You don’t need to leave Glendale to celebrate Oktoberfest. The city’s restaurants and breweries kick off the festivities as early as September with live music, stein-holding contests, Bavarian food and, of course, plenty of Marizen and other seasonal beers.
Haus Murphy’s
Considered the Valley’s most authentic Oktoberfest, the celebrations at Haus Murphy’s feature the restaurant’s traditional Bavarian foods, authentic Oktoberfest beer imported from Germany and live music performed by Guggenbach Buam. There’s also a stein-holding contest (the record is 8 minutes, 35 seconds), a lederhosen and dirndl costume contest, and raffles.
The fun runs three Fridays and Saturdays: October 9-10, October 16-17 and October 23-24, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are required.
Yard House
This Westgate Entertainment District restaurant celebrates Oktoberfest daily through October 25 with German beers and food, including giant pretzels, Bavarian pork chop, mini brats and apple strudel. On tap at Yard House, guests will find Samuel Adams Octoberfest, Hacker -Pschorr Oktoberfest, Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier and Weihenstphaner Festbier. You can order a yard of one or a flight. Better yet, purchase a $15 commemorative Oktoberfest stein to refill daily for just $5.
Although the restaurant doesn’t have German music or games, the special entrées and beers are available every day, so you don’t need to wait until the weekend for a taste of Bavaria.
Westgate Village
For a low-key outing, make a reservation for Westgate Village’s Oktoberfest on October 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. The early evening event kicks off with pretzels, currywurst and other small bites as German music plays, followed by a full meal that includes Jager schnitzel, sauerbraten, Rinder roulade, braised cabbage and German potato salad. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers provided, and an RSVP by October 5 is a must.
While this is a public event minutes from the Westgate Entertainment District, it is held at a senior living center, so it may be best suited for people who want a relaxed, sit-down Oktoberfest.
Nearby Oktoberfest events
Glendale’s neighbors host popular Oktoberfest events. If you can’t make it to Glendale’s Oktoberfest happenings, these are just a short drive away.
Saddle Mountain Brewing
On September 19, Saddle Mountain Brewing Company brings Germany to Goodyear with its Oktoberfest. Guests can purchase a $25 beer stein to keep full of the brewery’s award-winning Oktoberfest or Saddle-lite beers as well as enjoy a German menu of schnitzel, spaetzle and brats. There will also be live music, a stein-holding competition, and lederhosen and dirndl costume contest.
Lazy Bird Oktoberfest
Get ready to raise a stein and shout, “Prost!” on September 26 at Lazy Bird Kitchen + Cocktails’ Oktoberfest from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The restaurant’s second annual fest includes live music plus beer tastings and traditional German fare. In addition to stein-holding, Lazy Bird’s Oktoberfest gives guests the opportunity to test themselves in the pretzel toss and sausage eating competitions.
Tickets cost $10 for the Prost Pass, which includes four 6-oz. beer samples, or $19.99 for the Meister Pass that adds a souvenir glass and a full 24-oz. beer to the four beer samples.
Peoria Artisan Brewery
On September 26, Peoria Artisan Brewery welcomes beer lovers, starting at 11 a.m., to its 11th annual Oktoberfest, where it will serve its newly released PAB Oktoberfest Lager. The menu, which runs until 4 p.m., features bratwurst platters, pork shanks, sauerbraten and perogies.
Put your stein-holding muscles to the test in a little friendly competition at 1 p.m., then party the rest of the afternoon.
Worth the Uber Ride
The Phoenix area boasts several large Oktoberfest events you might want to consider. Be sure to book an Uber there and back, so you can enjoy the day without worry.
Four Peaks Brewing Oktoberfest
Held at Tempe Town Lake, this Oktoberfest has carnival rides, kids’ activities and Dachshund races in addition to acoustic music, Bavarian foods, multiple beer tents and a shaded biergarten where guests can sip Four Peaks’ Oktoberfest beer and German imports. Vendors will also sell seltzers, canned cocktails and non-alcoholic selections.
Four Peaks’ Oktoberfest runs October 9-11 with gates opening at 5 p.m. on Friday and 12 p.m. noon on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for Friday and Saturday are $20 for pre-sale, $25 at the gate and free for those under 21. Admission is free on Sunday. A VIP Backstage Experience ticket includes prime viewing, free drinks and exclusive food offerings.
Fountain Hills Oktoberfest
From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3, the Fountain Hills Community Center and Centennial Circle hosts Fountain Hills Oktoberfest. The event emphasizes German culture with a ceremonial tapping of the keg by the Fountain Hills mayor, Alphorn blowing contest and a band from Germany. Guests are also encouraged to wear traditional clothing—lederhosen for men and dirndl for women.
Tickets are valid for one day only and cost $10.