‘Tis the season for outdoor beer festivals that celebrate the German traditions of beer, bratwurst, and brass bands. In Germany, Oktoberfest begins in September, and while a few local festivals have already happened, we’re entering the high season for celebrating the centuries-old tradition—and as a beer-centric city, we take the high season seriously. Here are five solid options:
October 3 and 4
Union Station, 1820 Market
Union Station hosts the latest Oktoberfest addition, billed as Munich on the Mississippi. The festival emphasizes German culture and music—though the beer is still front and center.
“What we’re trying to do is make this an experience,” says Susanne Evens, president of St. Louis Stuttgart Sister Cities, one of 16 organizations that make up the city’s German American Committee. For years, the committee has hosted its own event, German American Day, on the first Saturday in October. It too will be folded into the fest.
Youth dances, choirs, and a bratwurst-eating contest play out alongside beer drinking and wine sipping. “We’re trying to make this a family event,” Evens said.
The festival also features musical performances, with traditional music in the afternoon and a rock band at night. At the German Market, vendors will showcase needlepoint, clothing, and furniture. And the Spaten Bier School brings a brewmaster to teach the fine points of brewing your own. Mayor Francis Slay is scheduled to appear at the opening ceremony, at 3:30 p.m. Friday. Also scheduled is a mighty toot on an Alpenhorn (the real star of those Ricola commercials).
Tickets are $10 for general admission, $50 for VIP, and $25 for beer-school sessions.
October 10–12
Across 7th Street from Soulard Market
This is the big one. If you live anywhere near St. Louis and like beer, you’re probably already planning to go. Three stages host music all weekend, and the amateurs will be separated from the pros in a range of competitions, like mug holding and brat eating. Beer comes courtesy of Schlafly, Urban Chestnut, Spaten, Weihenstephan, and Anheuser-Busch InBev, with a microbrew tent that will feature offerings from Civil Life, Augusta, Alpha, O’Fallon, Modern Brewery, Ferguson Brewing Company, and more. Soak up some of those suds with treats from Hot Aztec, Steve’s Meat Shop, and Strange Donuts. General admission is $5, and different VIP packages available. Or get in free if you wear lederhosen.
Around the World Wine Dinner, Oktoberfest: The Food and Wine of Germany
October 17, 6:30 p.m.
Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw
The Missouri Botanical Garden gets in on the act, putting a Deutschland spin on its monthly food-and-wine series. Catering St. Louis brings in chefs to create a regionally specific menu with wine pairings. An expert host will explain the fest. The dinner is $58 with an additional 18 percent tax and service fee. Call 314-577-0200 to reserve a spot.
Sundays in October
Gateway Arch riverboats, below the south leg of the Arch
Take in the city’s sights from the Mississippi River during a memorable, Oktoberfest-inspired cruise. Have your fill of bratwurst, knockwurst, sweet and sour cabbage, rye and pumpernickel bread, noodle kugel, and German chocolate cake. (There's also a cash bar with beer.) Then, dance along to German music. Trips depart at 1 p.m. and return at 3 p.m. Call 877-982.1410. Tickets are $38 for adults and $18 for kids.
Weekends in October
Hermann, Missouri
The party lasts all month in Missouri wine country. Each weekend in October, Hermann hosts special events, with German cuisine, beer, and wine served at the town's many wineries. A trolley shuttles visitors back and forth between many of the venues. While in town, be sure to take a self-guided tour of the historic museum at the German School. Prices vary.
