October is creeping up on us and celebrations for the worlds largest beer festival, Oktoberfest, have already begun. Every year Germans showcase the only thing they covet more than The ‘Hoff as millions of people from all over the globe flood Munich with intentions of consuming their body weight in traditional German cuisine and hundreds of different kinds of beer.

Oktoberfest dates back 200 years, and fortunately for us in America, its popularity has spread worldwide. Whether German heritage flows thick through your veins, or you temporarily assimilate it by means of sausage and delicious Oktoberfest beer, there is always somewhere to partake in festivities.

The city of Brotherly Brew is no exception, as it aims to show that Oktoberfest isn‘t just about thinking of clever ways to fuse words into “Oktoberfest“ (although it doesn‘t hurt anything). Make sure you check out some of the following places to make sure you know exactly where to TrinkenPhilly for Oktoberfest.

Drink Philly is supporting local artistic talent, local breweries and restaurants for First Friday! This month, we're doing an Oktoberfest theme. Come enjoy beer from Weyerbacher Brewing Co, featuring their delicious Imperial Pumpkin Ale, as well as their Merry Monks and Double Simcoe IPA. There will be FREE food from The Plough & The Stars, and some great local art and music! ABSOLUTELY NO COVER CHARGE. (Valid ID is required, only 21+ will be admitted.)

Shameless self-promotion: We strongly suggest you attend the first event on this list. We hear those guys know how to throw a party. 

McGillin’s Olde Ale House: Sept 2-Oct 2

McGillin’s started their month long affair on September 2nd which will last until October 2nd when they turn Drury street into a giant beer garden with karaoke, German foods and beer, and even a balloon artist in harmony with the Midtown Village Fall Festival. During this time you can get a variety of German food and Oktoberfest beers including Flying Fish’s Oktoberfish, Victory’s Festbier, Old Dominion’s Oktoberfest and more. You can also get mussels steamed in Oktoberfest Lager and grilled pork loin in sweet and sour cherry sauce.  The surrounding neighborhood from Walnut to Chestnut and 12th to Juniper will be filled with performances, family activities, food vendors, live music, and five more restaurants added to the annual Midtown Village Fall Festival from 12-8pm.

World Café Live: October 24

October 24 is World Café’s third annual Oktoberfest beer festival. Booths will be set up with around 30 authentic German (and German only) beers, as well as Oktoberfest types. Admission includes access to a buffet of traditional German foods and just in case you wandered blindly in to this festival and would prefer other types of drinks besides beer, a full service bar.

VIP admissions are $65 and get you in an hour earlier at 12pm where you can have more of a one on one experience with the brewers as well as an opportunity to taste limited-edition beers. General public tickets are $50 and get you a complimentary tasting glass, as well as food, entertainment, and of course, beer. Also designated driver tickets will be available for $20 and will get you access to all the same perks as general admission minus alcoholic beverages. Some of the breweries that will be present include: Becks, Flensburger, Franziskaner, Spaten, and much more. In case you are reading this and a wave of panic washes over you as you realize that this event is on a Sunday and you would surely be missing the Eagles game, worry not as they will be broadcasting it on a giant projection screen.     

McFadden’s Philly: October 9

On October 9th, McFadden’s is hosting their 7th annual Mctoberfest which is projected to have over 3,000 people in attendance. Drink $3 Coors light and Coors original out of your Mctoberfest stein, and $5 pinnacle vodka flavored Red Bull drinks and German themed food featuring bratwurst, wienerwurst, apple struddle and more. There will also be live music in the outdoor tent with Kristen and the Noise and three full sets featuring Mr. Greengenes. As well as live music, drinks, and food outside there will be a beer garden along with other daytime carnival games. 

Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse - Philly Brew & Chew: October 14

On October 14th Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse will be hosting the Philly Brew & Chew event from 8-10 pm. Every month Philly Brew & Chew hosts a different themed event in which they showcase a craft brewer. This month it is a two-hour Oktoberfest beer tasting with paired appetizers. It will be $20 at door and $15 through www.phillybrewandchew.com.  Be sure to arrive early and get a seat at the bar because these fill up fast!

Memphis Taproom: October 9

The Memphis Taproom is throwing their “Thirstoberfest” party on October 9th from 12-6pm. There will be no shortage of variety here, with more than 40 rare and fall-themed beers, including Sierra Nevada Anniversary Collaboration ales and Oktoberfest Lagers. More beers are continuously being added, and there will be a special Thirstoberfest food menu.

Bloktoberfest: October 16

On October 16th from 12-8pm the 2000 block of Christian street will be transformed into one of Philadelphia’s biggest Bavarian celebrations for Bloktoberfest 2010. Eleven craft breweries will be hosted, each with three of their own select beers culminating to 33 beers on tap. A $10 pre-purchase will net you three beer tickets and a Bloktoberfest exclusive beer stein with which to enjoy. Each beer ticket gets you a 12oz beverage of your choice, and each additional ticket is $4. You can purchase your tickets online or at The Sidecar Bar & Grille or Beauty Shop Café, otherwise they are $12 the day of. There will be Philly food trucks with which to sponge up the alcohol in your stomach, including Honest Tom’s Taco Shop, Coup De Taco, and more. There will also be live music from The Love Language and The Budos Band.

Continental/South Philly Tap Room: September 28 & 29

South Philly Tap Room will be hosting an Oktoberfest event on the roof of Continental Mid-town. You may need to loosen your Lederhosen afterwards, as you will undoubtedly gorge yourself on a delicious all you can eat and drink menu. Some menu items include Sauerbraten, German potato salad, pickled beets with mustard seed, Rieker’s liverwurst, sauerkraut with kielbasa and pork belly. They will also have Manayunk Brewery Marzen-Oktoberfest firkin, Sly Fox Oktoberfest Sixtels, PBC Harvest From the Hood, and Paulaner 200th Anniversary Oktoberfest beers on tap. The rooftop party will be on Tuesday and Wednesday September 28th and 29th 6-9pm. And will be $45 per person - all you can eat and drink brats and beer.

09.23.10