With Oktoberfest activities already starting across the Atlantic Ocean in Germany, many Bostonian’s are eager to start celebrations. This weekend kicks off the start of many Oktoberfest celebrations both here in Boston and in the surrounding areas. If you have an appreciation for beer and want to rejoice, check out the multiple festivals below:
Courtesy of Harpoon Brewery
2015 Harpoon Octoberfest – Oct. 2 – 3
Join Harpoon Brewery as they celebrate the 26th annual Harpoon Octoberfest with oompah music, beer, bratwursts, chicken dancing and more.
Beers on tap include: Harpoon IPA, Harpoon Take 5, Harpoon Octoberfest, Harpoon Leviathan IPA and Harpoon Summer Beer.
No RSVP required. Pay entry fee at the door. Cash only.
Cover Charge: $20 (includes souvenir Pint Cup and one drink ticket)
There is no parking at the festival but shuttle buses will be running from South Station.
They will be partying rain or shine so dress accordingly. Show up early to avoid long lines.
Times: Friday, Oct. 2, 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. (Doors close at 9:00pm) Saturday, Oct. 3, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Doors close at 5:30 p.m.)
For those who want to burn off the calories before the Oktoberfest begins join in for a “wunderbar” German-themed road race through Kendall Square, Cambridge. Proceeds go towards the Cambridge Family & Children’s Service (CFCS). Run in style with your Lederhosen or Dirndl and you could win a prize in the German costume contest.
Register online for $45 before race day to participate. Spaces are still available.
Registration includes a race shirt plus free food & beer at the post-race party sponsored by Cambridge Brewing Co, Notch Brewing, Swiss Bakers & Jacob Wirth.
Post race party is ONLY for runners & volunteers.
Free parking will be available in the Technology Square Garage.
Time: Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m.
Address: 400 Technology Square, Cambridge.
Smuttynose Brewing Company (Beth Treffeisen)
Smuttynose Brewing Company Oktoberfest – Oct. 10
Get ready to break out the lederhosen for the very first Oktoberfest party held by Smuttynose Brewing Company at Towle Farm. They will be featuring live music from Superhuman Happiness and Bearstronaut along with fun games, tasty food, and delicious beer.
No RSVP required.
Cover Charge: $15 each pre-event, $20 day of (includes one beer ticket and a keepsake tankard). Additional beer tickets are $3 each.
They ask that participates bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket. There will be food trucks, party games and a photo booth.
Parking is included on-site.
Time: Oct. 10 from 2 – 7 p.m.
Address: 105 Towle Farm Road, Hampton, N.H.
Photo by Bill Manley
37th Annual Oktoberfest and HONK! Parade – Oct. 11
Harvard Square’s Oktoberfest will feature six stages of live entertainment, multiple international food vendors, street vendors, neighborhood sidewalk sales and HONK! bands from around the country. Rain date will be Monday, Oct. 12.
Admission is free.
For more info on the HONK! Parade check the event page.
Parking is not available but Harvard Square can be reached by public transportation through the Red Line and Bus 66.
Times: Sunday, Oct 11 (noon – 6 p.m.)
Address: Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass.
Providence International Oktoberfest – Oct. 17 – 18
Celebrate Oktoberfest on the waterfront at its new location, Providence Waterfront at India Point Park, for the 23rd annual festival. The event will include seasonal brews, savory German cuisine and lively music spilling over from Biergartens.
This event is strictly 21 and over.
Cover Charge: Saturday $20 advance/ $25 day of event, Sunday $17 advance/ $20 day of the event.
Parking is not included on site but there is street parking when it lasts and downtown parking garages in Providence.
Address: India Point Park, India St., Providence, R.I.
If the Oktoberfest line-up is not enough, here is a list of some other beer festivals happening in the area:
WZLX Craft Beer Experience – Oct. 9 – 10
For this Columbus Day Weekend join the WZLX Craft Beer Experience presented by Craft Beer Cellar and sponsored by Brennan’s Smoke Shop. Taking place at the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts for three sessions over two days, 40 breweries and cideries will sample 120 different beers and ciders. WZLX’s Chuck Nowlin and Kenny Young will be broadcasting live.
Must be 21 or older to attend.
Cover Charge: $45 pre-sale and $50 day of the event.
The BCA is easily accessible by public transportation and on-street parking is very limited.
If you are looking for a festival that also features ciders, this is the one for you. It will feature 15 New England craft breweries and 10 New England cideries. This festival was awarded Boston magazine’s Best of Boston 2014 – Best Booze Fest.
Must be 21 or older to attend.
Cover Charge: $50 for one session will include unlimited two-ounce samples of more than 90 New England craft beers and ciders, biodegradable tasting cup and fest guide.
Space 57 is easily accessible by public transportation and there is limited street parking.
Courtesy of Harpoon Brewery 
