Prost! Oktoberfest is a German beer-drinking festival and tradition that dates back more than 200 years; it's now held annually over the course of two weeks in late September and early October. And because the Raleigh area is no stranger to good beer and good times, there are plenty of ways to get in on the fun!

The ninth annual Triangle Oktoberfest at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary is a two-day affair (Oct. 6-7), with plenty of family-friendly activities including live music, storytelling, dancing, the beloved wiener dog races and traditional Bavarian food and fare from local favorites that include Capital Club 16, The Butcher's Market and Annelore's German Bakery—studels, kuchen, bier pretzels, bratwurst, German chocolate and more—plus of course both local and traditional German beers on hand.

 

 

 

 

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Admission to the festival starts at $20 (buy online or at the door), and food and beverages are purchased separately (a sampler pass for unlimited beer pours can be purchased for $35 at the venue). 

What other Oktoberfest events are happening? The list below are free-admission celebrations at Raleigh area breweries!

• Sept. 9: Oaklyntoberfest at Oaklyn Springs Brewery 
• Sept. 10: Fall Fest at R&D Brewing
• Sept. 10: Oktoberfest at Raleigh Brewing
• Sept. 16: Oktoberfest at Gizmo Brew Works
• Sept. 16-17: Oktoberfest at Compass Rose Brewery
• Sept. 17: Sproktoberfest at Crank Arm Brewing
• Sept. 22-24: Oktoberfest at Lonerider Brewing
• Sept. 23: Oktoberfest at Bearded Bee Brewing Company
• Sept. 23: Oktoberfest at Bombshell Beer Company
• Sept. 23: Oktoberfest at Fortnight Brewing Company
• Sept. 30: Oktoberfest at Lafayette Village
• Sept. 30: Peaktoberfest at Southern Peak Brewery
• Sept. 30: Oktoberfest at Heyday Brewing
• Oct. 14: Apex Oktoberfest
• Oct. 14: Oktrophyfest at Trophy Brewing Maywood
• Oct. 28: Oktoberfest at Clouds Brewing*

^{*$10 admission includes one beer and a glass}

And finally, speaking of breweries—did you know that Raleigh has its own Beer Trail? Visit breweries, earn rewards—a beautiful concept. Download your Passport and plan your exploration of more than 30 breweries across the Raleigh area this fall!

^{Header photo courtesy of Triangle Oktoberfest}