Prost season is upon us, and if you’re looking to celebrate, you’re in luck. Here are a few fun ways to celebrate Oktoberfest in Philadelphia.
BRU Craft and Wurst
It wouldn’t be Oktoberfest season without stopping at BRU’s rendition of the celebration, which involves plenty of food and drink specials. In 2023, the Chestnut Street hotspot will be offering new menu items like potato pancakes, dumplings and gravy, currywurst, jagerschnitzel, roasted half chicken and apple strudel. For drinks, visitors can find a rotating selection of traditional German Oktoberfest Biers from Paulaner, Hofbrau, Ayinger, Traunstein and more.
These specials will be available from Sept. 11 to Oct. 1, and Philadelphians can also save $3 on drafts during their Oktoberfest Happy Hour every Monday to Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.
1318 Chestnut St., bruphilly.com
Philadelphia Zoo
To celebrate in a unique way, on Sept. 16, Philadelphians can head to the Zoo’s OktoBEARfest from 7 to 10 p.m. While there, visitors can head to the Peacock Pavillion to check out a Bavarian beer tent with authentic Oktoberfest beers on tap, plus stein-holding and pretzel-eating competitions. This event, which also serves as a fundraiser for the Zoo, will additionally feature samples of beers from places like Warsteiner, Urban Village Brewing Company, Big Oyster Brewery, Evil Genius Brewing Company and many more.
On top of the dozens of breweries, food trucks will also be on-site. Tickets for this 21+ event are available online now.
3400 W. Girard Ave., philadelphiazoo.org
15th Annual South Street Oktoberfest
Perhaps one of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in Philadelphia, the 15th Annual South Street tradition will be back on Sept. 16 on the 700 block from noon to 8 p.m. Festivities will include nearly a dozen German beers available on draught, a variety of German favorites for food, live Oom-pah music, face painting, German dancers, a Liter Lift competition, games, schnapps and more, a release states.
Music will be provided by Die Heimatklänge with dancing by United German Hungarians, and Philadelphians can also look into buying VIP Packages, which includes private access to the Brauer Bund, VIP drafts, a liter mug, a Bavarian buffet, seven tokens for beer, five private no-wait bathrooms and additional swag.
Frankford Hall
On Saturday, Sept. 23, Philadelphians can head to Fishtown to check out Frankford Hall’s Oktoberfest celebration, which will feature different performances and activations happening throughout the day from noon to 2 a.m. Some highlights include performances from an authentic Bavarian “oompah” band, a kid’s craft table, a balloon artist, a face painter and more.
Food and drink wise, visitors can also indulge in a Bavarian cheesesteak, bratwurst sausage roll, beyond veggie sausage role and muchmore.
1210 Frankford Ave., frankfordhall.com
6th Annual Oktoberfest on the Square
On Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 10 p.m., Brauhaus Schmitz and Keg & Kitchen will be throwing an Oktoberfest celebration on the Square in Haddon Township. The event will feature a pig roast menu accompanied by other German favorites, and live music will be playing on stage from the Maria and John Band at this family-friendly event.
51 Haddon Ave, Westmont, brauhausschmitz.com
Neshaminy Creek
On Sept. 30, the annual Oktoberfest celebration returns to Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company from noon to 7 p.m. The prost-styled activation will feature entertainment from Polkadelphia, a Wiener Toss, Stein Hoisting Competition, and a Yodeling Contest, all paired with some German fare and fan favorites like pretzels, brats, Creekfestbier Lager, Churchville Lager, and other tasty treats from local food trucks including lobster rolls and more. Limited edition Oktoberfest shirts and steins will also be available for purchase.
909 Ray Ave., Croydon, neshaminycreekbrewing.com
5th Annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest
Another fan favorite, the 23rd Street Armory’s annual celebration will be in full swing on Friday, Oct. 13 and Saturday, Oct. 14.
The event mirrors an authentic Munich festival tent and features traditional Oktoberfest food provided by Brauhaus Schmitz. Beer on the other hand will be offered by the Hofbräuhaus München – Das Original, and there will be a lofted stage area for musical acts, which includes Brauhaus regulars Die Heimatklänge on Friday night and Saturday daytime, and the Die Schlauberger Band for Saturday night.
Tickets for either general admission or VIP are available for Friday night, Saturday day and also, Saturday night.
22 South 23rd St., brauhausschmitz.com
The Craft Beer Store
For those who are looking to celebrate Oktoberfest in Delco this fall, The Craft Beer Store in Springfield will be celebrating the best way they know how—with tons of food and drink options. A German food menu will be catered from Brauhaus Schmitz, and throughout the day, guests can also sample beers from all around Germany. The Craft Beer Store will also offer a special of $15 Crowlers (in-house), and $25 Growlers (to-go) throughout the day.
Other activities include a Stein Holding contest at noon (additional contests will take place at the top of each hour), live performances and beer game competitions (keg rolling, anyone?). Tickets are $10 and include the first beer for guests as well as two entries into the raffle, with prizes ranging from Craft Beer Store gift cards and Craft Beer Baskets. Tickets can be purchased online.
35 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, craftbeerstoreoktoberfest2023.eventbrite.com
