Prost! Can you believe that it’s almost time for Oktoberfest? The folk festival originated in Munich, Germany on Oct. 12, 1810 with a huge horse race to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Louis to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festivities were repeated the following year and the annual tradition was born.
The early festivals added a state agricultural fair + food and drink booths that evolved into large, plywood beer halls. Over the years, the event has become a ~two-week affair that attracts millions of people to Germany + ends on the first Sunday in October.
Other Oktoberfest celebrations take place all over the world, featuring German beer, food, music, dancing, parades + games. Here are six happening around Raleigh this year.
- Raleigh Brewing , 3709 Neil St. | Sun., Sept. 11 | 1-6 p.m. | Free | Dust off your lederhosen for a day of live music by the Little German Band, food trucks + pints of Oktoberfest Lager.
- Gizmo Brew Works , 5907 Triangle Dr. | Sat., Sept. 17 | 12-10 p.m. | Free | Enjoy live music, food, and craft beer out of a commemorative half-liter boot glass ($20; first pour is free).
- Compass Rose Brewery , 3201 Northside Dr. | Fri., Sept. 23 | 3-10 p.m. | Free | Celebrate the season with the release of Wunderfest on tap + fresh pretzels and bratwurst sausages.
- Lonerider Brewery , 8816 Gulf Ct. | Sat., Sept. 24 | 12-8 p.m. | Free | Sip on award-winning and traditional German beers + don’t miss the Steinholding and Hammerschlagen competitions.
- Clouds Brewing , 1233 Front St. | Sat., Oct. 29 | 2-9 p.m. | $10+ | This traditional celebration features music performed by the Little German Band, dancers, Cloudstoberfest beer, a keg ceremony, and steinholding contests.
- Triangle Oktoberfest | Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary | Fri., Sept. 30-Sat., Oct. 1 | $15+ | Times vary | Celebrate German culture + support Meg’s Smile Foundation with live music from the Black Forest Band, weiner dog races, inflatables, hammer striking competitions, and more.