By Jeff Maisey
If beer has a national — make that multi-national — holiday then surely it is Oktoberfest. Celebrations abound, including right here in Hampton Roads.
So how did it all begin?
Way back on October 12, 1810, King Ludwig I married Princess Terese of Sax-Hildburghausen in Munich, Germany. Citizens of the city were invited to celebrate the festivities, which included 15th-century-style horse racing. Held in the fields outside the gates of Munich, the celebration became an annual event with a parade, carnival booths, games, Bavarian dancing and music.
This year’s 190th Oktoberfest celebration in Germany takes place from September 20 to October 5. At 12 noon, on September 20, the Mayor of Munich will tap the first keg of Oktoberfest 2019, and then the non-stop Oktoberfest beer drinking can begin.
Interestingly, only beer brewed within Munich city limits and conforming to the Reinheitsgebot can be served at the Munich Oktoberfest. The official Oktoberfest beers come from just six breweries: Spatenbrau, Paulaner, Hofbrau, Augustiner-Brau, Hacker-Pschorr Brau, and Lowenbrau.
In Hampton Roads, the most traditional way to celebrate Oktoberfest is by attending the Bier Garden’s Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 4. The event will be held on the 400 block of High Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth. A large tent with long, blue/white clothed tables provides ample seating for enjoying official Oktoberfest beers from Germany and traditional food served-up by the Osfolk family, who hail from the European nation.
There are games for children, a ceremonial keg tapping (1 PM), and a large brass orchestra — Elbe Musikanten Band — performing the traditional sounds of Bavaria from noon to 8:30 PM. It’s not to be missed.
Where The Bier Garden’s celebration is a pure German tradition, several local breweries are doing their part to get the party started.
COVA Brewing
September 19
Getting things going a day early, COVA brewing will offer beers, games, and music from The Happy Dutchmen (6-9 PM).
Elation Brewing
September 20 through October 3
It’s a two-week celebration of German style beer, food and music. Elation will feature three German-inspired beers on tap. Oompah bands each weekend. Authentic German food menu.
The Vanguard Brewpub
September 20
Featuring award-winning, house-made Caiseal Beers, The Vanguard will serve German food and beer from noon to 11 PM. There’ll be a Beer Choir Singalong (11:30 AM), Stein Holding Contest (4 PM), Ax Throwing (2 PM), German-style foods, vendor market, and live music.
Smartmouth NFK
September 20
Live polka tunes, German food, and seasonal beer.
Tradition Brewing
September 20
Costume contest, stein holding contest, beer specials, games, authentic food.
New Realm Brewing Company
September 20
Enjoy a day filled with exciting activities, including beer puppeteer challenges, a Dachshund beauty pageant, New Realm Trivia with a swag giveaway, kids games, a parade, and live music. Plus an Oktoberfest beer release. Music by Happy Dutchmen and Snackbar Jones.
Maker’s Craft Brewery
September 21
The day is devoted to German-style beers and live music featuring the Happy Dutchmen. Try the Fest Bier. Noon to 6 PM.
Benchtop Brewing
September 20
Enjoy a new Festbier and Marzen. Authentic German food served by the staff from The Bier Garden of Portsmouth.
Big Ugly Brewing
September 26
Dubbed Bubtoberfest, the Chesapeake brewery will tap its Schlitzengiggle Marzen and present stein hoisting competitions. Lederhosen and dirndls are encouraged attire from 3-10 PM.
St. George Brewing Co.
September 27
A fun classic car show blended with traditional style beers, food, and more. Noon to 5 PM.
Billsburg Brewing
September 27
A ticketed event ($25/$35) featuring multiple German food trucks, multiple breweries serving their German-style beers, and live music. Noon to 4 PM.
MoMac Brewing
September 27
Oktoberfest beer release, live music, dog fashion show, Mr & Mrs Oktoberfest contest, stein holding contest, and more.
Commonwealth Brewing Co.
September 27
Traditional oompah Band (4-8 PM) and stein hoisting competition.
Virginia Beer Company
September 27
Four German-style beer releases, a dog costume contest, stein and coaster decorating.
The Bold Mariner Brewing
October 4
From noon until close with live music, DJs, new merchandise, food specials, and German-style beer. .
Afterglow Brewing
October 11
Beer, food and music (Kaboombox, 5-9 PM). Plus axe throwing and stein holding contest.
