My Favorite Places to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Minnesota

Oktoberfest season is my favorite signal that Fall has arrived. I truly believe that there is a seasonal drinker in all of us. The beers, foods, and music associated with this German beer tradition is good for the soul. Having never been to Oktoberfest in Munich, I can only imagine how much fun having thousands of revelers under a big top tent for a beer festival would be. Whether one has been to beer fest Mecca in Germany or not, one can still find a euphoric enjoyment in all the trappings of the spirit of Oktoberfest.

The number of different Oktoberfest events that happen in and around the state of Minnesota is almost overwhelming. The Germanic roots run deep in our Minnesota rolling hills and prairies. As a result, you really can’t go too far without running into some kind of weekend festival centered around polka and beer. With the vibrant craft beer scene we are lucky enough to have in our Land of 10,000 Lakes, it seems like more and more breweries are strapping on the lederhosen to put on a festival.

Minnesotans Need Reasons to Party

Born and raised Minnesotans have a reputation for being stoic and reserved. However, once that polka band starts oompah-ing, the revelry is akin to a werewolf during a full moon. Let’s be honest, Minnesotans seldom have much to celebrate. Most of our professional sports teams are perpetually awful, the weather resembles a good day in Siberia 8 months out of the year, and half of the people you know think ketchup is spicy.

When the middle of September hits, so does the reality that winter is right around the corner and the opportunities to celebrate outdoors are dwindling. The siren call of German sausage and clinking of of steins stirs me to eat, drink, and be merry. Between the food, the beer, and the people, Oktoberfest is the perfect confluence of all my favorite things.

The Foods of Oktoberfest

On a crisp evening, there is nothing better than comforting and familiar carbohydrates to soothe the soul. Over the years, I have enjoyed learning about many different Eastern German delicacies often featured alongside the beers of Oktoberfest. Sauerbraten, schnitzel, pretzels, brats, and braised red cabbage.  Of course, the star of the culinary party is always the sausage-weisswurst, bratwurst, knockwurst, and bockwurst are all sensational. All of these foods taste, smell, and look better during Oktoberfest. Just like your favorite Christmas cookie isn’t as good in July, I feel like these foods are best enjoyed in the fall.

Pretzels

I have a hard and fast rule that the only time I will indulge, with reckless abandon, in a pretzel the size of a conversion van steering wheel is during Oktoberfest. The bigger the better. Give me beer cheese dipping sauce, all the mustards, and those magical larger than normal salt granules on there. If the pretzel is done right, you have a wonderful and easy to break apart crust that gives way to a soft and steaming inside that stops just short of being doughy. This is often the first thing I go for because it will provide a perfect base for the impending onslaught of beers that follow.

Who Doesn’t love a sausage fest?

Before my enlightenment that happened when someone clued me in to Kramarczuk’s Sausage Company, I would grab Johnsonville’s Beer & Brats sausages and call it a day. However, after visiting the Kramarczuk’s meat counter for the first time, I will always make that my first stop for my sausage needs. Now, you might feel the need to rush, but I assure you that whomever is helping you is glad to answer any questions you have about what the different sausages taste like. They also have little flags by each one to indicate the country of origin. This also doubles as an imaginary “know your flag” trivia game to play in your head while you wait. Most of their sausages are already cooked so all you have to do is give them the kiss of the grill to head them up.

I Don’t Want None Unless You Got Buns, Hun…Except For German Sausage.

To bun or not to bun, that is the question. Depending on the type of sausage, you can probably skip the bun. In fact, if you are a carb-counting person, just think of skipping the bun as one more beer you won’t have to feel guilty about. Kramarczuk’s also has a stellar selection of condiments to choose from. A Weisswurst is such a mild flavor and smooth texture, that a bun takes away from all of these elements. Conversely, a bratwurst definitely benefits from a bun that can support the sauerkraut and mustard that should be on there.

Is there a wrong way to eat a sausage? Probably not. You do you. In fact, as long as you are sipping a wonderful German beer alongside it, I don’t really care what method you choose to consume your tube meat.

Where I Like to Clink ‘Em & Drink ‘Em For Oktoberfest

Craft beer drinkers have probably been enjoying Oktoberfest Marzen and Festbiers for a while thanks to seasonal creep.  However, the time for polka bands, pretzels, and the stein-clinking of Oktoberfest beers is finally here.  This tradition takes on many forms, depending on where you go.  However, the spirit of fun and community that has spanned centuries is alive and well, all over the great state of Minnesota.

Here are a few of my favorite Oktoberfest celebrations that I have really gravitated towards over the years. It is, by no means, a comprehensive list of every single one. Just like my favorite brewery list article, it is a collection of what I enjoy. Some of these are a day, some are an entire weekend.

Bauhaus Brew Labs Schwandtoberfest-Saturday, Sept. 21st

Bauhaus Brew Labs will have their annual Schwandtoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 21st. They know how to throw a party and the headliner band, Viva Knievel is just so talented and fun to listen to. They will have some great beers to go along with a fun food lineup. For more details, check out their Facebook page for exact times and bands.

Fulton Beer’s Oktoberfest-Northeast Minneapolis-Sept 20-21 & 27-28

Fulton Beer hosts an amazing two weekend extravaganza (Sept 20-21 and 27-28) of Oktoberfest beer, German Food, and lots of great music. This event is held at their production facility and not the North Loop taproom. One thing I love is that along with their own Oktoberfest Festbier, Fulton will also have some wonderful options from Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr.

Lupulin brewing’s Octoberfest-Saturday, Sept. 21st

Lupulin Brewing Company has a fun day of live music and delicious Oktoberfest beer. They have been pretty lucky with the weather the last few years, so let’s hope that Mother Nature sees fit for sunny with a chance of tipsy on Saturday, Sept. 21st.

Giesenbräu Bier Co.’s Oktoberfest-Friday, Oct. 4th-Saturday, Oct. 5th

If you haven’t been to Giesenbräu Bier Co. before, their Oktoberfest on October 4th and 5th is a great introduction. Their Festbier, Bräu Bräu Bräu, is crisp and delicious. I also love that the Prchal’s food truck will be there with an amazing array of pork and dumplings, brats, and Reubens. If you pop down on the Saturday, I will see you there.

Spilled Grain Brewhouse-Saturday, Sept. 28th

Spilled Grain Brewhouse has one of the best Oktoberfests in Minnesota. They have a great event every year up in Annandale, Minnesota. Their event happens on Saturday, Sept. 28th.

Twin Cities Oktoberfest-Minnesota State Fairgrounds-Friday, Oct. 4th-Saturday, Oct. 5th

The Twin Cities Oktoberfest is one of the greatest Oktoberfest celebrations. It happens every year at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The beers will be pouring from Lupulin Brewing, Liftbridge Brewery, Brühaven, Sociable Ciderwerks, and Utepils. There is also a great selection of foods and crafts available at the event. The music lineup will keep you dancing the entire weekend. Don’t miss out on this one!

Utepils Brewing Oktoberfest-Sept. 13-14 & 20-21

Utepils Brewing’s Receptional is so delicious. Thank goodness they also have two weekends of Oktoberfest fun. They will have music, stein holding contests, brats, and of course, that sweet and thirst-quenching Receptional Festbier.

Waldmann Brewery-Sept. 20-22 & 27-29

I gravitate towards Waldmann Brewery in Saint Paul all year round. However, when they get the Oktoberfest beer flowing, it means it is party time. I love their food, their beer garden, and their Oktoberfest celebration.

Obviously, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Oktoberfest fun in Minnesota. If you have a favorite brewery’s Oktoberfest that isn’t on this list, leave it in the comments so other people know about it. If you see me out and about, say hello and give me a prost! Cheers!