October 2013 Events
September 21-6: Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
Oktoberfest is the world's largest and most famous beer festival. Need we say more?
September 27-13: Cannstatt Beer Festival, Stuttgart, Germany
The Cannstatt Beer Festival, which has been described 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. The festival website is entirely in German.
3-20: Oktoberfest Blumenau, Blumenau, Brazil
Oktoberfest Blumenau will be held at Parque Vila Germanica in Blumenau. This celebration, which dates back 30 years and is one of the world's largest outside Munich, will feature a variety of beers, including Brazilian microbrewery products; music provided by German and Austrian bands; traditional German and regional Brazilian food; and folk dancing, contests, a parade, and Oktoberfest Queen contest.
10-12: Great American Beer Festival, Denver, CO
The Brewers Association presents the 31st annual Great American Beer Festival, which will take place at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. This three-day event, which is the nation's beer premier festival and competition, will feature more than 2,400 beers from over 450 breweries from throughout the country. The festivities will also include "farm to table" and "brewer's studio" pavilions, cooking demonstrations, homebrewing demonstrations, an educational program, and appearances by beer writers. The judged competition attracts some 4,000 beers from over 500 breweries, competing for gold, silver, and bronze medals in more than 80 style categories. This event is expected to sell out.
10-12: Warrington Rotary Oktoberfest 17, Warrington, England
The Rotary Club of Warrington presents Warrington Rotary Oktoberfest 17, which will take place at Parr Hall in Palmyra Square. Recent editions of this three-day event have featured more than 70 cask beers from across the UK, along with a selection of bottled ales; live music every evening; and hot food for purchase. The festival is a fund-raiser for charity.
11-12: Crossville Oktoberfest, Crossville, TN
The Crossville Knights of Columbus present the 23rd annual Crossville Oktoberfest, which will take place at the K of C grounds three miles east of town. This two-evening event, which has been rated one of the area's most authentic Oktoberfests, will feature German food and beverages, along with dancing and to continuous music from German and polka bands.
12: Carroll County Craft Beer Festival, Westminster, MD
The 2013 Carroll County Craft Beer Festival will be held in Shipley Arena at the Carroll County Ag Center in Westminster. This afternoon event will feature more than 40 beers from over 20 breweries, with brewery representatives on hand. There will be live entertainment, and food will be available for purchase.
18-26: Cleveland Beer Week, Cleveland, OH
The fifth annual Cleveland Beer Week will take place at more than 125 bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout greater Cleveland. Last year's Beer Week began with "Collaboration Crawls" in five neighborhoods, and concluded with "Brewzilla: A Monster of a Beer Tasting" (listed separately on the calendar). More than 350 other events will take place this year. Recent editions of Beer Week have included a homebrew competition; "Ales on Rails" on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad; beer and food pairings, demonstrations, leisure activities, educational programs, and tastings.
19: Blues & Brews Festival, Adrian, MI
The second annual Blues & Brews Festival will be held on Toledo Street in historic downtown Adrian. This afternoon/evening event will feature beer from more than 40 domestic and foreign breweries, including many from Michigan; a selection of wines; and live blues music.