Enjoy German-themed revelry at these acclaimed local craft breweries
Idle Hands Craft Ales: The Malden-based brewery celebrates 13 years of its Oktoberfest gathering on September 14 from noon–10 p.m. with barbecue from Scott Brothers Barbecue and sweet treats from Lionheart Confections, along with live music, games, a stein-hoisting competition and a celebrity dunk tank benefitting the charity Housing Families.
Dorchester Brewing: Raise a pint at this local craft beer maker—which offers German-style beers, stein-hoisting for prizes, live music, donuts and even a brat-eating contest—across two Saturdays on September 14 & 21. In between, toast your pooch at Dogtoberfest September 15. There’s more chances to show off with stein-related feats of strength along with barbecue specials from in-house restaurant M&M BBQ and opportunities to get you and your pup’s portrait taken together in costume.
Samuel Adams Brewery: Head to the State Street tap room near Faneuil Hall Marketplace September 20–22 or the original Jamaica Plain brewery September 27–29 for more music, food, stein-hoisting and German-style lagers like Sammy’s perennial fave, the iconic Octoberfest brew.
Night Shift Brewing: Both of Night Shift’s beer gardens along the Charles River as well as the one on the Rose Kennedy Greenway celebrate the occasion September 27 by serving the brewery’s creatively titled German brews, while the original Everett facility adds in live polka tunes, the hefting of steins, fresh-made pretzels and other treats on September 28 from noon–11 p.m. On September 29 from noon–8 p.m., head to the Lovejoy Wharf locale for the grand finale, which features much of the above, plus special German-inspired menu items from the kitchen.
Harpoon Brewery: This annual party continues its long tradition in the Seaport October 4 & 5 with contests involving the lifting of steins and pretzel eating (although not at the same time), oompah music and chicken dancing (perhaps at the same time), and more. Dogtoberfest (pictured) also returns October 6 with the Fast & Furriest Fun Run/Walk/Wag to benefit MSPCA-Angell and the Kenary Brain Tumor Research Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at 10 a.m., as well as the Fest-minster Dog Show at noon.
