High 5: Oktoberfest in the Hub
Photo: Night Shift Brewing
Savor German-inspired beer, food and more at these Boston area locales
Night Shift Brewing Oktoberfest: The acclaimed brewer unveils its Bavarian-inspired day of revelry on September 24 from noon–11 p.m. at its Everett tap room (pictured), complete with new releases that include helles, Vienna and Munich-Style lagers. The next day, Night Shift's Lovejoy Wharf location joins in with its own shindig from 11:30 a.m.–8 p.m., with both fetes featuring music from the Hofbrau Spieler Band and Oktoberfest-themed treats.
Harpoon Octoberfest: The longtime tradition at this Seaport facility returns September 30 & October 1, complete with all the usual beer, food and music that Harpoon's fans expect. Come back with your pooch on October 2 for the pet-friendly Dogtoberfest, a fundraiser for the Kenary Brain Tumor Research Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and MSPCA-Angell that includes a three-mile run/walk, a costume contest, pet adoptions and even a beer for dogs.
Turtle Swamp Brewing Oktoberfest: This Jamaica Plain hangout, which boasts a welcoming outdoor patio, hosts a bash on October 1 with all the expected German-inspired revelry, including live music, pretzels, bratwurst, a stein-lifting contest and commemorative steins for souvenirs.
Longfellow's Wayside Inn Oktoberfest: Travel a bit south of the Hub to this historic property, which hosts an evening of season-appropriate beers, authentic German food—including bratwurst, schnitzel and apple strudel—and live acoustic rock music on October 7 from 5:30–9 p.m.
Harvard Square Oktoberfest: This 43rd annual event has stood the test of time, and for good reason. October 9 from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. sees a myriad of international food vendors, craft makers, beer purveyors and music acts on multiple stages descend on the revered locale for a day of outdoor fun and frivolity, all with a German-ish accent.