Beer-themed Oktoberfest celebrations are held in many other cities around the world, some in October and some in September, which has more predictably favorable weather. The largest Oktoberfest outside of Germany is “Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest” in Ontario, Canada. The largest in the United States “Oktoberfest Zinzinnati” is in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Short history of Oktoberfest
The tradition of Oktoberfest began in Munich, Germany in 1810 when Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Week-long nuptial festivities began on October 12 and ended on October 17, with a horse race concluding the celebration. And the wedding ceremony, of course. Munich celebrations were repeated every year after that first wedding celebration, giving rise to the tradition of Oktoberfest.
Over the years, the character of the festival changed to include an agricultural fair, carousels and other amusements, and beer stands that became large beer halls. The popular horse races fell out of favor and are no longer held today. The beer halls became immensely popular. Go figure.
Over 200 years later, the Munich Oktoberfest is the largest festival on Earth, with over six million visitors from around the world spending nearly a half-billion dollars during the two-week event. Attendees drink million of gallons of beer, eat thousands of pounds of sausage, and consume nearly a half-million spit-roasted chickens. Zum wohl!
Why is Oktoberfest spelled so funny?
Oktober is simply the German spelling for the month of October. That’s it. No hidden meanings or other folklore is attached.
Oktoberfest in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
The Seattle area is home to a several beer festivals in the fall. The following list of events are some of the longest running and largest fall beer festivals in the Puget Sound region. Outdoor festivals tend to occur in September and indoor events in October.
(Listed alphabetically by city or location.)
Anacortes Bier Near the Pier features breweries, cideries, food trucks, and live music with the beautiful views of the Guemes Channel. After the festival stay overnight and take a stroll through historic downtown Anacortes to find unique shops, live music at multiple venues, and restaurants featuring beer and ciders from the festival. Anacortes has a wide variety of hotels, local inns, and bed and breakfast locations. 21+ only. More info: Upcoming Events – Experience Anacortes
Kenmore Oktoberfest (findkenmore.org) is three days of Bavarian fun in late September. The all-ages festivities kick off with the ceremonial tapping of the firkin followed by a host of seasonal fun. Highlights include live local & regional performers, PacNW brews and food, family-friendly activities, and After-Hours Fun. The weekend concludes with a Fall Seasonal Market.
Kirkland Oktoberfest at Moss Bay (mossbayoktoberfest.com) is the Seattle area’s largest authentic Oktoberfest and München-style biergarten on the Kirkland waterfront. 21+ only.
Leavenworth, WA Oktoberfest is the next best thing to being at the world’s largest beer festival in Munich, Germany. Leavenworth Oktoberfest occurs on the first three weekends of October. Minors are allowed until 9 pm with an adult.
Mount Vernon BrewFest. The Skagit’s longest running Craft Brew Festival in September along the banks of the Skagit River features dozens of local craft brews, local bands, leisure games, vendors, local food trucks, and more. More info: BrewFest on the Skagit Tickets, Sat, Sep 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM | Eventbrite
Puyallup Oktoberfest Northwest is a Munich-inspired Festhalle at the Washington State Fairgrounds. Enjoy traditional Oktoberfest music and dance, authentic German food, a large variety of German beers poured in steins, Wiener Dog Races, Stein Dash 5K, Sports Haus, Bavarian Bier-lympics, Root Beer Garden, and the Northwest’s exclusive Hammerschlagen® Tournament of Champions. The event closes out Friday and Saturday nights with top cover bands from around Puget Sound. Discount on advance purchase tickets. All-ages until 6pm. Free parking. You might also like: Washington State Fair events at Puyallup Fairgrounds – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
Seattle Fremont Oktoberfest is Seattle’s largest fall beer festival held in September outdoors in the streets of Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood. 21+ only; meaning no babes in arms, in strollers, or in backpacks. None. Nichts. Nada. Verboten.
Seattle Center Great Pumpkin Beer Fest. For those who haven’t been to GPBF, traditionally there is a giant, several-hundred-pound pumpkin that is scooped, scorched, filled with pumpkin beer, sealed, conditioned, and then tapped at the fest for all to enjoy. Plus 80+ pumpkin and seasonal beers (and usually a couple of surprises) from near and far, including twenty or so from Elysian Brewing’s pumpkin-crazed brewers. Beyond the beers, you can expect a costume contest, music, local food trucks, a pumpkin carving station, a pie eating contest, and so much more. 100% of the proceeds will benefit THE VERA PROJECT, dedicated to fostering youth-driven engagement in music and art. 21+ only. Tickets sell out every year.
Seattle Woodland Park “Brew at the Zoo” every fall is a beer tasting event like no other where you can sample delicious imports, domestics, microbrews, and ciders from over 40 breweries. From pilsner to stout, you’re sure to find a new favorite! In addition, there is opportunity to meet some of the zoo’s most eccentric animals with up-close encounters of their ambassador animals! Food is available for purchase. All money raised supports conservation projects both locally and globally. 21+ only. After (zoo) hours event. Rain or shine. More info: Brew at the Zoo – Woodland Park Zoo Seattle WA
Seattle Wallingford Wurst Festival is an Oktoberfest-style celebration that takes place every September at St. Benedict School in a family-friendly neighborhood environment with food, games, vendors, and live music. Family friendly. Free admission.
Oktoberfest typically includes a stein of beer and pretzels – iStock by Getty Images photo by Yummy pic
Upcoming food & drink events on our calendar
Listed below are the food & drink events on our calendar in the next 30 days.
Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.
You might also like: Greater Seattle on the Cheap – Free things to do, cheap fun, discounts and deals in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
