The calendar may say September but it’s Oktoberfest time. How is that? I’ll explain later.
The more important thing is, even if you can’t make it to the Munich celebration this year, you can still raise a pint and dance to some oompah music close to home.
Here are some local Oktoberfest events near Lake Oswego:
KENNEDY SCHOOL OKTOBERFEST. Enjoy German fare at the Kennedy. School’s sixth annual celebration. $25 will buy you a brewfest glass and ten tokens. Check the schedule for live music. Saturday, September 10 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 5736 NE 33rd Avenue.
RIDGEFIELD OKTOBERFEST. Just a 40-minute drive will take you to Overlook Park in Ridgefield, the setting for their seventh annual event featuring live music, axe throwing, archery, corn hole tournament, wiener dog races, a costume contest and more. Purchase a VIP pass online for $35 prior to the event. General admission is $15; Kids from 10-21 $10. Saturday, September 10 from 3:00 p.m.to 10:00 p.m.113-131 S. Main Avenue, Ridgefield Washington.
MT. ANGEL OKTOBERFEST. This quaint town of 3,575 morphs into party central for over 300,000 visitors at what has become the largest folk festival in the Northwest. Much of the event is free; however, admission is charged at three of the premium entertainment venues. Over 40 beers are featured as well as 30 wines, all to wash down some traditional German food like sausage, brats and sauerkraut as well as corndogs, Russian perogies, spätzle and marionberry cobbler. Activities include arts and crafts, a car show, Oktoberfest Olympics, street dances and wiener dog races. Check the website for a complete schedule. September 15 – 18. 5 N. Garfield Street, Mt. Angel.
WIDMER BROTHERS OKTOBERFEST. Claiming to be Portland’s longest-running Oktoberfest, Widmer Brothers Brewing will be offering live music, entertainment, food and plenty of Widmer Brothers beers, including Oktoberfest Ale (your only chance to get it!). The event is free of charge to enter but check online for cup and token pricing. September 24 from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. 929 N. Russell Street.
EDGEFIELD OKTOBERFEST. Enjoy live music all day starting at 11:00 a.m. as well as tasty German-style specials and plenty of the sudsy stuff. Estate produce, plants, seeds and gifts from the garden will be on sale along with face painting and balloon art for the kids from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. September 24 at 2126 SW Halsey Street in Troutdale.
FOREST GROVE OKTOBERFEST. Enjoy Bavarian food, drink and entertainment at this community event along with carnival games and some bound-to-be-fun contests like a wiener dog race, adult tricycle race and beer belly contest. September 24 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 21st Avenue and Main Street.
OAKS PARK OKTOBERFEST. This popular event has been postponed until 2023 due to staffing shortages and supply chain issues.
Now back to why Oktoberfest is held in September. It began as a royal wedding celebration in October 1810; however, as it continued, it was moved earlier and earlier in the fall to take advantage of the longer daylight evening hours and warmer weather. This year the Munich Oktoberfest runs from September 17 through October 3, enough time for revelers to consume almost 2 million gallons of beer.
Thinking of moving to Lake Oswego or selling your home? Let’s get together and talk. I can help you navigate the ever-changing real estate market to help you decide your best move. With over 30 years’ as a Realtor specializing in and living in Lake Oswego I have a perspective and expertise that has helped many clients in their home buying/selling process. You can reach me at 503.939.9801, check my website, or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com.
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