Oktoberfest is upon us, and although many begin celebrating in early September, there’s still time to join the party. If you’re looking for authentic beer, food and live music, you’re in the right city.
City Tap House
City Tap House will turn its patio area into a beer garden for this season’s celebration. It’s planned to mimic Theresienwiese, the official Oktoberfest site in Munich. Choose from 15 festive beers on tap, including Jack Abby’s, von Trapp, Weihenstephan USA and Idle Hands Craft Ales’ Brocktoberfest.
Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 10 Boston Wharf Road, Boston, boston.citytap.com
Barlow’s
Get an early start on the weekend Thursday and head to Barlow’s for some live entertainment, plus festive food and drinks. The menu includes Bavarian favorites like pretzel-covered schnitzel, beer brats and jumbo pretzels with Sam Adams cheese and spicy mustard. Wash it down with a Paulaner or a Weihenstephan and enjoy the music.
Sept. 28 5:30 p.m., 241 A St., Boston, barlowsrestaurant.com
ReelHouse
This new Boston Harbor restaurant is saying goodbye to patio season with its first Oktoberfest party. Included in the $10 cover, guests can get samples from a slew of local breweries: Down East Cider, Mystic Brewing, Castle Island, Night Shift Brewing and Magic Hat Brewing, to name a few. Pair it with some classic German fare, or just take in the beautiful view of the harbor.
Sept. 30 1 p.m.-5 p.m., 6 New St., Boston, reelhouseboston.com
Beat Brasserie
Celebrate nonstop on Oct. 8 at Beat Brasserie, where the whole place will become a Bavarian beer hall for the day, complete with community tables, German food, a live oompah band, lederhosen and plenty of German beers. It’ll feel more like Munich than Harvard Square. Executive Chef James Lyons, a beer-hall cuisine expert, will cook up some sausages, sauerkraut, schnitzel and strudel while The Mad Bavarian Brass Band plays traditional German drinking songs.
Oct. 8 10 a.m.-midnight, 13 Brattle St., Cambridge, beatbrasserie.com
Harpoon Brewery
The popular local brewery is hosting its annual Oktoberfest all weekend. Head over on Saturday for one of the biggest parties in Boston, complete with pints of Harpoon’s Oktoberfest, Flannel Friday, IPA, House Golden and more. There’ll be live music on three different stages, so you’ll want to stay a while to check out all the bands. If you have room after the beer, there’s a German-chocolate cake-eating contest for those brave enough. Come back on Sunday for a post-Fest, with brunch specials from local food trucks.
Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 306 Northern Ave., Boston, 2017harpoonoctoberfest.splashthat.com
Cambridge Oktoberfest 5K
Whether you’re an avid runner or you just feel guilty about an unhealthy weekend (or month) of beer and schnitzel, check out this festive 5K in Kendall Square. The registration fee of $45 lands you a race shirt, plus food and beer once you cross the finish line.
Oct. 1 9:30 a.m., CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge, cambridge5k.com/Oktoberfest
Bronwyn
Head to this German-at-heart spot for some authentic food and beer. There’ll be a live oompah band every day through Oct. 15, so go early and go often. Or just head in on Oct. 11 for Jagermeister night.
Through-Oct. 15, 255 Washington St., Somerville, bronwynrestaurant.com
Oktoberfest Massachusetts
This 2015-born music and beer festival has grown every year of its existence, and it’s back for a big 2017. Over a dozen bands are on deck, and of course there are beer and food trucks, and a stein-hoisting competition.
Oct. 14 12 p.m.-6:30 p.m., 138 East St., Hadley, oktoberfestma.com
Opera On Tap’s Oktoberfest Brunch
This troupe of local opera singers will be taking to The Burren in Somerville for an Oktoberfest-themed performance. Hoist a stein is they belt some classical German tunes, as well as some other surprise numbers.
Sept. 30 1 p.m.-3 p.m., 247 Elm St., Somerville, burren.com
Duxbury Oktoberfest
This casual celebration, part of the Duxbury Food & Wine Festival, will be under the tent at Snug Harbor. Grab some German and craft beers, and get ready to dance to some lively music. Come dressed for the part and enter the lederhosen and dirndl costume contests.
Sept. 29 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., 459 Washington St., Duxbury, duxburyfoodandwinefestival.com/event/oktoberfest
