We might not live in Munich, but we have our own version of the traditional Bavarian fall festival right here in Ann Arbor. And as in Munich, Oktoberfest beer (aka, Marzen, festbier) is a big part of it. The malty, amber lager with a crisp, clean finish is featured in some of our local breweries and on store shelves. Beer lovers rejoice!
Arbor Brewing is kicking off its celebration with an "Oktoberfest and Fall Faves" beer tasting on September 9 at the pub at 114 E. Washington in downtown Ann Arbor. The tasting runs from 7:00-9:00. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door if any are left - these tastings often sell out! This one will feature Marzen and Vienna style lagers and various fall specialty brews. A couple dozen will be available for tasting along with a hearty appetizer buffet. To get a ticket, stop by the pub or call 734-213-1393.
Arbor Brewing follows up with its Oktoberfest Block Party on September 10 and 11. Running from 5:00-11:00 each evening, they'll put up a tent on Washington at Main Street and feature live music, beer, brats, and other food and drink. Expect to show an ID to drink, but kids are welcome with a parent. No cover charge.
Arbor Brewing's Corner Brewery at 720 Norris St. in Ypsilanti features Oktoberfest in their beer garden (inside if it rains or is too cold) on Friday, September 17, 5:00-11:00 p.m. Yet another chance to enjoy a night of beers, brats, singing and dancing. No cover charge, and kids are welcome with a parent until 9:00 p.m.
Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. - along with Blue Tractor - will host an Oktoberfest celebration of its own on the evenings of September 10 and 11, also featuring beer, food, and live music. Grizzly Peak also has a special Oktoberfest menu from September 28-October 21, featuring German-inspired food specials and their Oktoberfest Lager. You can also buy a special pint glass to take home for $5 and fill it with any of their beers for $2 the regular price. Grizzly Peak is located at 120 W. Washington in downtown Ann Arbor.
Metzger's German restaurant at 305 N. Zeeb, west of downtown, has an Oktoberfest celebration on September 24, 6:00-midnight, featuring German beer, wine, and food as well as live music. Rain or shine under the big tent!
Finally, I was excited to see Marzens and fall specialty beers hit the shelves. Arbor Farms at 2103 W. Stadium recently had a shopping cart full of assorted Oktoberfest and fall brews available by the single 12-oz. bottle as well as by the six-pack, including Short's Brewing's amazing Noble Chaos and Arcadia's Jaw-Jacker spiced ale.
It's a great time of year, as heat and humidity give way to cooler nights and daytime breezes, and Marzens make their appearance, as do various pumpkin and spiced ales. We're lucky to have lots of ways to enjoy Oktoberfest here.
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