the family-friendly festival start at $9.31 for general admission, while $23.18 gets you entry plus a stein and a drink ticket.
Mt. Angel Oktoberfest
Thu–Sun, Sept 17–20 | downtown Mt. Angel
Catch concerts (including from Austrian "international party band" Pech and Schwefel), car shows, dance troupes, kiddie rides, Oktoberfest Olympics feats of strength, wiener dog races, and more folk fest activities at this Bavarian-style village’s main annual attraction. Much of the festival is free, but wristbands ($15–20 for a single day, $50 for the whole fest) are required for anyone 21 and over in the Biergarten, Weingarten, and Alpengarten. Shuttles will run from Portland, Stayton, Woodburn, and Silverton on Friday and Saturday, and from Salem on Saturday. Shuttle tickets are required, and organizers warn that "the coveted last ride out of Oktoberfest fills quickly."
Oaks Park Oktoberfest
FRI–Sun, Sept 25–27 | Oaks Amusement Park
We aren’t sure if German cuisine and Paulaner beers mix well with Oaks Park’s array of roller coasters and other “thrill rides,” but who are we to question? The Southeast Portland amusement park usually hosts a few less stomach-jostling activities for its big annual party, like a pretzel toss, a condiment art contest, and a dachshund race. Park admission requirement, with separate pricing for rides, food, drinks, and parking.
Image: Courtesy McMenamins
McMenamins Oktoberfest
Sept 19–Oct 3 | Various McMenamins Locations
Northwest juggernaut McMenamins has no shortage of events, with pubs and venues across the state pouring seasonal beers, serving German food specials, and hosting concerts. The biggest party goes down on Sunday, September 27, at Edgefield, with a plant sale, a golf tournament, two stages with live music, and seemingly endless kegs of the brewery’s Oktoberfest Lager. Most of McMenamins’ Oktoberfestivities are free to attend, though not the Kennedy School Brewfest on September 26 ($35–40, includes 10 drink tokens and a commemorative glass).
Image: Courtesy Stammtisch
Stammtisch Oktoberfest
Fri–Sun, sept 25–27 | Stammtisch
A sister restaurant to Prost!, this NE 28th Avenue spot has plenty of German bier at its Oktoberfest but tends to leans more into the event's other traditions, with specials like roasted pork knuckle and roasted chicken, the obligatory giant pretzels, and plenty of fun to be had with games like stein-holding and hammerschlagen, in which contestants compete to drive nails into a stump. A ceremonial keg tapping starts the party on Friday.
Image: Courtesy Prost
Prost! Oktoberfest
FRI–Sun, OCT 2–4 | Prost!
With its glass boots of beers, menu of currywurst and bratwurst sandwiches, and cellar’s worth of imported German lagers and ales, Prost! on N Mississippi Avenue is always ready for a Bavarian festival. Festivities generally kick off with a ceremonial keg tapping on Friday , followed by a weekend of live music and all sorts of specials: find fest biers, giant pretzels, commemorative mugs for sale, and a staff clad in traditional lederhosen and dirndl.
Oak-Toberfest
Noon–7PM Sat, oct 10 | Bauman’s on Oak
Image: Courtesy Occidental Brewing
Occidental Oktoberfest
noon–9pm sat, oct 10 | occidental brewing
This German-inflected brewery in the shadow of the St. Johns Bridge will have a brass band and other live music, a stein-holding contest at 3:15pm, pints of Festbier and fresh-hop selections as well as NA options, and grub from the neighboring Urban German Wursthaus, including sausages, pork roasts, and pretzels. Free for nondrinkers (kids welcome), and $15 for a mug and its first fill, with subsequent beers at $7.
