Oktoberfesting

Bend OktoberfestIt’s that time of year again—Oktoberfest season! Oktoberfest officially runs from September 20 through October 5 this year, and the local events are gearing up accordingly. Here’s a rundown:

Eagle Crest’s annual Oktobercrest is taking place this Saturday the 13th, running from 11am until 9pm. There will be “dozens” of beers on tap, along with cider and wine, and Oktoberfest-inspired foods, live music, and more. There is even, for the first time, an Oktobercrest 5K Beer Run taking place from 11am to 1pm tied to it (which will cost you $25 to enter). For the Fest itself, mugs cost $10, and tasting tickets cost $1 each. It should be a fun day with a lot of things to offer! Hat tip to radio’s Robin Fox for the heads-up!

The Bend Oktoberfest is taking place the next weekend, on Friday the 19th and Saturday the 20th. This is Bend’s oldest Oktoberfest celebration, taking place on Oregon Avenue downtown and features beers, specialty foods, games, wiener dog races, and more—including family-friendly activities. And one of the features I like about this Fest is the beer—you buy the steins, and then you get full pint pours of all the beers (or cider)—$4 to $5 per pint, at least, but it’s not the ticket/token based method, and if you’re going to be eating brats and listening to Oompah music then you’re going to want a pint of beer in your hand!

Over at the Old St. Francis School on Saturday the 20th, McMenamins’ own Oktoberfest is taking place all day long, a nice companion to the Bend Oktoberfest. They’ll have live music in O’Kane’s Square starting at 1pm, and moving to Father Luke’s Room at 8pm—all free, all day long. Look for a special beer, food specials, and I’m quite sure some colorful, festive figures running around.

Any other Oktoberfest celebrations taking place? Let me know and I’ll post updates!

One comment

Leave a Reply