Before Halloween is here, there’s another not-so-spooky way to celebrate the fall: the German holiday of Oktoberfest!
While you’re looking forward to dressing up in a costume and nearly getting a cavity from the candy intake, you can don knee socks and feast on bratwursts and beer.
In its native Bavaria, Germany, Oktoberfest is traditionally celebrated for 16 days, and this year the fun goes from Sept. 22—Oct. 7. It is one of the most spirited celebrations in Germany, and is a huge part of Bavarian culture.
Celebrate Oktoberfest in Stonington gets the party started with the Cottrell Brewery Community Party: Oktoberfest Launch on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 3 to 6 p.m.
On October 4, Flanders Fish Market and Restaurant in East Lyme will be hosting an Oktoberfest Beer Dinner, featuring a selection of the beers from brewery Ommegang of Cooperstown, New York. The feast begins at 6 p.m. and for $59.95 per person, you’ll enjoy a five-course meal of tilapia ceviche, shrimp orecchiette, lobster poutine, Chef Jeff’s Pulled Pork, and blueberry slump, all of which will be paired with the perfect beer to complement each course.
On October 5, the New London Rotary Club is sponsoring the 34th Brewfest at the Beach from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This year’s event at Ocean Beach in New London will feature more than 150 imported and domestic brews, music by the Rhythm Method Band and the first semi-annual PONG Olympics.
And don’t forget to check out the Connecticut Beer Trail.
The first Oktoberfest was in 1810, as part of Crown Prince Ludwig’s wedding festivities, and has continued ever since.
Oktoberfest sends lots of Americans to the store to stock up on sausages and spirits during the celebration. Check out some native German recipes like sauerkraut and potato pancakes or unique beers during the 16-day celebration, they’ll have your taste buds saying “danke schön”! You can also try your hand at grilled bratwurst with German potato salad. Finishing off the meal with a German apple strudel is also sure to be a crowd pleaser.
And of course, you can’t say auf wiedersehen to Oktoberfest without a proper polka. Here are some polka dance moves and a tutorial that will make you the toast of the celebration.
TELL US: How are you going to celebrate Oktoberfest? Do you have any favorite Oktoberfest foods?