Oktoberfest is the Holy Grail of beer festivals to many beer enthusiasts around the world. Each year millions of revelers make the pilgrimage to Munich, Germany to eat, drink and be merry under massive beer tents. If a trip to Europe is not feasible for you, Anheuser-Busch is bringing an authentic German Oktoberfest celebration to six of its breweries. The events, full of traditional Oktoberfest festivities, will celebrate authentic German beer, food and entertainment in September and October.
Fairfield, Calif. – September 12
Jacksonville, Fla. – September 12
Fort Collins, Colo. – September 12 and 13
St. Louis, Mo. – September 25, 26 and 27
Cartersville, Ga. – October 3 and 4
Merrimack, N.H. – October 10
In true Oktoberfest tradition, St. Louis will host a wedding ceremony to kick off the celebratory weekend. The tradition of celebrating a wedding at Oktoberfest dates back to the early 1800s when Crown Prince Ludwig, the future King of Bavaria, invited the entire population of Munich to honor his recent marriage to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.
At each location, brewmasters and local dignitaries will kick off the celebration by tapping the first keg and leading guests in a ceremonial toast.
Guests can enjoy a variety of German-style beers, such as Spaten, Franziskaner and other seasonal favorites, paired with traditional German fare such as bratwursts, Bavarian pretzels and gingerbread cookies. Visitors can participate in traditional German games and enjoy live music and entertainment.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ABOktoberfest.com.
