Oktoberfest season is officially here, so dust off the lederhosen, grab your favorite stein, and get ready for a true Bavarian celebration.

A German tradition over 200 years old, the festival began in 1810 as a royal wedding party for Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Munich loved it so much that it became an annual tradition. That spirit lives on today in the German idea of Gemütlichkeit: warmth, good cheer, and the joy of gathering around a table with friends.

We've rounded up Oktoberfest events in Ontario County so you can enjoy a taste of Germany, from live music to pretzels to seasonal brews. Grab a friend and raise a glass with a hearty O'zapft is! (it's tapped!).

 

Saturday, October 3

Brew & Brats at Arbor Hill 
6461 State Route 64, Naples, N.Y.

Celebrations kick off at 11 a.m. at Brew & Brats. Guests can expect rotating beers on tap, German food specials, stein holding competitions, and live music! Entry is free. Follow along on Facebook for information on special menus and updates.

  • 1-3 p.m. Live Music by FLX Alpine Band

  • 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. Stein Holding Contests

  • 5-8 p.m. Live Music by Andy Webster

 

Peacemaker Brewing Company
39 Coach St., Canandaigua, N.Y.

Oktoberfest at Peacemaker Brewing runs from 1-5 p.m. with steinholding, keg tossing, beer, and brats! Entry is free. 

 

Crafty Ales and Lagers
2 Exchange St., Phelps, N.Y.

Back for it's second year, Crafty Ales and Lagers will hold its annual Oktoberfest celebration from 1-5 p.m. On tap will be their Blackwoods schwartzier and Marzen lager. Olde Slovakia food truck will be on site to fuel you for your turn at the steinholding competition. Entry is free. 

 

Sunday, October 4

Brew & Brats at Arbor Hill 
6461 State Route 64, Naples, N.Y.

Celebration at Brew & Brats continues! Entry is free.

  • 1-3 p.m. Live Music by FLX Alpine Band

  • 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. Stein Holding Contests

 

Saturday, October 10

New York Kitchen
800 South Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.

Join sommelier and chemistry professor Heather "The Intoxicating Professor" McKechney at New York Kitchen for a lively deep dive into German-style beers. From Lederhosen to Lager: Exploring Oktoberfest beverage class will be held from 12-1:30 p.m. You'll explore the history behind Oktoberfest and pair traditional beers with a nosh box by Chef Pam Cecere. Tickets are limited, get yours today! 

 

Saturday, October 17

Engine 14 Brewery & Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars
1 Lake Niagara Ln., Naples, N.Y.

Celebrate fall at Engine 14 Brewery's Oktoberfest and Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars' Fall market. The winery and brewery are located next door to one another, creating a lively environment for those interested in shopping local, live music, food, and drinks. Entry is free. 

  • 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Shop local craft vendors and enjoy Macarollin Food Truck (outside)

  • 1-4:30 p.m. Live music (outside)

  • 3 p.m. Beer Pong tournament sign-up; 3:30 p.m. tournament begins (Engine 14)

  • 5 p.m. Food truck (outside)

  • 6-9 p.m. Live Music at Engine 14

 

Saturday, October 25

The Lake House on Canandaigua 
770 South Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y. 

Presented by The Lake House on Canandaigua, in partnership with Frequentem Brewing Co., the 3rd annual Oktoberfest brings live traditional music, authentic cuisine, and refreshing beer. The German-inspired menu will include chicken schnitzel, bratwurst smash burger, lager braised short ribs, and jumbo pretzels. Pair these with a lineup of participating breweries and friendly competitions! Tickets are $35. Event runs from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

 

Bonus: Can't make it to Oktoberfest but looking for a taste of Germany? Stop into Rheinblick German Restaurant (224 South Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) for your next favorite schnitzel, currywurst, and apfelstrudel. 

Share your favorite Oktoberfest moments by tagging us @VisitFLX and using #VisitFLX. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know with all things FLX!