Louisville might be named after the King of France, but we drink like the Germans.
Thanks to the 19th-century German immigrants that settled here — and their beer gardens — there’s no shortage of Oktoberfests this time of year modeled after the original in Munich.
Here are three of our favorites to check out this year. Prost!
German American Club Oktoberfest | Friday, Sept. 8-Saturday, Sept. 9, Multiple times
This annual family-friendly event is the biggest of the year for the German American Club, which is dedicated to promoting German culture and sociability. Entry is $5 each day, but kids are free. Pro tip: There’s lots of seating, but pack a lawn chair just in case.
Why you should go:
- Live polka music
- Stick horse racing for the kiddos
- 14 imported German-style beers
- Cafeteria-style German food menu — think: schnitzel, red cabbage, sauerkraut, and Fleischkäse (fried bologna)
- Stein vendors
Germantown Oktoberfest | Friday, Sept. 29, 4-9 p.m.
Germantown is basically obligated to throw an Oktoberfest — and luckily it has all the major components: beer, food, and games. Goss Avenue will close from Spratt to McHenry for the block party, so get there early to find parking.
Why you should go:
- Twisted Tea Tailgate Party with ESPN Louisville
- Sam Adams’ stein hoisting contest
- West Sixth’s weiner dog races
- Flea Off Market vendors
- A food truck invasion by the Louisville Food Truck Association
- Free entry
Steins on Main | Saturday, Sept. 30, 2-7 p.m.
Louisville Downtown Partnership, Louisville Ale Trail, and Against the Grain Brewery put their steins together to transform the outdoor RePurposed lot at 615 W. Main St. into an all-new Oktoberfest to celebrate Louisville’s rich German heritage.
Why you should go:
- Features seven Louisville breweries — happy hour is from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Free + family-friendly
- Benefits Coalition for the Homeless