Bratwurst, sweaty frauleins and huge mugs of brau: the three hallmarks of Oktoberfest we all hope for at this time of year. As if you ever needed anything more to party. Besides Halloween, South Floridians need a multi-week celebration to hold us over until Christmas.
This shouldn't be a problem as several parties will be blasting away for the next 30 days. It's time to grab the bierstein, don your lederhosen and get with the Oktoberfest spirit. Opportunities like these to halt your work-enslaved life making someone else rich do not come very often. Punctuate the banality and indulge in mass quantities of intoxicating feel-good poison, but on the other hand do it responsibly because the consequences are a bitch to pay.
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Las Olas Oktoberfest, September 26-29
The Las Olas Oktoberfest begins tonight and runs through the weekend, but if you miss it you can catch it next weekend too. Presented by The Riverside Hotel and Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, the celebration begins at 5 p.m. tonight on the "Las Olas Wiesen" Lawn, next to Riverside Hotel. The admission is free and beer/food prices range from $3-17. There will be live entertainment and slews of contests, including a keg tapping ceremony (6 p.m.), yodel contest, bratwurst-eating contest, beer stein holding contest at nailing contest.
Hollywood Oktoberfest, September 28, October 5, 12
Maybe you don't want to travel far for a little Oktoberfest, or perhaps Hollywood sounds like a nice place to party. We know the feeling. The German American Society of Greater Hollywood is throwing down their own version of Oktoberfest on three separate weekends. All dates will have authentic German food, beer, full bar service and Schuhplattlers--the German folk dance usually performed after a few rounds of braus. Entry requires a $7 donation at the door, but free for kids 12-under. Free parking too.
See Also: Ten Best South Florida Craft Beers
Old Heidelberg Resaturant, now-October 31
There isn't necessarily an Oktoberfest celebration per se at the Old Heidelberg Restaurant, but an authentic German restaurant in South Florida isn't going to miss its opportunity to be heard this time of year. Looking for a nice sit-down German meal with a little bit of live music? This might be your spot.
Due South Oktoberfest, October 3-5
It only makes sense that a local brewery will be celebrating Oktoberfest and Due South Brewing in Boynton Beach is the place. The doors open at noon. Due South will have a different food trucks and beer choices for each of the three days. Join Due South in their tap room as they bust out the seasonals Oktoberfest Marzen lager and Isle of MaGourdo pumpkin ale. When you're feeling nice and happy, dance to some polka music while you're at it. After 7 p.m. no one under 21 will be allowed.
Oakland Park Oktoberfest, October 4-5
The 9th Annual Oakland Park Oktoberfest starts at 5 p.m. on Oct. 4 at Jaco Pastorius Park. Entry is $5 and as far as we know, it's the only Oktoberfest in South Florida with a Dachsund Dash. Other than hot rod weiner dogs, there will be live German music, authentic Bavarian food, a Tucher Biergarten and free parking.
American German Club Oktoberfest, October 11-13, 18-20
If you want the real deal Oktoberfest, then it can't get anymore German than at the American German Club in Lake Worth. It's held on consecutive weekends in October in case if you miss one of them. Admission for adults is $8, and free for children under 12 with paying adult. Probably the most authentic Oktoberfest around South Florida, it's got carnival rides, wurst, sauerkraut and lots of imported Hofbrau beer. The gates open at 5 p.m. on the 18th.
Fort Lauderdale Firefighters Benevolent Association Oktoberfest, October 27
It ain't a proper Oktoberfest without unlimited samples. Thankfully, we can find this at the Fort Lauderdale Fire Union Hall at 309 SW 26 Street. A $20 cover will get you access to a homebrew contest with "unlimited" samples. Don't come unless dressed in your best German Oktoberfest attire. Starts at 3 p.m. All proceeds go to benefit the Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety Museum and the Fort Lauderdale Firefighters Benevolent Sick and Injured Fund.
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