It’s Oktoberfest time. We didn’t get to celebrate fully in 2020 (and even this year the Munich Oktoberfest is a no-go). In 2021, however, it appears we have a full slate of local events whereupon we can raise a liter or two while (optionally) wearing lederhosen.
Here are a few local Oktoberfest celebrations I’ve come across (the weekend of Sept. 25-26 is going to be a doozy!) If you’d like to learn more, an early Utah Beer News podcast episode discussed the annual event).
UTAH BREWERIES: If you’re planning Oktoberfest specials at your taproom, please send me a note and I’ll be happy to include details here. Updated Oct. 6
Bewilder Brewing
Mark your calendars for Oktoberfest at Bewilder Brewing. It runs Sept. 18-26 and promises to deliver a plethora of German-style beers and German-themed menu items.
“We will have some new beers, a full German menu, and some fun things for our Oktoberfest celebration,” Bewilder writes on Instagram.
Bewilder Brewing, 445 S. 400 W., Salt Lake City; 21+
Hopkins Brewing
Hopkinstoberfest is set for Oct. 8 at Hopkins Brewing. The Sugar House brewery will have four German-style or lager beers on tap, as well as exclusive small-batch options. Plus, a local brat special.
Hopkins Brewing, 1048 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City; 21+
Level Crossing Brewing
Oct. 3 is the date to mark on your calendars for Level Crossing’s Oktoberfest celebration. The South Salt Lake brewery will feature new lagers as well as German food specials courtesy of The Old Dutch Store.
Level Crossing Brewing, 2496 S. West Temple, South Salt Lake City; 21+
Porcupine Pub & Grille
Throughout October, Porcupine Pub & Grille will transform its menu into a veritable taste of Germany. Plus, the Cottonwood Heights landmark offers a nice selection of local craft beers.
Porcupine Pub & Grille, 3698 E. Fort Union Blvd., Cottonwood Heights; all ages
Snowbasin
Snowbasin canceled a good portion of its popular Blues, Brews, & BBQ series this summer due to staffing issues. But the northern Utah resort is back in the festival game with SnowWiesn, an Oktoberfest-themed event scheduled each Sunday from Sept. 19 to Oct. 3.
3925 Snow Basin Rd, Huntsville
4th West Oktoberfest
The 6th Annual 4th West Oktoberfest is set for Sept. 25-26. Hosted by Mountain West Cider and Red Rock Brewing, the all-ages event features live music, food trucks, games, and, of course, beer and cider (21+ for that last one, obviously). Purchase tickets here.
Plus: One of Red Rock’s “favorite fall beers is coming soon to a liquor store near you.”
The Garten Cider House & Bar, 417 N. 400 West, Salt Lake City
Snowbird
The Snowbird Oktoberfest event is back on the calendar after skipping a year for the first time in nearly five decades. It started on Aug. 14 and runs weekends through Oct. 17.
9385 S. Snowbird Center Dr., Snowbird
Talisman Brewing
Ogden’s Talisman Brewing is planning to celebrate its five-year anniversary with “Talismania.” The Oktoberfest-style event is scheduled for Sept. 25.
Talisman Brewing, 1258 Gibson Ave., Ogden; 21+
T.F. Brewing
The “third-ish” annual Templin Family Oktoberfest will take place on Sept. 25. Purchase tickets here.
T.F. Brewing, 936 S. 300 West, Salt Lake City; 21+
Additional October Events
Though these aren’t necessarily Oktoberfest-related, here are a few local events happening around the state during the month of October:
- Beer and Fear Fest: Dubbed “the premier beer and Halloween themed festival of 2021.” Beer and Fear Fest will be held the first four weekends of October at the Utah Motorsports Campus in Grantsville. It’s a family-friendly event.
- Kiitos 4th Anniversary Party: Join Kiitos on Sept. 25 to help the brewery celebrate four years. New beers, DJ, food trucks, and more.
- Utah Ale Trail Fall Crawl: The Fall Crawl is set for Oct. 21-23 at a variety of breweries around the state. Complete details.
🎙 Bonus
If you’d like to learn a little more about Oktoberfest, check out this article we wrote (and podcast episode we recorded) in 2018: Fall Beers: From Oktoberfest to Pumpkin Spice.
