Oktoberfest Celebrations and Dining Specials

The first sign of autumn doesn’t exclusively involve the transformation of foliage; at times, it manifests through the switch in kegs as Oktoberfest enters. The special holiday is right around the corner, so prepare to raise your stein and prost to good times this fall with a bounty of Oktoberfest celebrations in Arizona.

Sept. 12 to Oct. 31: Ales on Rails

Sedona

Embrace a one-of-a-kind Oktoberfest adventure by stepping aboard Verde Canyon Railroad for Ales on Rails, running from Tuesday, Sept. 12, through Monday, Oct. 31. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring Arizona landscape as you revel in a curated selection of locally crafted beers and delectable bites. There is no need for elaborate plans – simply “show up and drink up!” This exceptional experience encompasses four tantalizing beer tastings, a pre-train ride lunch on the patio, a scenic train journey adorned with appetizers and a grand finale with a Champagne toast.
Cost: $149 per person. 
For more information: verdecanyonrr.com.

Sept. 16 to Oct. 3: Phoenix Beer Co. Dining Specials

Phoenix and Scottsdale

To honor Bavarian tradition, Phoenix Beer Co. is serving up unique dining delights from Sept. 16 to Oct. 3. The new menu features classic German fare like bratwurst, soft pretzels, sauerkraut and more. Alongside these delectable dishes, Phoenix Beer Co. is offering a tempting beer and brat special for just $12. These seasonal specials are exclusively available at their Downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale locations.
For more information: phxbeerco.com.

Sept. 16: Okto’Beer’Fest

Flagstaff

Get ready for Okto’Beer’Fest, where good times meet a great cause! This annual event is a true celebration of community spirit, as 100 percent of the proceeds go to support High Country Humane. With a remarkable history of raising over $125,000 for homeless animals in Northern Arizona, this year’s festivities aim to make an even more significant impact. The fun will kick off on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 12:30 to 6 p.m. and feature beer samples from local breweries, vibrant fare, music from DJ Carma, stein-holding competitions and more. Arizona breweries, including Mother Road, O.H.S.O., Lumberyard and Beaver Street, will also be in attendance with your favorite sips on hand. 
Cost: $7 per person or $5 if you bring a can of dog food. 
For more information: facebook.com.

Sept. 29 to Oct. 1: Oktoberfest at Greenwood Brewing

Phoenix

Greenwood Brewing, the sole female-owned and -operated brewery in Phoenix, announces a three-day Oktoberfest celebration. The event will feature an all-female comedy show Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m., live music by local band Of Kith & Kin Saturday, Sept. 30, as well as brewery yoga and tours Sunday, Oct. 1, complemented by an exclusive light German lager known as Festbier, brewed specifically for the occasion. Attendees can also enjoy drink specials throughout the weekend. Festbier will be savored in fun mugs during the festivities.
Cost: Tickets to the comedy show are $10; purchase here. 
For more information: greenwoodbrews.com.

Sept. 30 and Oct. 1: Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest

Chandler

For a dynamic Oktoberfest experience, make your way to Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest, hosted by Pedal Haus Brewery and SanTan Brewery. These two Arizona breweries are teaming up to deliver a memorable celebration, complete with special beer releases, live music, German cuisine, games and fun contests. The event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 1 to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 1, from 1 to 8 p.m. This marks the second Oktoberfest collaboration between Pedal Haus and SanTan Brewing Company, showcasing their staple sips, including cocktails, spirits and new seasonal brews.
Cost: $12 to $20. 
For more information: santanbrewing.com.

Oct. 1 to Oct. 31: Pedal Haus Dining Specials

Phoenix

Pedal Haus Brewery isn’t stopping at just one event. This local favorite brewery will offer special Oktoberfest-themed beer and dishes throughout October to satisfy your cravings for German flavors. The menu includes items like the Pedal Haus beer brat with haus mustard, onions, sauerkraut and fries; crispy pork Schnitzel, served with wild mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes and broccolini; German-style flammkuchen (similar to a flatbread) topped with mozzarella, béchamel, applewood-smoked bacon, caraway seed and caramelized onions and a giant Bavarian pretzel served with haus mustard, maple butter and beer cheese. To complement each dish, there are seasonal German-style Pilsner beers available. 
For more information: pedalhausbrewery.com.

Oct. 7: Litchfield Park Oktoberfest

Phoenix

Celebrate Oktoberfest at The Wigwam, in partnership with the City of Litchfield Park, on Saturday, Oct. 7. This exciting fall fest will feature live entertainment by Applause Oktoberfest Band, polka dancers, fun lawn games, German-inspired cuisine and seemingly endless amounts of beer to sample. This event is 21-plus, but for those celebrating with little ones, Kinderfest is an optional add-on, kid-friendly experience with Oktoberfest-themed games, arts and crafts, pizza and movies.
Cost: $50 per person; $25 per child for Kinderfest. VIP options are also available.
For more information: litchfieldpark.gov.

Oct. 7: Gilbert Oktoberfest

Gilbert

Get ready to don your dirndl and lederhosen because it’s time to raise a stein and celebrate the German holiday at Gilbert Oktoberfest. Join the fun and experience indulgent fare, including bratwurst, pretzels and a fantastic selection of Bavarian brews (including some of Gilbert’s finest local craft beers). Guests will also enjoy polka dancing to live music, brat-eating contests, stein-holding competitions and more. This Oktoberfest celebration in Arizona will take place on Oct. 7 from 2 to 9 p.m. at Gilbert Civic Center. 
Cost: $15 per person (12 and under are free). Admission cost will go up closer to the event.
For more information: forty8live.com.

Oct. 13 to Oct. 15: Four Peaks Oktoberfest 

Tempe

Four Peaks Brewing Company is synonymous with exceptional beer in Arizona and its Oktoberfest celebration is no exception. Join the brewery at Tempe Town Lake for an extraordinary Oktoberfest celebration in Arizona, marking its 50th year hosting the fall event. The festivities run from Friday, Oct. 13, to Sunday, Oct. 15. Each day brings a unique experience, including keg tappings, beer tastings, Weiner dog races, brat-eating contests, stein-holding competitions, live music performances, a Cardinals football game watch party and much more for the whole family.
Cost: $20 (admission is free on Sunday).
For more information: fourpeaksoktoberfest.com. 

Oct. 13, Oct. 14, Oct. 20, Oct. 21, Oct. 27 and Oct. 28: Haus Murphy’s

Glendale

On select dates in October, from 5 to 9 p.m., beloved local favorite Haus Murphy’s–which recently celebrated its 28th anniversary–raises its stein to Oktoberfest. Revelers can enjoy a wide array of German eats, beer, wine, games and much more. Oktoberfest celebration reservations are now open.
For more information: hausmurphys.com.

Oct. 21: OktoberWest Festival

Scottsdale

Blending Oktoberfest vibes with a country-western flair, OktoberWest Festival returns to The Westin Kierland on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 7 to 11 p.m. As part of the resort’s renowned Kierland After Dark Series, this autumn celebration features lively country bands, tantalizing barbecue, refreshing beverages and more. Try your hand at line dancing, take a ride on the mechanical bull and enjoy games like cornhole. A portion of the proceeds from the Oktoberfest celebration in Arizona supports Scottsdale Charros, benefiting charitable causes in Scottsdale.
Cost: $65 (Be sure to use the promo code FABULOUS for 10 percent off tickets).
For more information: fabulousarizona.com.