It’s hard to beat a crisp fall day. Sweat isn’t pouring down your face and stinking up your clothes, there is excitement in the air, and…well…beer takes center stage. (Then again, in our lives, beer always takes center stage.) There are Oktoberfest beers, brown ales, and pumpkin beers as the last of the summer beers are drunk. And, you better believe fall time means that Oktoberfest and beer festivals are in your plans. Lucky for you we have been keeping track of all of these events throughout Connecticut and we proudly present them to you right here. Prost!
Oktoberfests
Beer Garden SoNo’s Oktoberfest, 1st Annual
Location: Oyster Shell Park in Norwalk, CT
UPDATED! Date and time: 10/4 10/5 from 12-5
Cost: 1) General Admission is $10 with code IWANTIN or $20 at the door. This gets you entrance, live music, food truck access, free bottles of water, and a chance to purchase beer.
2) The Beer Drinker is $30 with code GIVEMEBEER or $59 at the door. This gets you entrance, live music, food truck access, free bottles of water, a commemorative tasting glass, and unlimited tastings from 12-5. You can also buy beer, but you’ve got unlimited tastings! Come on now!
3) VIP Access is $105 with code CANTSTOPWONTSTOP or $211 at the door. This gets you in an hour early, gets you unlimited tastings with a bigger 10 oz tasting glass, you can skip lines, you get a reserved table for singing beer songs, water, live music, food trucks, and you get to take part in The Beer Garden SoNo’s after party!
Description: Achtung, baby…the Beer Garden in SoNo is throwing a major par-tay at the beautiful Oyster Shell Park right in Norwalk. There will be beer, there will be music, and there will be food trucks, so we’re not really sure what else you need. ;) But, if you want some deets, here they are: Blind Pug Ales, Shock Top, Widmer Bros., Goose Island, Hooker, Blue Point, Paulaner, Palm, Radeberger, Heineken, Guinness (they’ll be debuting a new beer), Strongbow, Newcastle, and more along with some great food trucks like Grab Your Balls, Cowabunga, One Bro Pizza Co, Tacos El Azteca, and Caseus. If all of that seems too overwhelming, they’ll have a digital guide that can take you from beer to beer and get you to where ya need to be. While all the drinking and eating is going down, check out One Bad Oyster, The Adam Currie Band, Tim Currie’s Motown Band, and Beach Avenue who you might know from America’s Got Talent! Deals go on until 9/26, so snag ’em while the snagging’s good. Children 13 or younger are free, btw. A portion of sales will be donated to the Whittingham Cancer Center, too, so cheers to that!
Milford Oktoberfest
Location: Rotary Pavilion at Fowler Field, 1 Shipyard Lane in Milford, CT
Date and time: 9/27 from 12-9 pm
Cost: $10 per person, 16 and under free
Description: Sponsored by the Devon Rotary, the Milford Oktoberfest is one of the most popular scenes in the area. There is a German biergarten, music from HitList, Rumrunners, and an authentic German band, a bratwurst eating contest, and even things for the kiddies to do while you get a refill. And, food wise, you’re set with plenty of German goodies as well as some classic American dishes if you’re sausaged out. Get your tickets at the gate or ask a Devon Rotary member, or call up Scott Moulton at (203) 306-5172 for more info.
Oktoberfest on the Meadow, 4th Annual
Location: Stamford Museum and Nature Center in Stamford, CT
Date and time: 10/17 from 7-10
Cost: $60/$75 for non-members in advance or $70/$85 for non-members at the door (21+)
Description: SM&NC is one of our favorite places in Fairfield County and it’s also home to a great harvest festival weekend. The ultimate kickoff to the weekend of cider making and family fun is celebrating fall and beer at Oktoberfest on the Meadow. Plenty of great German brews will be flowing with live music from Green Eyed Lady. Plus, it wouldn’t be an Oktoberfest without lots of great German food, and that’s what you’ll get with Old Heidelberg providing the delicious grub. Oh…did we mention the S’mores bar? Hell yeah.
Old Heidelberg Oktoberfest(s)
Location: Old Heidelberg at 55 Stony Hill Road in Bethel, CT
Date and time: 9/12-14, 9/19-21,and 9/26-28 (starting at 12pm each day)
Cost: Per beer and menu item (no entrance fee)
Description: It’s hard to think of a more German place in CT to be during Oktoberfest than at Old Heidelberg in Bethel. They have a beautiful outside beer garden where you can get your grog on, paired with plenty of great and rustic German food from an actual German restaurant. In addition, there will be plenty of music (live bands start at 5:30) and things for the kids to do while you drink and eat…and drink and eat…and drink and eat some more.
Perry Haus Oktoberfest
Location: Historic Perry House at 1128 West Broad Street in Stratford
Date and time: 9/20, starting at 6 pm
Cost: $50 per person
Description: The Historic Perry House turns into the Perry Haus on September 20 as “The Austrian Boys” take cover and bring some oompah to Stratford. In addition, there will be German food from David Grant Caterers, and of course there will be plenty to drink like beer, wine and soda. In addition, there will be some raffles too, so come on down and support the Perry House through this German-infused fundraiser. Make sure to reserve your spot by 9/12 by calling them at (203) 37-PERRY.
Porktoberfest, 2nd Annual
Location: Saugatuck Craft Butchery, 580 Riverside Avenue in Westport
Date and time: 10/5 from 12-4 pm
Cost: $25 without beer or $35 with beer and cider (first 150 people to register get an official Craft stein)
Description: This year (12-4 pm) they’ll have three whole Berkshire pigs with six kegs. And, with New England Brewing Co. as the beer sponsors, you have to know there’s gonna be some majorly good brews. In addition to the pig roast, they’ll have sausage and plenty of sides. And, yes, there will be music from the Austrian Boys Band, so be sure to wear your German garb.
Two Roads Ok2berfest, 2nd Annual
Location: Two Roads Brewery in Stratford, CT
Date and time: 9/27-28 from 12-6:30 pm
Cost: $15 to enter, $5 per beer (21+)
Description: For a first time festival, Ok2berfest was great last year. Like 2013, your $15 will get a commemorative stein, access to the beer garden and brewery (no tours), live music, and access to some awesome food trucks. Make sure to bring cash to buy beer tickets at $5 each…and speaking of beer, get to know the two special Ok2berfest brews that they’ll be serving: Eine and Swei. The food trucks on Saturday will be FireHouse Grill, Fryborg, Local Meatball, Caseus, Smoke n’ Bones BBQ, and Sugar Cupcake Truck. On Sunday check out Farmboys BBQ, Spud Stud, Bounty, Brats on a Bun, Hardcore Sweet Cupcake Truck, and Ruff’s Wood Fired Pizza.
WOBtoberfest, 1st Annual
Location: Green outside of World of Beer Stamford (18 Harbor Point Road)
Date and time: 10/4 from 12 pm – 2 am
Cost: $5 donation suggested for Paint the Town Pink to benefit breast cancer
Description: World of Beer has teamed up with Sam Adams, Two Roads, Paloma, Corbo’s Deli, and Pinot’s Palette for this location’s first ever WOBtoberfest. There will be plenty of beer on tap, there will be a stein hoisting contest, a chance to paint your own pumpkins with Pinot’s Palette, live music from Bad Boy and Last Horrah, and food, too. More details to be revealed soon.
Beer Fests
Brew-ski Fest and Chili Cookoff, 5th Annual
Location: 80 Indian cave Road in Salisbury, CT
Date and time: 10/12 from 1-4 pm
Cost: $30 in advance at Stateliness Wine and Spirits in Canaan, at Ledgebrook Spirit Shop in Winsted, or $35 the day of, or a suggested donation of $5 if you just want to vote on the chili
Description: Again, how could you possibly go wrong when you combine two of the best creature comforts around: beer and chili? And, we’re talking about lots of great local and regional brews all on hand paired great homemade chili…and with live music from The Nice Ones. In addition, there will be brats, burgers, and dogs for sale that will benefit Sunday in the Country Food Drive.
Connecticut Brewers Fest 2014, 1st Annual
Location: Two Roads Brewery in Stratford, CT
Date and time: Monday, 10/6 from 6-9
Cost: $25 per person (21+)
Description: Over 20 Connecticut Breweries will be on hand, pouring out some of Nutmeg’s best brews. You’ll get a tasting glass and 3 oz. pours of nomworthy brews. Plus, this is at Two Roads, so you best believe there will be food trucks there for ya by the name of Bounty and Lobstercraft. Some of the breweries that will be represented are Relic, Half Full, Back East, Cottrell, Beer’d, Overshores, Firefly Hollow, Two Roads, DuVig, Black Hog, NEBCO, BAR, Shebeen, and more. There are only 250 tickets being sold, so get ’em while the getting’s good. And, rest happy knowing that you’re helping to support the CT Brewers Guild who benefits from this event.
CT on Tap, 1st Annual
Location: Ives Concert Park in Danbury, CT
Date and time: 9/13 from 3-6 for GA and 2-6 for VIP
Cost: $35 in advance or $45 at the door, VIP is $55 (21+)
Description: Danbury is getting in on the beer fest action and introduces CT on Tap, brought to you by i95 and Townsquare Media Danbury. They will be featuring over 120 different craft brews with a nice focus on CT and Northeast breweries. While you’re there, you’ll definitely want to swine n’ dine with Hog Wild BBQ and other restaurants who will be there to feed your need.
Harbor Brew Fest, 3rd Annual
Location: The Ballpark at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, CT
Date and time: 9/20 from 1-5 for GA, 12-5 for VIP
Cost: $40 for GA, $50 at the door if there are any left (21+)
Description: Arguably one of our favorite festivals around, Harbor Brew Fest will be bigger and so much badder than ever. They boast 14 food trucks (many being the best in the state) and over 100 breweries, many hailing right here from the Nutmeg State. These CT brews will be featured in a tent on the field like last year and are definitely hot destinations for festival goers.
Harvest Festival, 3rd Annual
Location: New Canaan Nature Center in New Canaan, CT
Date and time: 10/4 from 7-10
Cost: $65 in advance, $80 at the door (21+)
Description: Imagine this…the night is black, the stars are out, and you arrive at the New Canaan Nature Center. Tiki torches light up the sky, beckoning you forward. As you get closer, you hear people laughing, cheering, and having a great time. And, as you enter, you get transported away…almost somewhere magical. This year get ready for plenty of local breweries as well as regional ones, food from local restaurants, live music, and plenty of games like bocce and ping pong. Also, there will be a nice collection of gluten-free beers, wine, and cheese too…
Hoptoberfest Craft Beer Festival & Wing Contest, 2nd Annual
Location: Rotary Pavilion at the Shelton Riverwalk, 100 Canal Street in Shelton, CT
Date and time: 10/11 from 1-5 pm
Cost: $25, $35 day of event (21+)
Description: All of the fests here have plenty of beer to drink, but Hoptoberfest (now in its second year) has another major selling point: chicken wings. Lots and lots of chicken wings. Like, a freaking ridiculous amount of chicken wings…and you get to pick the winning chicken wing from the local restaurants that enter. You decide who will be King of the Wing! And, you best believe that there will be plenty of beer to wash it down, too: 80 different kinds. As if this wasn’t great enough, money raised will be donated back into the Derby and Shelton community.
Ski Sundown Brewfest, 9th Annual
Location: Ski Sundown in New Hartford, CT
Date and time: 9/20 from 4-8 pm
Cost: $30 in advance, $35 at the door (21+)
Description: With over 35 breweries and microbreweries from CT and the surrounding states, the Ski Sundown Brewfest is a great choice if you want to check out some harder to find CT breweries. Some of the breweries that will be sampling include Berkshire Brewing, Back East, Black Hog, Cambridge House, Captain Lawrence, Cottrell, DuVig, Firefly Hollow, Half Full, New England Brewing, Shebeen, and Two Roads. In addition to beer, check out live music from Poor Gordon and hit up the grill from Avon Prime Meats to get your fill and to help space out your drinking. Proceeds go to help fund the Connecticut Brewers Guild.
Smoke in the Valley Beer and Craft Chili Festival, 4th Annual
Location: 20 Pine Street in Seymour, CT 06853
Date and time: Kick-Off Party on 10/3 from 4-10; 10/4 from 12-4:30
Cost: $40 in advance, save $5 by 9/12 by entering SMOKE4 at checkout or $45 at the gate
Description: We’ve already read the forecast for October 4 and the meteorologist said that it will be really freaking chili. (Groan.) That’s because there will be an official chili cook-off going down and YOU get to taste the samples. And, in the works, is a collection of food trucks to help feed your additional needs. But let’s talk beer now: this is one of the most popular brewfests in the state…we’re talking about over 100 different breweries. Also, there will be live music from six different bands on TWO different stages including Turkuaz and Badfish. In addition, join them on 10/3 from 4-10 pm for their Kick-off Party featuring even more live music, beer, food trucks, art vendors, and more. Tickets are $20 per person with children under 12 getting in for free.
Sun BrewFest, 3rd Annual
Location: Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT
Date and time: 10/4 at 1-4 or 7-10 and 10/5 from 11-2
Cost: $25 for Saturday sessions or $40 for an extra hour, $60 for Sunday brunch (21+)
Description: Mohegan Sun is well known for their Wine Fest, but three years ago they started their own BrewFest. This year they have set up things into a two day experience. For Day 1, they will have two tasting sessions from 1-4 and 7-10. On tap at the event will be over 200 varieties of beer, so get ready. If you pay $10 more, you can be a Fanatic and get tasting early starting at noon. Then, on Sunday, check out an epic brunch experience including beer based cocktails or a DIY Bloody Mary with tons to eat to help you recover from all that beer the night before. But, remember that the hair of the dog is what makes it better? No problem because Goose Island beer will be used to make each and every dish served at brunch. The $60 covers all food and drinks.
If you have any other beer tests or Oktoberfests to share, please let us know!
Dan and Kristien Del Ferraro
OmNomCT 
Super listing of some great events.
Jessica, it looks to be an amazing local event in SoNo The Beer Garden Fest (can’t wait to try your Pizza Jessica!) along with Smoke in the Valley, Sun Brew Fest, New Cannan Harvest festival and the Hudson Hop and Harvest Festival in Peekskill http://hudsonhopandharvest.com/2014/music/ (missed this one) are all unfortunately scheduled for Yom Kippur a day of fasting for many in the area, but can’t wait for the others (See you at Harbor Brew Fest and Little Pub OG if can ever get into the parking lot!) so thanks for the listings!
Dan and Kristien, you also missed out on what could be the best event of all with the Spin Doctors in Pound Ridge: http://www.poundridgeharvestfestival.com/
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We love to go into NY, also there’s the Big Brew NY, but that’s on the same day as Harbor Brew Fest. So, we prefer the CT Fest. But, it was still a great Fest last year. We will see you at HBF and maybe at Little Pub! Man, they know how to sell seats, huh?
Oh, and we will also check out the Pound Ridge event, that’s pretty close by.
See you soon!
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Good point about the holiday! It’s unfortunate but I guess there’s not much that can be done about it at this point.
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There is one more that I know of.
The Beer Garden in Norwalk is doing an Oktoberfest at Oyster Shell Park in Norwalk. It’s 10/4 and I think tickets are going on sale tomorrow. I can provide more information once it’s live.
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You are awesome Jessica, thank you. We’d love your help. Of course we’ll give you some major creed when we put it up ;)
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No problem!
The bf and I actually now have a pizza trailer (not a truck, it’s not motorized) and we’ll be at the event, so there’s a little self promotion in there too. :)
One Bro Pizza Co. is the name and you will definitely have to try our pizza!
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That’s awesome, congrats. :)
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Thanks!
The link went live, so here it is.
http://www.beergardenfest.com
I believe they’re doing something through Groupon tomorrow.
Hope to see you there! (provided you can manage to be in several places at once)
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