September 2010 Events
2-5: Ale at Amberley, Amberley, England
Ale at Amberley returns to the Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre. This year's festival has been expanded to four days, including a Thursday evening session. Organizers expect to have more than 60 Real Ales, along with ciders and perries. Entertainment will include live music Saturday evening, along with Morris dancers, classic buses, vintage vehicles, a bric-a-brac shop, and food and crafts vendors.
2-5: Corris Festival, Corris, Wales
Corris Festival 2010 will be held at the Braich Goch Bunkhouse and Inn and the Slaters Arms, both of which are located in Corris. Microbrewed ales from throughout the UK will be served. Food will be available, and there will be live music at both venues throughout the event. Admission is free.
3-5: Ashford Beer Festival 2010
The eighth annual Ashford Kent Beer Festival, a three-day event featuring beer, music, and rugby, will be held on the grounds of the Ashford Rugby Club. Organizers expect to have 70 Real Ales along with five real ciders. There will be a veterans' and ladies' rugby tournaments, a pig roast, and live music each day.
3-5: Belgian Beer Weekend, Brussels, Belgium
In early September, the Belgian Brewers Association and the Knighthood of the Brewers' Mash host a Belgian Beer Weekend, which takes place at the Grand'Place in Brussels. Belgian breweries of all sizes are represented, and beer is sold at reasonable prices. Festival events include a celebration of St. Arnold, the patron saint of brewers and consecration of the beer; a display of historic brewery carts and beer wagons; and a brewers' parade in the city center. Admission to these events is free.
3-5: Bierboerse, Karlsruhe, Germany
The Karlsruhe edition of Bierboerse, a series of beer festivals held across Germany, will take place at Schlossplatz in the city center. More than 1,000 beers from over 75 breweries, including hard-to-find German microbrews, will be served in a Biergarten atmosphere. Festivities also include food and live entertainment, breweriana, and artisans' stands. The Bierboerse website is in German only.
3-6: Brewmasters International Beer Festival, Galveston, TX
The inaugural Brewmasters International Beer Festival will be held at Moody Gardens Golf Course in Galveston. Saturday afternoon's Brew-Ha-Ha Grand Tasting will showcase more than 300 beers from around the world. Sunday afternoon's BrewLicious in the Ballroom will feature demonstrations by local chefs. There will also be a charity golf tournament the evening before the festival, four-course beer pairing dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings, and a performance by the rock group Knight Ranger. The BrewTopia Beer Garden will be open all four days of the festival and admission is free.
3-6: Cleveland Labor Day Oktoberfest, Berea, OH
The 2010 Cleveland Labor Day Oktoberfest will be held at the Berea Fairgrounds. German and American beer, along with traditional food, will be served in the Biergarten. There will be a microbrew competition, with awards in multiple categories. On Sunday Night, the Cleveland Pops Orchestra will perform Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. The weekend festivities will also include local bands, the Glockenspiel, children's activities, and beads and trinkets for festival-goers. Oktoberfest is a benefit for local charities.
3-6: La Fete Bieres et Saveurs, Chambly, QC, Canada
La Fete Bieres et Saveurs (the Beer and Flavour Fest) will be held at historic Fort Chambly, on the banks of the Richelieu River near the center of Montreal. This event will feature beer from local microbreweries and homebrewers; Quebec cheese, wine, and cider and other food products; appearances by local chefs; artisans and craftspeople; children's activities; live music; and acrobats, magicians, and other entertainers.
3-4: Savannah Craft Brew Fest, Savannah, GA
The Savannah Craft Brew Fest is a two-day Labor Day weekend event. On Friday evening, there will be a Craft Brew and Food Pairing Dinner (location TBA), with Low Country cuisine and beers chosen to enhance their flavor. On Saturday afternoon, The Grand Tasting will take place the Esplanade at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. More than 120 craft-brewed beers will be served in a venue overlooking the Savannah River. There will also be food, live entertainment, and souvenir items for sale.
3-4: South Devon CAMRA's Beer Festival, Newton Abbot, England
The South Devon Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 28th annual
South Devon CAMRA's Beer Festival, which will take place at the St Johns Ambulance Hall in Newton Abbot. Organizers expect to offer more than 100 Real Ales, lagers, and local ciders, including festival specials. More details will be posted on the branch website.
South Devon CAMRA's Beer Festival, which will take place at the St Johns Ambulance Hall in Newton Abbot. Organizers expect to offer more than 100 Real Ales, lagers, and local ciders, including festival specials. More details will be posted on the branch website.
4-5: BBQ & Craft Beer Festival, Oceanport, NJ
Monmouth Park Racetrack will host a BBQ & Craft Beer Festival. This Labor Day weekend event will feature beer from around the world, served in the beer garden; barbecue for purchase; and live thoroughbred racing.
4: Brews & Bites, San Luis Obispo, CA
The San Luis Brewers Guild presents the second annual Brews & Bites, which will take place at Mission Plaza in San Luis Obispo. This afternoon event will feature beer from at least eight local breweries; local reggae, rock, and funk bands; food; and Cooking With Courtney. Proceeds will go to charity.
4: High Country Beer Festival, Boone, NC
The 2010 edition of the High Country Beer Festival will be held at the Broyhill Inn in Boone. This is an afternoon and early evening event, with more than 200 beers from the region and the world. Local musicians will perform; food will be available; and there will be educational seminars covering beer, brewing, and pairing food and beer. Proceeds will go to the Hospitality House in Boone and to the nation's first non-profit, educational brewpub, located on the campus of Appalachian State University.
4: Ithaca Brew Fest, Ithaca, NY
The Ithaca Beer Company and Cayuga Radio Group present the fourth annual Ithaca Brew Fest, which will take place at Stewart Park at the base of Cayuga Lake. More than 40 local, regional, national, and international breweries will be represented at this afternoon event. There will be food from local eateries, and live music by the Sim Redmond Band and Kevin Kinsella. VIP tickets, with early admission, rare beers, snacks, and appearances by brewers, are available.
4-5: Mount Snow Brewers Festival, West Dover, VT
Mount Snow Resort will host its 16th annual Brewers Festival. This two-day event will feature an expanded lineup of more 60 beers and ciders from over 20 breweries. The festivities will also include live music, a beer pairing dinner, cooking demonstrations, and a horseshoes tournament. A variety of food will be available for purchase.
5: Beer and Whiskey Fest, Atlanta, GA
The sixth annual Beer & Whiskey Fest will be held at the Park Tavern, near Piedmont Park in Atlanta. A variety of beers and whiskies will be available at this all-day charity event will. Five tribute rock bands and a DJ will perform, barbecue will be served, and there will be a silent auction. Proceeds will go to the PAWS Atlanta Animal Shelter.
6: Festival of Iowa Beers, Amana, IA
The Millstream Brewery will host the sixth annual Festival of Iowa Beers. This afternoon event will showcase at beer from least 11 Iowa craft breweries and a number of Iowa homebrew clubs. There will also be a cooking with beer demonstration, live music, and local food. Proceeds will go the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation and the Iowa Brewers Guild. This festival is expected to sell out.
6-8: Smarden Sports Association Beer Festival, Smarden, England
The Smarden Sports Association presents its tenth annual Beer Festival, which will take place at The Flying Horse, a public house on Cage Lane. More than 20 Real Ales and ciders will be available; and Pass the Cat, Jumbo Gumbo and Lincoln Ellsworth will provide live music. The festival is a benefit for sports facilities in Smarden.
9-October 31: Helen Oktoberfest, Helen, GA
The Greater Helen Chamber of Commerce presents the 33rd annual Helen Oktoberfest, which will take place in Alpine Helen, a Bavarian-style mountain village. Billed as "America's longest-running Oktoberfest," it will take place Thursday through Sunday between September 9 and 19, and daily from September 23 through October 31. The festival venue is the Helen Festhalle, with German bands from the United States and Europe, German beer and food, and dancing.
9-11: Hinckley CAMRA Beer Festival, Hinckley, England
The Hinckley & Bosworth Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the third annual Hinckley CAMRA Beer Festival, which will take place at Hinckley Masonic Hall in the center of town. About 60 beers (including local beers served at the LocAle Bar) will be available, along with ciders, perries, and fruit wines. Hot and cold food will be served throughout the festival. CAMRA members will be admitted free.
9-12: Silloth Music & Beer Festival, Silloth, England
The tenth annual Silloth Music & Beer Festival will be held on The Green, a grassy area between the town of Silloth-on-Solway and The Esplanade. The festival, which was established to promote the town, will feature around 100 ales and ciders. There will be live entertainment, including Rolling Stones and Kings of Leon tribute bands, ABBA and disco shows, and Elvis Fontenot & the Sugar Bees. Single-day and full weekend tickets are available.
9-11: Tamworth Beer Festival, Tamworth, England
The Lichfield, Sutton and Tamworth Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the Tamworth Beer Festival, which will take place at the Assembly Rooms. Organizers expect to have about 100 Real Ales from the UK, along with a selection of Real Ciders, Real Perries, and bottled beers from all over the world. There will also be food and live music.
10-19: Denver Beer Fest, Denver, CO
Denver Beer Fest, a ten-day celebration "of all things beer," will take place at various locations in Denver. Feature events include Oktoberfest and the Great American Beer Festival (listed separately on the calendar). Other events, TBA on the Beer Fest website, include tastings at Denver restaurants, beer-paire
10: Emerald Coast Beer Festival, Pensacola, FL
The Emerald Coast Beer Festival returns to Pensacola. Friday's tasting, with more than 200 beers from over 30 breweries and at least six homebrew clubs, will take place downtown at the Seville Entertainment Center, where there will be live entertainment as well. The tasting will be followed by a beach party on Saturday. Part of the proceeds will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters and to the Independence Fund.
10-11: Great Canadian Beer Festival, Victoria, BC, Canada
Since 1993, the Great Canadian Beer Festival has been held in Victoria. In recent years, the festival has taken place at the Royal Athletic Park, and has attracted more than 45 craft breweries from across Canada, Belgium, and the Pacific Northwest. In addition to the beer, festivities include continuous entertainment by local performers and food from local restaurants and caterers.
10-11: Historic Depot Happy Hour Hopps of Fun, Mackinaw City, MI
Mackinaw Crossings presents Historic Depot Happy Hour Hopps of Fun, which will take place in downtown Mackinaw City. This two-day event will feature at least 50 Michigan microbrewed beers and over 40 wines from Michigan’s four internationally-recognized wine regions. There will also be live entertainment.
10-12: Minneapolis Oktoberfest, Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Oktoberfest will be held along Main Street, S.E., adjacent to St. Anthony Main, on the banks of the Mississippi River. This tented event will feature German beer, food, and music, along with games such as the beer barrel roll and the Hammerschlagen (nail driving).
10-12: Oktoberfest des Quebecois, Masouche, QC, Canada
Oktoberfest des Quebecois returns to Mascouche, an outskirt city of Montreal located on the Etang-du-Grand-Coteau. Billed as "the most important week-end Bavarian festival in eastern Canada," the traditional Bavarian family-style event will feature more than 140 Quebec-brewed beers along with traditional food kiosks, amusement park games, musicians, and Bavarian dancers.Three-day passports are available.
10: San Diego Festival of Beer, San Diego, CA
The 16th annual San Diego Festival of Beer will be held downtown at Columbia and B Streets. This evening event will feature about 100 beers from 60 breweries (TBA on the festival website), along with a selection of wines. Food will be served, and there will be live entertainment. The festival is a benefit for San Diego Professionals Against Cancer.
10-11: Wessex Beer Festival, Emborough, England
The Rotary Club of Somer Valley presents the Wessex Beer Festival, which will take place on the grounds of the 16th-century Old Down Inn in Emborough. Last year's festival featured more than 30 Real Ales and almost 20 ciders (this year's beer and cider lineup TBA on the festival website), along with food catered by the Old Down Inn and live entertainment. This is a charity event.
10: Zoo Brew, Rochester, NY
The September edition of ZooBrew will be held at the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester. This evening event, described as "the wildest happy hour in town," features beer sampling, live music by the Last Minute Blues Band, and barbecue.
11: Bands, Brews, Etc., Pagosa Springs, CO
The third annual Bands, Brews, Etc., will be held at Town Park in Pagosa Springs. There will be beer from throughout the Four Corners region, along with live music and activities for children, at this afternoon event (beer will be sold by the glass after the festival.) Bands, Brews, Etc., corresponds with Pagosa Springs' 25th annual Colorfest Celebration, which features a mass balloon ascension and the Passport to Pagosa Wine and Food Fest.
11: Beer in the Plaza, Healdsburg, CA
Soroptimist International of Healdsburg presents the 24th annual Beer in the Plaza, which will take place at the Downtown Plaza in Healdsburg. This afternoon event will feature beer from more than 30 breweries, live music by The Remedies, food, a silent auction, and a raffle.
11: Beers of the World Beer Fest, Davis, CA
The Beers of the World Beer Fest will be held at Fair Oaks Park. This afternoon event, which is sponsored by the Spagnoli Financial Group, will feature unlimited sampling of beers from around the world; American, Japanese, and Mexican food; and six bands performing on two stages. The festival is a fund-raiser for the Davis Children's Hospital.
11: Brass City Brew Fest, Waterbury, CT
The fifth annual Brass City Brew Fest will take place at Library Park in Waterbury. This afternoon, rain-or-shine event will feature more than 300 beers from over 125 breweries, live music by three bands, food, educational seminars, and door prizes. There will be also be a Belgian Tent (extra admission charge). VIP tickets, with early admission, are available. There will also be a classic car show in Waterbury the day of the festival.
11-12: Bruges Beer Festival, Bruges, Belgium
The Bruges Autonomous Beertasters, in cooperation with the municipality of Bruges, present the fourth annual Bruges Beer Festival. More than 65 Belgian breweries and other beer providers will offer over 275 beers, and many breweries will have brewers in attendance. There will also be food, cooking-with-beer demonstrations by local chefs, talks by prominent members of the beer community, children's activities, and carillion concerts.
11: California Brewers Festival, Sacramento, CA
The Rotary Club of Point West presents the 16th annual California Brewers Festival, which will take place at Discovery Park in Sacramento. This afternoon event, to be held in a tree-shaded park, will feature more than 150 beers from over 60 microbreweries; Mexican, Southern, and traditional food; and entertainment by Utz!, the Shuttlecock's, and Velvet Tongue. The festival is a fund-raiser for local children's charities.
11: Clearwater Beer Festival, Altoona, WI
The Coffee Grounds presents the 11th annual Clearwater Beer Festival, which will take place at the Hobbs Altoona Sports Center. This afternoon event will feature hundreds of microbrewed and imported beers, along with food, music, and prizes; and organizers will host the festival's first-ever homebrew competition.
11: Gold Beach Brew and Art Fest, Gold Beach, OR
The third annual Gold Beach Brew and Art Fest will be held at the Event Center on the Beach. This all-day festival will feature craft-brewed beer from the Northwest; live bands playing both indoors and outdoors; food, including smoked barbecue; a classic car show on the festival grounds; and works by Oregon Coast artists and artisans.
11-12: Maidstone's Original Beer & Hop Festival, Cobtree, England
Maidstone's Original Beer & Hop Festival will be held at the Museum of Kent Life in Cobtree. There will be a variety of Real Ales, including hard-to-find beers and a mild ale specially brewed for the festival; ciders and lagers, both on tap and bottled; and Pimm's, wine, and spirits. Live local musicians will perform on the main and acoustic stages. The festivities will also include traditional hop picking, a coal-fired oast house, and appearances by characters from Kent's past.
11: Oktoberfest Fort Collins, Fort Collins, CO
Downtown Fort Collins and the Downtown Business Association present Oktoberfest Fort Collins, which will take place in Old Town Square. The festivities will include Colorado-brewed beer; bratwurst, dumplings, and other food; German entertainment, including polka bands and Schuhplattler dancers; and games and contests. Admission is free.
11: Orange County Brew-Ha-Ha, Irvine, CA
Orange County Brew-Ha-Ha will take place at Hidden Valley Park in Irvine. More than 50 microbrewed beers will be served at this afternoon event. There will be classes on beer tasting, as well as food and live music. In remembrance of the 9/11 attacks, organizers will donate part of the proceeds to the Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and off-duty Orange County firefighters will be serving beer. VIP tickets, with early entry and a beer appreciation seminar led by Beer Cicerone Ed Heethuis, are available.
11: Steel City Big Pour, Pittsburgh, PA
ConstructionJunction.com will host the fourth annual Steel City Big Pour. There will be two sessions, each with beer from at least 35 craft breweries, including Belgian selections and the Big Pour's own beer; food from more than 20 local restaurants; live art and music; deluxe kegerator art; and a raffle. Proceeds will support Construction Junction's efforts to promote conservation through the reuse of building materials.
11: Thirsty Troll Beer Festival, Mt. Horeb, WI
Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin, the "Troll Capital of the World," will host the Thirsty Troll Beer Festival, which will take place in Grundahl Park. This is an afternoon event, with 25 craft brewers serving more than 100 beers, and the presentation of the Troll's Choice Awards. The Pints and bagpiper Jim Curley will perform, area civic organizations will serve food, and festival-goers can have their pictures taken with Jorgen the Thirsty Troll.
11: Treasure Coast Beer Fest, Ft. Pierce, FL
Beerworks Charitable Foundation, Inc., presents the third annual Treasure Coast Beer Fest, which will take place at the Fort Pierce City Hall Parking Garage. This afternoon festival will feature more than 200 beers (TBA on the festival website; more than 40 breweries were represented at last year's event). Food and souvenir items will be on sale, and representatives of the The Treasure Coast BrewMasters homebrew club will be on hand. The festival is a fund-raiser for Learn To Read of St. Lucie County.
11: Village Fest, Bakersfield, CA
Village Fest will be held at the Kern County Museum in Bakersfield. This evening event will feature more than 100 beers from 60 breweries, wine from 25 Central Coast wineries, food from 30 of Bakersfield’s restaurants, and 17 bands performing on five stages. The festival ground consists of seven themed areas, including MicroBrews Alley. This festival is expected to sell out.
11: U.P. Beer Festival, Marquette, MI
The Michigan Brewers Guild presents the U.P. Beer Festival, which will take place at Mattson Lower Harbor Park, located on the shore of Lake Superior in Marquette. This afternoon event, formerly known as the U.P. Oktoberfest, will feature more than 200 beers from over 30 Michigan breweries. There will also be live entertainment by local bands and food prepared by local restaurants.
11: Wickham Charity Beer Festival, Wickham, England
The fifth Wickham Charity Beer Festival will be held at the Wickham Centre. There will be two sessions, each with 30 Real Ales from Hampshire and neighboring counties, and food available for purchase. Children are welcome at the afternoon session; and at the evening session, there will be barbecue, served by the Meon Valley Lions, and music by the Pete Harris Blues Band.
12-18: Milwaukee Beer Week, Milwaukee, WI
GreatBrewers.com presents Milwaukee Beer Week, which will take place at various locations in and around Milwaukee. Events (TBA on the Beer Week website) are expected to include a trade show, beer dinners, brewery tours, meet the brewer events, release parties, and tastings.
15-17: Berghoff Oktoberfest, Chicago, IL
The 25th annual Berghoff Oktoberfest will take place on the John C. Kluczynski
Federal Plaza in Chicago's Loop district. This three-day celebration features classic German food and beer along with live performances by Maggie Speaks (Wednesday), Sixteen Candles (Thursday), and Sorry for Partying (Friday). Admission is free.
Federal Plaza in Chicago's Loop district. This three-day celebration features classic German food and beer along with live performances by Maggie Speaks (Wednesday), Sixteen Candles (Thursday), and Sorry for Partying (Friday). Admission is free.
16-19: Addison Oktoberfest, Addison, TX
Addison Oktoberfest, billed as one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations outside Munich, will be held at Addison Circle Park. This authentic festival will feature German beer, food, and music; along withe entertainment, including dachshund races, a German spelling bee, and a "German Idol" competition. Admission is free on Thursday.
16-19: Frankenmuth Oktoberfest, Frankenmuth, MI
The Frankenmuth Oktoberfest will take place at Heritage Park in the Bavarian-themed town of Frankenmuth. The festival, which is presented by Frankemuth Festivals, will feature plenty of cold beer; traditional entertainment, including Schuhplatter dancers and oom-pah bands; German food; a wiener dog race; children's activities; and a Sunday worship service in German.
16-18: Great American Beer Festival, Denver, CO
The Brewers Association presents the Great American Beer Festival, which takes place at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver. This is America's largest beer festival and most prestigious judged beer competition. In 2009, the GABF attracted 3,362 beers competing in 75 categories, as well as more than 2,100 beers from 495 breweries represented in the hall. The GABF consists of four tasting sessions over three days, including a Saturday afternoon connoisseur session at which the competition winners are announced. In addition to the beer, the GABF features food, cooking demonstrations, live music, and educational presentations.
16-18: Lytham Beer Festival, Lytham, England
The Blackpool, Fylde & Ware Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale and the Fylde Borough Council present the fourth annual Lytham Beer Festival, which will take place at Lowther Pavilion. Organizers expect to have around 90 Real Ales, along with world beers, ciders, and perries. Light refreshments will be available at all sessions, and there will be a family room.
16-20: Mt. Angel Oktoberfest, Mt. Angel, OR
Mt. Angel Oktoberfest, Oregon's largest folk festival, returns to the village of Mt. Angel, which was settled by German pioneers. There will be a traditional Biergarten, Weingarten and Alpinegarten, continuous live music on four stages, over 50 Alpine food chalets serving a variety of ethnic foods, street dancing on Friday and Saturday night, a free Kindergarten with rides and shows, and arts and crafts and "Cruz-n-Car" shows.
16-26: Rujanfest, Zagreb, Croatia
The third annual Rujanfest (Rujan is Serbo-Croatian for September) will take place at Lake Bundek in Zagreb. This 11-day Oktoberfest-style celebration will feature 60 beers, Croatian regional foods, performances by dozens of artists from different genres, and activities for the family. The festival website is entirely in Serbo-Croatian.
16-18: Tynemouth Beer Festival, North Shields, England
Tynemouth Cricket Club and Percy Park Rugby Club, in association with Jennings Brewery, present the Tynemouth Beer Festival, which will take place at the Tynemouth Cricket Club in North Shields. Sixty beers (TBA on the festival website) will be available at this tented three-day festival.
17-18: August Schell's 150th Anniversary Celebration, New Ulm, MN
The August Schell Brewing Company will hold an 150th Anniversary celebration in New Ulm. At the brewery itself, there will be open tours and demonstrations, along with live German music. There will also be a two-day celebration at South Park in downtown New Ulm with beer, food, and 11 musical acts from Minnesota.
17-18: Berwyn Oktoberfest, Berwyn, IL
The Berwyn Development Corporation presents Berwyn Oktoberfest, which will take place in the Depot District. The festivities will include a beer garden; food; live performances; amusement rides; kids' activities; crafters and vendors; and a Dogtoberfest pavilion with activities, food and "beer" for dogs.
17-19: Breckenridge Oktoberfest, Breckenridge, CO
The historic town of Breckenridge will again host its annual Oktoberfest. The festivities begin with a brewmaster's dinner on Friday evening. On Saturday and Sunday, a street party will take place on Main Street with Paulaner beer, German food, oom-pah and polka music, Bavarian dancers, a 5-K run, and children's activities.
17-19: DIY Street Fair, Ferndale, MI
DIY Street Fair, a celebration of local music, will be held at Nine Mile Road and Woodward Avenue in Ferndale. The fair includes a 23,000 square foot Beer Garden, sponsored by Ferndale's GO Comedy! Improv Theater, where beer from more than 14 Michigan breweries and beverage companies will be served. The fair will also feature live music on the Main Stage, Restaurant Row, artists' and crafters' booths, a kids' zone, and indie recording artists.
17-18: Great Lakes Brew Fest, Racine, WI
The Great Lakes Brew Fest will be held at Racine Festival Park. This year's festival has been expanded to two days. Friday evening's session, "On Wisconsin Brew Night," will exclusively feature beer from 35 Wisconsin breweries and conclude with a fireworks display over Lake Michigan. Saturday evening's session, "The Full Monty" will offer beer from nearly 100 craft breweries from across the country. Local restaurants will be serving food, and there will be live entertainment. The festival is a benefit for the Racine Kilties Drum & Bugle Corps.
17-19 and 24-26: Oktoberfest Denver, Denver, CO
Human Movement, LLC, presents the 41st annual Oktoberfest Denver, which will take place in the city's Ballpark Neighborhood, Larimer Street between 20th and 22nd Streets. In addition to beer, this year's festivities include traditional German food, carnival rides and midway games, a 10k run, and daschhund races.
17-18: River Bend Beer Festival, Scottsville, VA
The second annual River Bend Beer Festival will be held at The Pavilion in downtown Scottsville. The festival begins Friday evening Connoisseur's Tasting with Virginia-brewed beer and gourmet hors d'oeuvres served in an elegant atmosphere, with musical entertainment by The Gillum's Ridge Band. A General tasting will take place on Saturday afternoon. Thirty Virginia- brewed beers will be served, food will be on sale, and The Rogan Brothers and The Crybabies will perform.
17-18: Rocky Mountain Oktoberfest, Woodland Park, CO
The 13th annual Rocky Mountain Oktoberfest will be held at the Ute Pass Cultural Center and the surrounding grounds. The festivities will begin with the National Anthem and keg-tapping ceremony. German beer, food, and wine will be served, and there will be entertainment, arts and crafts, and activities for children.
17-19: Telluride Brews & Blues, Telluride, CO
Telluride Brews & Blues, an outdoor celebration with mountain peaks for a background, will be held at the Telluride Town Park. Nationally renown blues artists (this year's performers TBA) will perform during this three-day festival. Saturday's Grand Tasting will feature beer from 50 breweries, and there will also be children's activities and arts and crafts vendors. At night the festival moves into the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village for late night after-hours jams. Tickets go on sale March 1.
17-19: Wedmore Real Ale Festival, Wedmore, England
The Wedmore Real Ale Festival will be held at the Wedmore Village Hall. The festival, which is in its tenth year, will feature 60 Real Ales from all over the UK, including eight Champion Beer of Britain medal winners, along with local cider and perry. There will also be live music. Proceeds from the festival will go to local charities.
18-October 30 (weekends): Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, Big Bear Lake, CA
Big Bear Lake will host its 40th annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, which will be held at the resort's Convention Center. This Oktoberfest-style celebration features America's highest elevation biergarten; authentic German food, music, and dance groups; activities, including log-sawing and stein-holding contests; and a fun zone for children and families.
18: Big River Brewfest, Cloquet, MN
The Northeastern Saloon & Grille in Cloquet will host the Big River Brewfest. The festival, which is a benefit for disabled veterans at "Veterans on the Lake" Resort in Ely, will be an tented outdoor event with beer to sample, food vendors, and two live bands. Shuttle buses will be available from Duluth-Superior ticket outlets.
18: Brew-Ha-Ha, Davenport, IA
WQPT-TV, the Quad Cities' PBS television station, presents the 11th annual Brew-Ha-Ha, which will take place at LeClaire Park, located on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Davenport. More than 200 beers will be available, along with a variety of cheeses. The rock band Corporate Rock and Penguin's Comedy Club will perform, and there will be "fun games with ridiculous relays and lots of prizes." Brew-Ha-Ha is a benefit for WQPT-TV.
18: California Beer Festival, Ventura, CA
California Beer Festival, LLC, presents the California Beer Festival, which will take place at a new location, Mission Park in downtown Ventura. This expanded event will feature more than 60 beers. Barbecue teams will compete in the California Beer Festival BBQ Cook Off, and both barbecue and food from local festival-goers will be available. There will also be live entertainment on two stages. The festival is a benefit for the Dyslexia Awareness and Resource Center.
18-20: Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest, Chppewa Falls, WI
The Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest will be held at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. This a traditional Oktoberfest-style celebration, which opens with the tapping of the Golden Keg and includes German beer and food. Festivities include a variety of musical performers and other entertainers, family and children's activities, and a Sunday polka worship service.
18-20: Great Japan Beer Festival, Yokohama, Japan
The Japan Craft Beer Association presents the Great Japan Beer Festival 2010-Yokohama, which will take place at Osanbashi Hall. More than 120 microbrewed beers will be available for sampling.
18: Great Smokies Craft Brewers Brewgrass Festival, Asheville, NC
The Great Smokies Craft Brewers Brewgrass Festival will be held at Martin Luther King, Jr., Park in Asheville. The festival, hosted by the Great Smokies Craft Brewers Association, attracts more than 40 American breweries and features over 120 beers, along with appearances by national and regional bluegrass musicians and food from a variety of vendors from the area. The festival is a benefit for Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Western North Carolina.
18-19: Hunter Mountain Microbrew & Wine Fest, Hunter, NY
The Hunter Mountain Microbrew & Wine Fest returns to the Hunter Mountain Ski Lodge, This indoor, rain-or-shine event will feature microbrews and wines of the Hudson Valley, New York State and beyond. There will also be live entertainment, a farmer's market, specialty foods, and arts and crafts for sale.
18-19: Langford Beer Festival, Steeple Langford, England
The 11th annual Langford Beer Festival will be held at Langford Sports & Social Club in Steeple Langford. Thirty-six beers from around the UK, along with six ciders, will be available, and there will be a wine bar as well. Food will be sold, and live bands will perform on Friday evening and both Saturday afternoon and evening. All profits from the festival will go toward a new community centre.
18: Madison County Hop Fest, Oneida, NY
The 15th annual Madison County Hop Fest will be held on the grounds of the Madison County Historical Society in Oneida. The festivities will include the "Taste of Hops," a pairing of appetizers and desserts from area restaurants and beer from area craft breweries; and beer sampling afterward. There will be presentations by guest speakers on hop-related topics throughout the afternoon, a raffle, hop-related merchandise for sale, homebrew club booths, and the crowning of the Hop King. A beer dinner will take place the evening before the festival (details TBA on the museum's website).
18: Nashua River Brewers Festival, Fitchburg, MA
The third annual Nashua River Brewers Festival will be held in Riverfront Park on the banks of the Nashua River in downtown Fitchburg. There will be two tents, where beer from dozens of breweries will be served. Food will be available, and at least two live bands are scheduled to perform. All proceeds will go to a local charity.
18-19: Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, America's largest event of its kind, will be held in downtown Cincinnati. In addition to German beer, food, and music, festivities include the ceremonial keg tapping and parade; the Gemutlichkeit Games and the Running of the Wieners; and offbeat family events, headlined by the world's largest Chicken Dance and world's largest kazoo band, led by a celebrity Grand Marshal. Admission is free.
18-October 3: Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
Oktoberfest is the world's largest and most famous beer festival. Need we say more?
18: Steamboat Brewers Festival, Steamboat, CO
After a one-year hiatus, the Steamboat Brewers Festival returns to Steamboat Springs. This year's festival will take place on the mountain at Torian Plum Plaza, in front of the Slopeside Bar & Grill. This is an afternoon tasting, with beer from breweries in Colorado and beyond (breweries TBA on the festival website), along with live music, a root beer bar for children, and food vendors.
18: 95.9 WRAT's Rockin' Brewfest, Trenton, NJ
WRAT-FM, "The Rat," presents the inaugural Rockin' Brewfest, which will take place at the Sun National bank Center in Trenton. There will be two sessions, each with a variety of beers to sample and live music by local bands. More details will be posted on the festival website.
19-20: Alnwick Beer Festival, Alnwick, England
The Alnwick & District Round Table presents the fourth annual Alnwick Beer Festival, which will take place at The Town Hall, Alnwick Market Place. Thirty Real Ales, all from local breweries located in the north of England, will be available, along with ciders, wine, and soft drinks. The beer festival runs in conjunction with the Alnwick Food Festival.
19: Great Lakes Beer Fest, Racine, WI
The Great Lakes Beer Fest will be held at Lake Festival Park, a lakeside venue in Racine. Recent festivals have featured more than 250 beers from over 80 breweries; live music, including a performance by the Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps; and food provided by local restaurants.
19: HOP in the City, St. Louis, MO
The Schlafly Brewing Company will host HOP in the City, which will take place at the Schlafly Tap Room in St. Louis. This afternoon event will feature all of the more than 40 beer styles the brewery turns out each year. There will also be barbecued food, live local music, and vendors with product samples and demonstrations.
20-26: Toronto Beer Week, Toronto, ON, Canada
Toronto Beer Week, Limited, an organization formed by members of the local beer community, presents the inaugural Toronto Beer Week, which will take place at various locations in Toronto. Beer Week, which begins the day after the Toronto Film Festival ends, will include beer dinners, food and beer pairings, meet-the-brewer nights, tastings, pub crawls, trivia nights, and brewing demonstrations.
24-26: Abbfest, Newton Abbot, England
Abbfest, a celebration of Devon food and drink, will be held at Fermoys Garden Centre in Newton Abbot. Organizers expect to have almost every beer in Devon (150 in all) at £2 a pint, and 60 stalls will be selling food and craft items. There will also be cookery demonstrations, family entertainment, and live music by Duke Johnson and the Scorchers and The Fab Beatles. All profits will be distributed to local charities.
23-25: Keighley Beer Festival, Keighley, England
The Keighley & Craven Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale present the 2010 edition of the Keighley Beer Festival, which will take place at Victoria Hall. Organizers expect to have more than 75 Real Ales, including the finalists in two regional CAMRA competitions; a wide range of cider and perry; plus German beers, Belgian fruit beers, and English fruit wines. There will be live entertainment Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturday afternoon. Hot and cold food and CAMRA merchandise will be available, and there will be a tombola and family room.
24-25: Ascot Racecourse Beer Festival, Ascot, England
Ascot Racecourse, in association with Fuller's and the Berkshire South East Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, will host its 4th annual Beer Festival. More than 200 beers, ciders, and perries, most of them from local craft breweries, will be available; and festival-goers can vote for the champion ale of the festival. The weekend's racing program will be highlighted by Saturday's Group One Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Europe's highest-rated one-mile horse race.
24: Ballard B3-Blues, Brews and Barbecue, Lawrence, KS
Ballard Community Services presents the inaugural Ballard B3 [B-cubed]–Blues, Brews and Barbecue. This evening event, which will be held at South Park, will feature beer from seven regional breweries, barbecue cooked by six local teams, and live music by Josh Vowell and the Rumble. There will also be a formal five-course beer dinner the evening before the festival at the 23d Street Brewery.
24-October 10: Cannstatt Beer Festival, Stuttgart, Germany
The Cannstatt Beer Festival, billed as the "world's largest folk festival," will be held at Canstatt Wasen, Stuttgart's festival grounds. The festival, which dates back to 1818, begins with the ceremonial keg tapping and folkloric entertainment. The festivities also include beer tents, The Black Forest Experience, amusement rides, merchandise for sale, and fireworks and laser shows.
24-26: Fremont Oktoberfest, Seattle, WA
Fremont Oktoberfest, considered of America's funkiest, will be held along the ship canal in the "Center of the Universe," Seattle's Fremont district. More than 70 microbrewed beers will be served at three beer tents; a variety of live entertainers will perform; and there will be food and craft vendors and a children's area. Other events include a chainsaw pumpkin carving contest; a 5-K run/walk, and a scavenger hunt. Part of the proceeds will go to the Fremont Chamber of Commerce.
24-25: Greeley's Oktoberfest, Greeley, CO
The Downtown Development Authority and the city of Greeley present Greeley's Oktoberfest, which will take place in historic Lincoln Park. This is a family-friendly event featuring a wide variety of beer, German food, local polka bands, games, rye bread and coffee cake baking competitions, a children’s area, and vendor booths. Admission is free. Proceeds will go to the Downtown Development Authority and the Greeley Transitional House.
24-25: Hopscotch Festival, Kelowna, BC, Canada
Foodconnect.com presents Kelowna's Hopscotch Festival, which will take place at the Kelowna Curling Club. The headline event of this festival, formerly known as the Okanagan Food and Drink Festival, is Saturday evening's Grand Tasting, with beer, spirits, and wine; food from Okanagan restaurants; and educational seminars. Organizers expect to schedule satellite events (TBA on the festival website) for Friday evening.
24-25: Karakterbierweekend, Bissegem, Belgium
Heerluk Objektief Proeven (H.O.P.), an organization dedicated to preserving Belgian beer culture, presents Karakterbierweekend, which will take place at OC De Neerbeek in Bissegem. About 60 different beers will be available at this gathering of regional breweries, many of whom will be represented by owners and brewers. Beer and beer-related merchandise will be awarded as prizes in the "everyone's a winner" raffle.
24-25: Llanbedr Beer Festival, Llanbedr, Wales
The fifth annual Llanbedr Beer Festival will be held at Snowdonia National Park, near Llanbedr. Organizers will offer a good selection of beers "new and old," along with Welsh cider. There will be food and live entertainment both evenings. Shell Island, the largest campsite in Europe, is close to the festival site.
24-25 and October 1-2 and 8-9: Oktoberfest, North Pinellas Park, FL
The Board of Directors of the German American Society of Pinellas County present Oktoberfest, which will take place at the society's headquarters in North Pinellas Park. Festivities will include a keg-tapping ceremony; German beer, food, and pastries; live music and dancing under the big tent; a Schuhplattler performance; merchandise for sale; and a prize raffle. Admission is free.
24-October 2: Louisville Craft Beer Week, Louisville, KY
The inaugural Louisville Craft Beer Week will take place at various locations in and around Louisville. This is a nine-day event focused on "education, libation, and celebration in the name of craft beer." More details will be posted on the Louisville Craft Beer Week 's Facebook page.
24-October 3: New York Craft Beer Week, New York, NY
The third annual New York Craft Beer Week will take place at various locations in New York City. Events will likely include several festivals, beer dinners, food and beer pairings, pub crawls, themed walks, and more than 160 unique beers throughout the five boroughs. Passports, which are good for discounted pints at more than 80 participating bars and reduced admission to some events, are available.
24-25: Springfield's Oktoberfest, Springfield, MA
The Student Prince Cafe joins with The New England Farm Workers Council to
present the third annual Springfield's Oktoberfest, which will take place at the Farm Workers Council's parking lot. This "Hispanic Germanic Oktoberfest" will feature Spaten Oktoberfest beer, Coors Light, and a variety of wines; German and Spanish food from the kitchens of the Student Prince; and entertainment by The Jolly Koppersmiths.
present the third annual Springfield's Oktoberfest, which will take place at the Farm Workers Council's parking lot. This "Hispanic Germanic Oktoberfest" will feature Spaten Oktoberfest beer, Coors Light, and a variety of wines; German and Spanish food from the kitchens of the Student Prince; and entertainment by The Jolly Koppersmiths.
25: Ballpark Festival of Beers, Charleston, SC
The Mellow Mushroom presents the Ballpark Festival of Beers, which will take place at Joseph C. Riley, Jr., Park, the home of the Charleston River Dogs. This evening event, which will encompass the entire outfield of the ballpark, will feature more than 100 American specialty beers along a wide variety of malt beverages, wines, and liquors. There will also be food and live entertainment.
25: Charlotte Oktoberfest Beer Festival, Charlotte, NC
The Carolina BrewMasters present the 12th annual Charlotte Oktoberfest Beer Festival, which will be held at the Metrolina Tradeshow Expo in Charlotte. This outdoor afternoon event features more than 350 craft-brewed beers from the Southeast and from around the world; live entertainment on the big stage; food; and games of skill. Premium tickets, with early admission, are available. Proceeds will go to the National Kidney Foundation of North Carolina and Victory Junction.
25-26: Das Best Oktoberfest, National Harbor, MD
Trigger Agency presents Das Best Oktoberfest, which will take place on the waterfront at National Harbor. This two-day celebration, belled as "Maryland's largest beer festival," will feature more than 200 international beers and wines; German food; live music, including oom-pah bands; German performers, including cancers and accordion sing-alongs; carnival games; and arts and crafts items.
25-26: Hunter Mountain Microbrew & Wine Fest, Hunter, NY
The Hunter Mountain Ski Lodge will host its annual Microbrew & Wine Fest. This indoor event will feature the craft beers and wines from New York State and beyond. The festivities will also include a live entertainment; a farmers' market; and gourmet food, arts, and crafts vendors.
25: Long Island City Craft Beer Festival, Long Island City, NY
Starfish Junction presents the second annual Long Island City Craft Beer Festival, which will take place at the Water Taxi Beach. There will be afternoon and evening sessions, each with more than 50 beers from over 25 of the country's best breweries. Tickets are limited, and this event is expected to sell out.
25: Maine Lakes Beer Festival, Point Sebago, ME
The Greater Bridgeton Lakes Chamber of Commerce presents the seventh annual
Maine Lakes Brew Fest, which will take place at Point Sebago Resort. This afternoon rain-or-shine event will feature beer from 25 to 30 breweries, most of them from Maine; food and wine; a craft fair; and live entertainment. The beer festival will be held in conjunction with the resort's Oktoberfest weekend.
Maine Lakes Brew Fest, which will take place at Point Sebago Resort. This afternoon rain-or-shine event will feature beer from 25 to 30 breweries, most of them from Maine; food and wine; a craft fair; and live entertainment. The beer festival will be held in conjunction with the resort's Oktoberfest weekend.
25: Maryland Microbrewery Festival, Westminster, MD
The fifth annual Maryland Microbrewery Festival will take place at Union Mills Homestead, a nationally recognized historic landmark in Westminster. This annual celebration of Maryland craft brewing will feature more than 30 beers from a dozen breweries; brewing seminars; continuous live music and entertainment; and food, craft, and merchandise vendors. Parking is free.
25: Newtown Beerfest 2010--Blues and Brews, Newtown, PA
The Newtown Fire Association presents Newtown Beerfest 2010--Blues and Brews, which will take place at The Stocking Works. This afternoon event will feature beer more 50 breweries and distributors, along with food and live music. "First Tap" tickets, with early admission and complimentary food, are available. The festival is a benefit for the borough's police and fire departments.
25: Oktoberfest Fort Collins, Fort Collins, CO
Downtown Fort Collins and the Downtown Business Association present Oktoberfest Fort Collins, which will take place at Civic Center Park. German entertainment will include Schuhplatter dancers and polka bands, hands-on children's activities, German food, and Colorado-brewed beer. Admission is free.
25: Septembeerfest, Corvallis, OR
The Heart of the Valley Homebrewers presents the third annual Septembeerfest, which will take place at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Corvallis. This outdoor event will feature beer from the Northwest (breweries TBA on the festival website) along with live entertainment. The beer lineup will include the winner of the Oregon Homebrew Festival, whose beer will brewed by Ninkasi Brewery. The festival is a benefit for Linn Benton Food Share.
25-26: Ventura County Oktoberfest, Camarillo, CA
The 24th annual Ventura County Oktoberfest will be held at a new location, the Commemorative Air Force Museum in Camarillo. Beer from all five historic breweries of Munich plus Weihenstephan, along with California microbrews, will be served in the new BrewFest Beer Garden. There will also be food, including giant pretzels flown in from Munich; live entertainment; and family and children's activities.
26-27 and October 3, 10, 17, and 24: Stoudt's Oktoberfest, Adamstown, PA
Stoudt's Brewing Company will host Oktoberfest in the brewery's Gemutlichkeit Bier Garden. The opening weekend will feature German music by Alex Meixner along with beer and German food, Schuhplatter dancers, the Parade of the Pig, and women's and men's Cleevagheevin finals. Oktoberfest will also take place the first four Sunday afternoons in October with beer, food, music, and dancing.
29-October 2: St Albans Beer Festival, St Albans, England
The South Hertfordshire Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale presents the 15th annual St Albans Beer Festival, which will take place at the Alban Arena. The festival, described as "one of the country's premier festivals," will feature as many as 350 Real Ales, along with Real Ciders, perries, and foreign beers, served at six bars. There will also be games, a tombola, a team quiz, and breweriana auctions.
30-October 2: Stockholm Beer and Whisky Fest, Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholms Ol & Vin AB presents the Stockholm Beer & Whisky Festival, which is held on two weekends in September at the Nacka Strand Factory in Stockholm. Recent events have featured more than 1,300 beers, wines, whiskies, and other beverages. The festival website is in Swedish only.