Oktoberfest in the Northwest 2022
Time to strap on your lederhosen and hoist up the dirndls… Oktoberfest is here and she brought beer! If you've been looking for Oktoberfest in the Northwest, bookmark this article!
The Northwest is home to dozens of breweries and tap houses. Some might even say we have as many places to buy craft beer as we do coffee. It’s no wonder our region hosts some of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the entire United States.
We’ve rounded up the finest of the Northwest Oktoberfest celebrations. You could call it a list of lagers if you will, a cruise through the brews, a report of porters… Maybe a route to the stouts, or perhaps, the Trending Northwest Trail of Ales.
Either way, we call it a good time.
Note: Some of these events have already passed, but we highly recommend you bookmark this page, as we will update this list annually!
Western Washington Oktoberfest Celebrations
Seattle Oktoberfest
Seattle’s vibrant Fremont neighborhood hosts the famous Fremont Oktoberfest Celebration each year. Fremont Oktoberfest is Seattle’s largest beer festival and features over 80 craft beers, ciders and seltzers, many of which are also from the northwest.
On the Sunday of Fremont Oktoberfest, visitors were invited to check out Dogtoberfest. This fun-filled day was an epic furry-friend beer celebration. Complete with a dog photo contest, Fremont Oktoberfest is probably the cutest beer celebration known to mankind, and man’s best friend.
This year, Fremont Oktoberfest served the fun from Sept. 16-18. Dogtoberfest was on Sept. 18.
Find even more fun fall activities!
Kirkland Oktoberfest
Take a trip to beautiful Lake Washington for Kirkland Oktoberfest. Kirkland Oktoberfest offers live German music, a DJ, games and of course, delightful Oktoberfest beers and German-style food. Plus portions of proceeds benefit Chump Change, an organization that connects volunteers to local nonprofits.
This year, Kirkland Oktoberfest ran from Sept. 23-25.
Leavenworth and Central Washington Oktoberfest Celebrations
Leavenworth Oktoberfest is probably the most legendary Oktoberfest celebration on the entire West Coast. For years, this gathering was hosted in the picturesque Bavarian village of Leavenworth. This year, the Oktoberfestivities will move to Wenatchee for a larger venue.
However, visitors can still stay in Leavenworth and shuttle to Wenatchee, where the event will be held at the Toyota Center. True to tradition, this celebration will feature live music and a massive selection of German imported beer and wine. You can also soak it all up with bratwurst, sauerkraut, soft pretzels, beer cheese and more.
Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest is Sept. 30 through Oct. 1; Oct. 7-8 and Oct. 14-15. Leavenworth Oktoberfest tickets are $10 on Friday and $25 on Saturday. For tickets and more information, please visit https://www.leavenworthoktoberfest.com/
Eastern Washington & Spokane Oktoberfests
West End Oktoberfest
Breweries in Spokane kicked off Oktoberfest with the West End Oktoberfest celebration. West End Oktoberfest featured Iron Goat, Common Language Brewing, Golden Handle Brewing, Whistle Punk, River City, The Grain Shed and Brick West Brewing.
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Gary Hughes, co-owner of Common Language Brewing Company, helped explain what makes Oktoberfest beers so delicious and special:
“Festbier is a traditional German lager, named for Oktoberfest. Dunkelweizen and Märzen are other Oktoberfest beers that have been produced for roughly 180 years. Märzen beers are named after March – when they’re brewed. They’re a tried and true staple. Traditionally, Germans don’t really focus on hops, so Oktoberfest beers are full-bodied, great-flavored beers that wouldn’t destroy you if you were partying all day… or say… enjoying the Oktoberfestivities. A lot of these styles are being rapidly consumed in the fall through festivals to make the way for the winter ales.”
Oktoberfest beers from Common Language Brewing Company and the rest of the west-end breweries were a hit amongst attendees at this sold-out event. Make sure to book your tickets early next year.
This year, the West End Oktoberfest was on Sept. 18.
No-Li Oktoberfest
No-Li Brewhouse in Spokane, recently launched their new Bier Hall, where they hosted Oktoberfest on Sept. 18, and Sat., Sept. 24. Needless to say, it was a packed house.
No-Li offered their small-batch German lager, seasonal Sabro Fresh Hop IPA and German import beers. Plus, they served their delicious menu that includes the Epic Pretzel and jalapeño beer cheese, the Pub Plate and more!
Deutschesfest
Odessa, Wash., played host to the 51st annual Deutschesfest. This celebration was founded, and put on now, by German and Russian descendants in the Odessa area. This festival features authentic German food and a beer garden that stretches an entire city block. Plus they have live music, street vendors, a kids' play area and much more.
Deutschesfest ran Sept. 15-18.
German-American Society Oktoberfest
The German-American Society will sponsor this celebration on Saturday, Oct. 1, beginning at 4 p.m. The internationally renowned band Oompa’s and Ma’s from Odessa, Wash., will be playing throughout the day, as will accordion player, Norm Seeberger. Beer, wine, bratwurst and Kartoffelsalat will all be offered during this sure-to-be fun event! For more information, please go to https://www.germanamericansociety-spokane.org/
OktoberFresh
The South Perry Lantern is hosting their first-ever OktoberFresh on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 2-10 p.m. Tickets for the event are $35 plus an online fee of $4.02. The South Perry Lantern will have Bavarian-style lagers and fresh hop brews, plus a beer garden with several other breweries present. Eat, drink and be merry with a special menu created just for the occasion, live music and a limited edition OktoberFresh mug for you to take home. Grab your tickets today at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/octoberfresh-tickets-417593141327
North Idaho Oktoberfest
Coeur d’Alene Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is something special. Not only does Coeur d’Alene have stunning lake views surrounded by sky-high evergreen trees and mountains, but it also boasts a wide variety of breweries and tap houses. With an awesome beer scene and great food, Coeur d’Alene Oktoberfest is a can’t-miss experience.
This year’s Coeur d’Alene Oktoberfest ran Sept. 16-17.
Moscowberfest
Moscowberfest promises beers, bratwurst and good times … and we can testify that it absolutely delivers. Located in Moscow, Idaho, Moscowberfest features the best of local beer, live music and great food, plus that unique college-town atmosphere. Moscowberfest is Saturday, Oct. 8. Purchase your tickets early by following this link https://moscowchamberofcommerce.square.site/
West Oregon Oktoberfest Celebrations
Portland Oktoberfest – Oaks Park
From a chicken dance, a fun run and a dog race, to great beer and food, Portland Oktoberfest typically embraces the best of Oktoberfest. This year, however, according to their website, “Due to staffing shortages and supply chain issues, Oktoberfest 2022 is postponed to 2023.” Follow Oaks Park Oktoberfest on social media for all the latest updates and information.
Mount Angel Oktoberfest
Located near Salem, Oregon, Mt. Angel Oktoberfest is Oregon’s largest beer festival. It’s also Oregon’s largest folk festival. Individually, that’s two incredible feats. Together, however, now it's a party. Complete with three major venues, a DJ, a kids' area and much more, Mount Angel Oktoberbest is a sight to behold.
Mount Angel Oktoberfest typically runs the middle of September. This year, it lasted Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 15-18. If you follow them on social media, they are already planning for next year! The festival will begin again Sept. 14-17, 2023!
East Oregon Oktoberfest
Bend Oktoberfest
Bend Oktoberfest features everything from award-winning craft beer to varieties of German food. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Bend Oktoberfest celebrates with wiener dog races, a costume contest, a stein-holding contest, a nail-hammering competition and lots of yodeling. Plus it also has a large kid-friendly area, so bring the whole family!
Bend Oktoberfest runs Sept.30-Oct. 2
Oktoberfest in the Northwest is the Best
Well, there you have it! Oktoberfest in the Northwest has celebrations happening all across Washington, Idaho and Oregon. This is a great opportunity to get out and celebrate German culture, sip local craft brews and sample foods from local restaurants. What’s your favorite craft beer that’s made in the Northwest?
Christine Burns
Christine Burns is a local entrepreneur, public speaker, content creator, model, and writer from Spokane, WA. She's an expert in marketing and owns Posted Consulting LLC, an award-winning PR firm. Born and raised in the Inland Northwest, Christine loves to support and advocate for local businesses and artists, and even hosts the annual Spokane Small Business Convention in the spring.