Oktoberfest celebrations will happen far and wide throughout Arizona. Raise a stein, hoist a brat, and offer a hearty “Prost!” to these 11 events.
Wilkommen to Oktoberfest season! The very first Oktoberfest dates back to 1810, when the prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festival lasted five days and concluded with a horse race. It wasn’t until 1818 that food and drink joined the party, and today, Oktoberfests all around the world honor traditional German food, beer, music, and general gute Vibes.
Luckily, you don’t have to dust off your passport and board a transatlantic flight to enjoy the spirit of Oktoberfest. A host of events are happening right here in Arizona.
Here are 11 of our favorite Oktoberfest celebrations around the Grand Canyon State you can check out this fall, listed in chronological order. Prost!
1. Ales on Rails (Clarkdale, Sept. 13–Oct. 31)
Drinking and driving is never a good idea. But drinking aboard a train someone else is controlling while you admire the wilderness of the Verde Canyon? That’s a much better plan. Verde Canyon Railroad makes that happen through Ales on Rails, a nod to Oktoberfest and Arizona’s collection of breweries. A $139 ticket gets you a comfy living room-style seat inside a climate-controlled car; a charcuterie box of gourmet meats, cheeses, crackers, fruits, and brownie bites; a toast of sparkling cider or champagne; and unlimited views of the stunning Arizona autumn from the open-air viewing car. Grab a brew or two at the depot during Hoppy Hour pre-departure, and you just may discover a new favorite local beer.
2. Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley Oktoberfest (Mt. Lemmon, weekends Sept. 19–Oct. 11)
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is kicking off its 51st annual Oktoberfest celebration before autumn technically even begins. But hey, that just means more time to boogie! With live traditional music and a massive dance floor, guests can get their German dancing on in between bites of brats and sips of brews. And since the backdrop is the Coronado National Forest, you’ll have gorgeous views just about everywhere you turn, whether you take a cruise on the Sky Ride or stay closer to the ground. Kids can play a multitude of children’s games, while friendly dogs can enjoy endless scritches from their fellow attendees.
3. Edelweiss Biergarten Oktoberfest (Phoenix, Sept. 19–Oct. 31)
Edelweiss Biergarten claims to host “a taste of Oktoberfest all year round.” When the cravings hit extra hard in the fall, you’ll discover a variety of classics, including wursts, schnitzel, and käsespätzle (spaetzle topped with cheese). The menu also includes several Hungarian dishes, so it’s like you’re taking a miniature European vacation. Should all that eating make you thirsty, Edelweiss’s bar has a plethora of German options on tap, from Hefeweizens to Dunkels. Visit between Friday and Sunday evenings, and you can also bop your head alongside Larry Roberts on the accordion.
4. THAT Brewery Oktoberfest (Pine, Sept. 26)
Fewer than 2,000 people live in Pine, yet that doesn’t stop them from putting on an excellent Oktoberfest outing. THAT Brewery has hosted dreiundzwanzig (23) years of the event, and this year continues the tradition. Sip on ice-cold craft beer and indulge in tasty food while live music plays throughout the brewery. This family-friendly event, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., will also include a silent auction that benefits Tonto Rim Search & Rescue. While the bidding itself is silent, no one will bat an eyelash if you yell out “Hurra!” after winning a prize.
5. Fountain Hills Oktoberfest (Fountain Hills, Oct. 2–3)
Grab your finest lederhosen or dirndl and head over to the Fountain Hills Oktoberfest, a celebration of bier und wurst, plus a lot more. The Ceremonial Tapping of the Keg kicks off the festivities, with live music and traditional treats like strudel and schnitzel throughout the weekend. There are contests a-plenty, too, including best dressed, beer stein holding, and alphorn blowing. And if you’re the type of person who forgets to take pictures on a day out, the Oktoberfest Photo Booth has you covered, complete with traditional Bavarian props.
6. Rocktoberfest (Chandler, Oct. 2–4)
I don’t know how you can look at the poster for Rocktoberfest at SanTan Gardens and not be delighted. A dog dressed in lederhosen while double-fisting two beer steins in front of a pair of guitars hints at the vibe of the event: endless music, tons of craft beers, and a whole lot of entertainment. The music leans more rock (specifically, 80s and 90s rock and hair metal) than Oompah. However, between brat eating contests, wiener dog races, and partner wiener tosses, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.
7. Brat Haus Oktoberfest (Scottsdale, Oct. 3)
The heart of Old Town Scottsdale comes alive in October with Brat Haus Oktoberfest. The event’s $10 admission gets you access to brats, schnitzel, and pretzels; free keg tapping; a host of games; and DJ Copperlit spinning tunes. You can also participate in feats of strength like the Big Weenie Eating Contest and Stein Holding Contest, so don’t forget to warm up those muscles. Should you need a little practice beforehand, Brat Haus is also hosting celebrations for National Cheeseburger Day (Sept. 18) and National Drink Beer Day (Sept. 28).
8. Flagstaff Oktoberfest (Flagstaff, Oct. 3)
You’ll partake in plenty of classic festivities at the Flagstaff Oktoberfest, including brat eating competitions, beer stein hoisting, and weiner dog races. But there are plenty of unique elements, too. Lawn games, a root beer garden, a frozen t-shirt contest, and a “Cram the Camry” extravaganza where attendees try to fit as many of themselves as possible into a Toyota Camry all make for memorable moments. Sure, a Volkswagen Passat would technically be more German, but it’s still a grand time. Attending Flagstaff Oktoberfest is also an excellent way to give back to the community. The event has raised over $200,000 for local charities and supports the Debbi Grogan Memorial Fund, a nonprofit focused on funding local school music programs.
9. Clarktoberfest (Clarkdale, Oct. 3)
Ales on Rails departs from Clarkdale, though you’ll get a wide variety of locations throughout the four-hour train ride. Should you prefer to remain in the city itself, Clarktoberfest is the perfect afternoon. Food trucks and local breweries and wineries converge on Main Street in downtown Clarkdale, the atmosphere mixing the charm of a beer garden with the flair of a street fair. Take part in a stein holding contest or cornhole tournament, and tap your toes to live music throughout the day.
10. Four Peaks Oktoberfest (Tempe Beach Park, Oct. 9–11)
Four Peaks Oktoberfest is one of das premier fall events across Arizona. This is the 53rd year of the event, and it’s jam-packed with German food and beer, brat eating contests, weiner dog (and low-center-of-gravity dog) racing, live music, a ton of oom pah pah, and much more. Sunday admission is free for everyone, while attendees 20 and under get in free all weekend long. Should you want to upgrade your experience, the VIP offering includes free drinks, access to exclusive food, access to private areas—including a VIP-only bathroom—and meet-and-greets with the live bands, among a host of other perks. It’s a wonderful way to meet some of your neighbors.
11. Haus Murphy’s Oktoberfest (Glendale, Oct. 9–10, Oct. 16–17, Oct. 23–24)
This summer, Haus Murphy celebrated 30 years of business by giving away free schnitzel for a year. If you didn’t win, don’t fear; the Haus Murphy Oktoberfest event features a staggering amount of the award-winning meat. You’ll also find a bevy of imported German beers, raffles and prizes, contests for stein holding and the most stylish lederhosen or dirndl, and a fantastic live show from Die Guggenbach-Buam, a traditional folk band that originated from Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It’s just like being in Munich, only with a lot less jet lag.
