Whether you are German or just German at heart, this time of year has every beer-lover thinking of brats, oompah and brews. Mid-to-late September is the traditional time for Oktoberfest, the German wedding celebration turned beer festival. If a trip to Munich is not feasible for you, fret not; there are plenty of Oktoberfests and other beer festivals around Jacksonville to keep your beer boot full and your brat craving sated.
September 12
Anheuser-Busch Oktoberfest
111 Busch Drive, Jacksonville
Craft beer aficionados may turn their nose up, but Anheuser-Busch was started by a German in St. Louis over 100 years ago. This year the brewing behemoth is throwing a German-style party at six of their breweries around the country including right here in Jacksonville. The polka-infused fest will feature some of the company’s German imports like Spaten and Franziskaner along with traditional food items like pretzels and bratwursts.
Tickets are $30 and include a stein, two beers and one food item. You can purchase them here.
September 17 (and every Thursday night)
Hemming Park Beer Garden
Hemming Park, Jacksonville
It may not be an Oktoberfest per se, but it is a beer garden and the Germans love their bier gartens. Swing on downtown for this weekly social gathering and enjoy a beer under the tree canopy of Hemming Park. While you are there, grab a bite to eat at the on-site food truck and enjoy the views of Jacksonville’s lovely, and increasingly lively, downtown.
No ticket is needed. Cash bar.
September 19
Bruval
Seawalk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach
This second year event evolved from a very popular first year at Mellow Mushroom, Jax Beach. With over 20 breweries pouring more than 60 brews, this event is sure to be a continued hit for years to come.
“In our eyes, Bruval is the perfect mix of Duval and craft beer,” said Tye Wallace of Void Magazine, the event’s sponsor. “Simply, we see Bruval as the celebration of really good beer.”
Guests may attend the event free, but all-you-care-to-drink tickets are $30 in advance and $40 after September 16. To purchase tickets go here.
September 27
Bonnabrew
Under the Fuller Warren Bridge, Jacksonville
From 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. the grounds of the Riverside Art Market will transform into a music-filled, performance art displaying conglomeration of freak bikes, dragon boats and beer. Tickets for UNLIMITED Beer Sampling are only $30 in advance or $35 the day of the event!
For Beer tickets, call 904.860.2465
October 3
Intuition Ale Works Oktoberfest
710 King Street, Jacksonville
After a couple of years celebrating Oktoberfest away from the brewery, Intuition has brought the celebration home and plan to close off King Street in front of their building. Plan on eating light the morning of the event because the $40 ticket includes all-you-can-eat German sausages and other specialties, a souvenir stein with one beer fill and a giant pretzel.
Get your tickets here.
Engine 15 Brewing Company Oktoberfest
1500 Beach Blvd #217, Jacksonville Beach
The Jax Beach Brewery holds its annual celebration in its parking lot as usual with plenty of beer, food and fun.
No ticket necessary. Cash bar.
European Street – Beaches Oktoberfest
992 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach
Every year the folks at European Street host a community-focused Oktoberfest celebration. This year is no different. Expect to find plenty of German beers on tap along with pretzels and brats. The first 100 guests to purchase beer tickets will receive an authentic Warsteiner beer boot. There will also be traditional music, stein hoisting contests and raffles.
No ticket necessary. Cash bar.
Green Room Brewing Company
228 3rd Street North, Jacksonville Beach
Join the surf crowd for a fun-filled Oktoberfest celebration featuring cold brews, music and plenty of fun.
No tickets necessary. Cash Bar.
October 7
Oktoberfest at Art Walk
Downtown Jacksonville
Each month the Downtown Art Walk attracts art-lovers, partiers and assorted others to the downtown core. Over its run, the event has become a monthly ritual for many of the city’s hip and happening as well as those looking for a fun, lively night out. As has been the custom for several years, the October Art Walk takes on a decidedly German flair with a beer garden in Hamming Park, music, games and a ceremonial keg tapping by new mayor Lenny Curry.
No ticket necessary. Cash bar.
October 9 and 10
Jaxtoberfest
St. John’s Town Center
Now in its third year, the massive Oktoberfest-themed party has moved from the Shipyards downtown to a more central location at the Town Center. Look for a large selection of German and domestic craft brews along with plenty of mouth-watering food. Entertainment will range from German Oompah bands to local bands. In addition there will be a variety of games including a dachshund race.
General admission tickets are $8 per day or $12 for both days. If VIP is how you roll, you will receive a souvenir mug and larger pours for the same price as regular for $40 one-day and $60 for both days. Beer price is $6.
For tickets click here.
October 16
Beaches Oktoberfest
Seawalk Pavillion, Jacksonville Beach
This three-day celebration begins on Friday night with Craftoberfest a craft beer festival with more than 30 craft breweries represented. Beers may be purchased individually for the event an unlimited-sampling pass is available for $30 early bird sales or $45 full price.
The fun continues on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18. VIP passes cost $30 for early purchasers and $45 after that. Included is a stein, beer passport, one free beer and more. Or, you could go All-Access for $50 early and $65 later and get all the above plus unlimited sampling Friday night.
Purchase passes here.
October 17
European Street – Riverside Oktoberfest
2753 Park Street, Jacksonville
Every year the folks at European Street host a community-focused Oktoberfest celebration. This year is no different. Expect to find plenty of German beers on tap along with pretzels and brats. The first 100 guests to purchase beer tickets will receive an authentic Warsteiner beer boot. There will also be traditional music, stein hoisting contests and raffles.
