COURTESY OF URBAN CHESTNUT BREWING COMPANY
Strictly speaking, Oktoberfest celebrates the 1810 wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen that we’re all toasting in late September—or, in some cases, October, to the ire of sticklers and the delight of people who want to hit more than one party. But the festival has certainly morphed into as good of reason as any to drink beer and listen to oom-pah music. Here in Missouri, we do it exceptionally well, as evidenced by the following options.
Urban Chestnut Brewing Company’s 9th Annual Oktoberfest St. Louis
For the ninth year running, Urban Chestnut Brewing Company is throwing a three-day extravaganza in Midtown. It’s free to attend, but bring cash (not cards) to spend on handmade goods, snacks, and, of course, beer. The feel of the festival is part German and part circus. Sunday is focused on the kids, which means circus performers and other fun for little ones under the Big Top. September 27–29. Midtown Brewery & Biergarten and Circus Flora Big Top.
In true Munich fashion, St. Charles kicks off its Oktoberfest celebration with the mayor tapping the first keg and yelling, “O’zapft is!” Catch the opening festivities on Friday at 6 p.m. Then, all weekend, enjoy live classic rock and traditional German music. The German Cultural Society Dancers keep things traditional, too. Saturday at 4 p.m., cheer for excess as competitors vie for glory at the Kenricks’ Meat & Catering Brat-Eating Contest. September 27–29. Lewis and Clark Boathouse Parking Lot.
Head a little further afield to celebrate every weekend in October. Hermann is a lovely destination year-round, but it especially shines during autumn, when the foliage is in full show-off mode. The celebration kicks off Thursday with Ladies First Night at HogsHead and a First Friday ArtWalk through town. There are plenty of chances to visit the Historic Hermann Museum at the German School and the Deutschheim State History Site. October 5–28. Hermann, Missouri.
Good News Brewing Company is known for its beers and wood-fired pizzas in service of a higher mission. (Their name is a clue; the worship services at the brewery are another.) This year, the brewery's celebrating Oktoberfest with a beer brewed just for the celebration, commemorative steins, and the ever-popular pretzel necklaces. The party also includes cigars, sweets, and a pizza special featuring sausage and sauerkraut. October 5–6. Good News Brewing Company, 2886 S. MO-94, Defiance.
The classic St. Louis beer festival experience, Soulard's celebration is heavy on the history, taking place at the Soulard Market, founded in 1779. The music is rich in Bavarian bona-fides, and the event boasts classic entertainment, such as a stein-holding competition. For $20, get the VIP experience, including premium food and dedicated restrooms. October 11–12, Soulard Market.
