It might be too late to make it to Germany for Oktoberfest, but there are still ways to celebrate here in the States. Oregonians famously love beer, so there are a variety of places in and near Eugene to celebrate Oktoberfest and the culture surrounding the event.
Eugene staples like beergarden and The Bier Stein will be hosting more structured events, and there are plenty of day-trip-worthy Oktoberfests in Lane County for adventurous beer and pretzel enthusiasts. So don your lederhosen and dirndl, grab your liter glass, and get ready to celebrate Oktoberfest in Oregon!
beergarden
beergarden sticks to tradition when celebrating Oktoberfest. They follow the same schedule as Oktoberfest in Munich, starting their celebrations on Sept. 20 and running them until Oct. 5. They also ask the Eugene mayor to tap the first keg at their Oktoberfest, in traditional Bavarian fashion. For the length of the festival, the food trucks at beergarden will run German food specials, including frankfurters, pretzel bites, and bratwurst.
When and where: Sept. 20 to Oct. 5, 777 W. Sixth Ave., Eugene, OR
Online: www.beergardenme.com/happenings/okto25
The Bier Stein
The Bier Stein has their own take on what Oktoberfest should look like. Their annual OktoBierfest is the biggest event of the year at the Stein, full of German traditions, great food, and imported beers. As a restaurant that has exotic beers all year round, Bier Stein steps up their game for OktoBierbest, bringing festbiers and litersteins to Eugene.
When and where: Oct. 4, 1591 Willamette St., Eugene, OR
Online: https://thebierstein.com/upcoming-calendar/
Oakshire
The Eugene Realtors Young Professional Network will host its annual Oktoberfest at Oakshire Public House. The event includes free drinks for the first 50 people, a stein hoisting competition, and a pretzel toss. There also will be a raffle with proceeds benefiting the Veterans Housing Project.
When and where: 4 – 6 p.m., Sept. 23, 207 Madison St., Eugene, OR
Online: members.eugenerealtors.org/calendar/Details/ypn-oktoberfest-1467681?sourceTypeId=Website
Bloktoberfest
Every year, Block 15 Brewing takes over the streets of downtown Corvallis for Bloktoberfest. They erect giant tents, set up long tables, and cater pretzels and sausages. The event lasts two days, and promises Stein-holding competitions, live music, and college football on TV.
When and where: Oct. 17 – 18, outside of Block 15’s Downtown Pub, 300 SW. Jefferson Ave., Corvallis, OR
Online: block15.com/bloktoberfest
Bratwurst, pretzels and beer are standard fare at Oktoberfest celebrations.
Cottage Grove Oktoberfest
This marks the fourth annual Oktoberfest celebration in Cottage Grove. The event has grown bigger each year, but still aims to celebrate the harvest, town, and culture of the city. Event-goers do not need tickets and there will be entertainment for all ages, including a paint and sip event, live music performances and kids activities.
When and where: Sept. 27, 628 E. Washington Ave., Cottage Grove, OR
Online: cottagegroveoktoberfest.com/map/
Samantha Pierotti is the food, drinks, and “things to do” reporter for The Register-Guard. With tips on events and local happenings, you can reach her via email at spierotti@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: 6 local spots to celebrate Oktoberfest