Autumn Welcomes Beer Lovers with Oktoberfest Celebrations

The arrival of autumn brings a unique blend of nostalgia and excitement, particularly for beer enthusiasts. With the days growing shorter and the temperatures dipping, this season marks a vibrant period for craft breweries and their fans. Oktoberfest celebrations, which feature a variety of rich, malty brews, are underway across various locations, inviting people to indulge in the spirit of the season.

Oktoberfest Events Across the Region

Oktoberfest, the famed German festival, is known for its lively atmosphere and exceptional beers. This year, local breweries are embracing this tradition with a series of events. For instance, Devil May Care Brewing Co. hosted a street party last weekend, setting the tone for the festivities. As more breweries prepare for similar celebrations, beer lovers have ample opportunities to join in.

The weekend of October 4-5 promises a packed schedule for Oktoberfest events. Obsolete Brewing Co. in Dauphin will hold its own celebration on Saturday, while Good Neighbour Brewing Co. in Winnipeg is teaming up with Next Door for a weekend gathering in the brewery’s backyard. Additionally, Barn Hammer Brewing Co. will feature an amateur yodelling contest and a stein-holding competition, along with other festivities.

Trans Canada Brewing Co. will also participate with its Sidewiender Fest, offering 34-ounce steins of Sidewiender Vienna lager, complemented by sausage and pretzel platters. The following weekend will see Little Brown Jug hosting its Prost! event, showcasing new and small-batch German-style brews.

Featured Beers to Try This Fall

As breweries roll out seasonal selections, several standout beers have captured attention. Torque Prost! Marzen from Winnipeg is a returning favorite and priced at $4.49 for a 473 ml can. Its medium-pale copper color and biscuit notes make it an ideal choice for autumn drinking. With an alcohol content of 6.3 percent, this beer is both robust and dangerously drinkable.

Another noteworthy option is Obsolete Oktoberfest Oide Wiesn Marzen, available for $4.50 per 473 ml can. This medium copper beer features rich malt flavors with hints of brown sugar, delivering a warm experience at 6.2 percent alcohol.

For a classic German experience, Paulaner Weissbier Dunkel from Munich offers a unique profile for $3.95 per 500 ml can. Its iced-tea brown hue and aromas of raisin and toffee evoke the essence of Oktoberfest. With an alcohol content of 5.3 percent, it represents the traditional dark wheat beer style.

Local options include Devil May Care Tucky’s Teefs Dark Lager, priced at $4.25 for a 473 ml can. This beer supports Veterinarians Without Borders and showcases rich dark malt flavors along with hints of smoke and dark chocolate, boasting an alcohol content of 5.5 percent.

Finally, Holsten Festbock from Kitchener, Ontario, offers a punchy finish at $2.64 per 473 ml can, with an alcohol level of 7 percent. It combines dried fruit and toasty malt flavors, making it a popular choice among Oktoberfest attendees.

As the season unfolds, beer enthusiasts can look forward to enjoying these festive gatherings and exploring an array of seasonal brews. With a celebration of flavor and community at its heart, autumn is undoubtedly a time for beer lovers to raise their steins and enjoy the warmth of friendship over a good drink.

Ben Sigurdson, the literary editor and drinks writer, has been contributing to the local beverage scene since 2005. His insights into wine and drinks help guide consumers as they navigate the ever-evolving world of craft beverages.