Prost! It’s the time of year to raise a beer (or a few more) to the German tradition of Oktoberfest. Grab your lederhosen and gear up for that sweet polka beat, and get ready to fill your belly with the best of Bavaria, from brews to schnitzel.
Here are 12 Oktoberfest events happening in and around Metro Vancouver this fall.
Wünderbar ‘Oktobeerfest’ Pop-Up at Bells and Whistles
The Oktobeerfest Platter at Bells and Whistles. Photo by Jonathan Norton/courtesy Bells and Whistles
When the clock strikes midnight in Munich on Saturday, September 21 at 3 p.m. Bells and Whistles will don the lederhosen and kick off 17 days of Bavarian-inspired celebrations by hosting its second annual Wünderbar ‘Oktobeerfest’ Pop-Up until Sunday, October 6. During the event, a number of Oktoberfest-themed favourites will return to the menu, and German brews will be at the bar.
When: Sept. 21-Oct. 6, 2019
Where: Bells and Whistles – 3296 Fraser Street, Vancouver
P49 Oktoberfest
Grab your lederhosen, and flex those pint-hoisting muscles. Pretzels, traditional german snacks, $6 beers, and a live polka band await at Parallel 49’s Oktoberfest. Heads up, this isn’t taking place in their Street Kitchen tasting room/restaurant.
When: Sat. Sept. 21 from 2-10 p.m.
Where: P49 Warehouse off of Semlin Street (behind the brewery) *The party is not in the Street Kitchen*
Rocktoberfest with Red Chair at Backcountry Brewing
If you're planning on being in Squamish area and want to enjoy some Oktoberfest action, they're holding their last outdoor event of the year, and it's going to be a big one. They will be serving up traditional German BBQ by Chef Artie and pouring Operation Stein Grab, their fresh new German lager, alongside other Backcountry favourites. You can enjoy games, prize giveaways and live music with Red Chair in their 100-person beer garden.
When: Sat. Sept. 21 from 7-11:30 p.m.
Where: Backcountry Brewing - 405-1201 Commercial Way, Squamish
Cost: $10 in advance (purchase online). Price will go up at the door
Oktoberfest Biermaster's Dinner
Kick off Oktoberfest with a five-course beer pairing dinner featuring Craft's favourite German craft beers from Erdinger & Stiegl. Your ticket includes a welcome beer and amuse bouche, plus a sit-down meal with beer pairings.
When: Tues. Sept. 24 from 6-9 p.m.
Where: CRAFT Beer Market Vancouver - 85 West 1st Ave
Cost: $60; purchase online
Oktoberfest at the Races
Celebrate the famed festival in style at the iconic Hastings Racecourse with traditional fare, exciting horse races, live music, and of course, plenty of beer. 19+ only.
When: Sat. Sept. 28 from 1-6 p.m.
Where: Hastings Racecourse – 188 N. Renfrew St., Vancouver
Cost: $30; purchase online
Oktoberfest at Vancouver Alpen Club
Vancouver Alpen Club/Facebook
This is "das original" Vancouver Oktoberfest that you can’t leave off the list. Held at the historic Alpen Club, they’ve got three October weekends of beer, food, music, and fun. Dress up, dance, and raise a few glasses in the German tradition. Regular tickets $35 (plus taxes) include admission to the Oktoberfest, while VIP tickets $80 (plus taxes) include admission and access to a designated area that provides a delicious German buffet and a server who takes care of your drinks all night long (drinks not included in the prices).
When: October 4-5; 11-12; and 18-19. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Alpen Club – 4875 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $35/80; purchase online
Craft's Brühaüs
Brühaüs is a two-day festival celebrating all things Oktoberfest, featuring German-inspired eats, big beers, music, attire, sights and sounds. They're calling this an "Oktoberfest-inspired" event, and there's no admission fee, but you will need to pre-register online. Seating will be first-come, first-served, and based on availability.
When: Oct. 5 from 6 p.m.-late and Oct. 6 from 2 p.m.-late
Where: CRAFT Beer Market Vancouver - 85 West 1st Ave
Cost: Free, but pre-registration required (RSVP online)
Another Oktoberfest
Another Beer Co. Photo via Eventbrite
Get ready to have some fun down in New West courtesy Another Beer Co.'s Oktoberfest event. This will be a free all day event, but you can guarantee your spot by purchasing tickets for the festivities early. They will have four of their own German style beers to offer, along with a few special surprises. Plus they will have German foods available and multiple beers from some of their (other) favourite local breweries.
When: Sat. Oct. 5 from noon-10 p.m.
Where: Another Beer Co. - 30 Capilano Way #11, New Westminster
Cost: Free, but RSVP online to guarantee admission
Oktoberfest at Trading Post
Both locations of Trading Post's brewpub will be holding Oktoberfest events, with Abbotsford starting the party on Oct. 5, and Fort Langley following on Oct. 19. You'll finda day of music, dancing, games, and plenty of German food, and beer from Trading Post, Steel & Oak, Sun Down, Four Winds and Field House Brewing. There's a daytime and an evening session, ticketed separately. Your ticket includes admission, a 500ml glass stein and your first beer. Additional beer tickets and food platters for four can be purchased online on Eventbrite and redeemed at the event.
When: Oct. 5 (Abbotsford) and Oct. 19 (Fort Langley). Noon-5 p.m. and 6 p.m.-midnight
Where: Trading Post - 3058 Gladwin Road, Abbotsford and 9143 Glover Road, Langley
Cost: $24-65. Purchase online: Abbotsford or Fort Langley
North Shore Craft Beer Week Oktoberfest
As part of the North Shore's Craft Beer Week festivities, you can get into the Oktoberfest spirit at Deep Cove Brewers. The fest features traditional German food, live music, a beer hall and much more. Early Bird tickets are $15 if you purchase in advance! Tickets include a souvenir German stein for you to use for the evening and take home. The ticket also includes your first stein fill.
When: Thu. Oct. 10 from 5-11 p.m.
Where: Deep Cove Brewers + Distillers - 170-2270 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver
Cost: $10-15; purchase tickets at Deep Cove Brewers and Distillers or at the NSCBW launch party on Oct. 4. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $10.
Harvestland and Harvest Haus
@_brandonartis / Instagram
The PNE grounds will be transformed into a land of all things Oktoberfest this fall at Harvestland, Canada’s largest harvest festival. This expansive multi-day Oktoberfest event invites fair-goers to slip into their finest dirndls and lederhosen to celebrate community, nature, agriculture, exploration and imagination.
When: Harvestland at the PNE (all ages) Oct. 10 – 20, 2019 Harvest Haus (19+)
Oct. 10 – 12, 18 & 19
Where: Pacific National Exhibition - 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Cost: Harvestland Tickets: General (13 to 64 yrs): $14.99; Child (4 to 12 yrs): $9.99; Senior (65+): $9.99; Family Pass (2 Adult & 3 Child): $44.99
Harvest Haus Tickets:¨Evening Seatings:$29.99 GA, $49.99 VIP; Matinees: $24.99 GA, $39.99 VIP
Oktoberfest Pub Nights on the Fraser
Embark on an Oktoberfest booze cruise on the mighty Fraser. Pub Nights on the Fraser goes German-style for their paddlewheeler tour. German-themed food and drink will be available for purchase on board, plus music and lots of fun. 19+ only.
When: October 11-12 and 18-19 from 7-10 p.m.
Where: $39.95 plus tax; book online
