It’s time to raise a glass of beer, sing and enjoy everything Oktoberfest at several places around the region.
• Brauhaus Schmitz at 718 South St. is hosting the South Street Oktoberfest for the 15th year on Sept. 16, from noon to 8 p.m., on the 700 block of South Street.
The all-day, all-ages celebration will feature covered seating for over 1,000 people, live oompah music all day, German dancers, the liter lift competition, a dozen German beers, signature Bavarian dishes, face painting, outdoor games, family fun and much more.
“Philadelphia continues to be one of the top spots in America to celebrate Oktoberfest,” said Brauhaus Schmitz Owner Doug Hager. “We have been celebrating Oktoberfest in Philadelphia for 15 years now and there’s no slowing down. We want to thank the tens of thousands of people over the years that have celebrated with us at South Street, 23rd Street Armory and Haddon Square in South Jersey. We are back this year and bigger than ever — and hope to see everyone out there raising a liter, singing their hearts out and on their feet dancing.”
• The Craft Beer Store at 35 Baltimore Pike in Springfield Township will hold its annual Oktoberfest Celebration on Sept. 23 from noon to 8 p.m.
A delicious and authentic German food menu will be catered from Brauhaus Schmitz, and includes schnitzel and variety of sausage sandwiches.
Expect to sample beers from all around Germany, including the keg taping of Ayinger’s Oktoberfest Marzen and Weinstephaner’s Festbier Lager. The Craft Beer Store will also offer a special of $15 crowlers available for in-house consumption during festival only, and $25 growlers to-go only throughout the day.
A stein holding contest will kick off the day’s festivities at noon, with additional contests taking place at the top of each hour.
Additional activities will include live music from accordion player MiloSolo, beer games such as keg rolling, drunken waiter and more.
Tickets are $10 and include the first beer for a guest as well as two entries into the raffle, with prizes including Craft Beer Store gift cards and craft beer baskets. Tickets can be purchased online at https://craftbeerstoreoktoberfest2023.eventbrite.com.
• The second annual Fall for Ardmore, featuring a VIP Beer Garden is happening on Schauffele Plaza parking lot adjacent to Tired Hands Fermentaria on Sept. 30 from 2 to 6 p.m. Downtown Ardmore will be alive with shopping, food, beer, music, and fun activities for the whole family.
Tired Hands Brewing Co, Iron Hill Brewery, and more will bring several beer selections that include local and seasonal favorites. Jack McShea’s, Sophie’s BBQ, and others will join Tired Hands in serving delicious fare, including Oktoberfest-inspired favorites like bratwurst, sauerkraut, pierogies, and Bavarian pretzels, brisket, and more.
Music and family fun found throughout the downtown round out the day with shopping, kids’ activities and more.
Fall for Ardmore is free with food and drink for sale. Tickets are also available for entrance into the VIP Beer Garden, which includes reserved seating and drink tickets for a fixed price.
For VIP tickets, beer ticket packages, participants and more information, visit www.DestinationArdmore.com.
• One of the most authentic celebrations in the United States returns with the fifth annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest, Oct. 13 and 14, with three afternoon and evening sessions.
Look for the historic armory to be transformed from top to bottom into a sea of blue and white with miles of fabric and custom decorations, artwork and furniture.
Look for opening tap, dancing, German traditions, food, drink and more.
South Street and Haddon Square are family friendly, free to attend and food/drink pay-as-you-go, with South Street also offering an exclusive VIP experience in the Brauer Bund.
23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest is a ticketed event for those 21 and older. Armory tickets are on sale, with a special $10 off the Friday night session, the 13th. For info and tickets for these events, visit www.brauhausschmitz.com/oktoberfest-2023.
“The Armory experience is our most authentic, with 16,000 square feet and 30-foot ceilings,” Hager said. “We really go all out each and every year. The crowds just love it. There’s no better feeling in the world than seeing the look on the faces of guests as they enter those big wooden doors. If you can’t get to Munich, this is one of the next best things.”
Source: Berkshire mont