Celebrate Bavarian traditions with delicious local food! Oktoberfest may have started as a wedding celebration in Munich in 1810, but in 2023 in Michigan, it means celebrating German cuisine. Here are 4 local options to say, ‘Prost!’ to:
Add Traditional Flavor to Any Meal with the Brinery’s Sauerkraut!
Do you instantly think of brats when you think of Oktoberfest? Don’t forget to add a bit of zing with locally brined sauerkraut from the Brinery! Their ‘Fair’n’by’ flavor is pure cabbage and sea salt, but try their ‘Stimulus Package’ flavor for the great addition of caraway seed for a classic kraut. You can find your $10.99 jar at Michigan Meijer and Whole Foods stores, Plum Market, and Argus Farm Stop in Ann Arbor – or get it shipped directly to your door on their website!
Enjoy an Oktoberfest Lager at Frankenmuth Brewery!
Raise your glass to one of the oldest breweries in America at Frankenmuth Brewery! Their popular Oktoberfest lager pairs perfectly with brats sourced from Willie’s Sausage Company, right down the street. Begin your meal with a hand-rolled Christmas Town Pretzel, served with house mustard using their Munich-style Dunkel, all while overlooking the Cass River from their scenic patio. Ready to get started? Find a full menu and tap list on their website.
Lederhosen and Late Harvest Riesling at Left Foot Charley’s 16th Annual Harvest Festivus!
Kicking off the 2023 grape harvest, Left Foot Charley, located in the history Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City, will celebrate with a German-themed, fun-for-all-ages event. Enjoy wine or cider while chatting up winemakers in lederhosen, enjoying live music from Ben Traverse, and noshing on Brogie’s Pierogies cuisine. Find all the details for this October 1st event on the Left Foot Charley calendar online!
Bring Your Best Yodel to North Channel Brewing’s Oktoberfest Celebration!
Head to Manistee on September 23rd for the release of North Channel Brewing’s Oktoberfest Brew and a celebration to boot! Start off the day with a bratwurst eating contest, or enjoy one at your leisure with a pretzel. Virgil Baker, a native musician to Manistee, and the Just 4 Fun Band will play polka hits from 4-7pm, followed by local legend Tim Krause until 9:30pm. After you’ve had a couple of Oktoberfest brews, end the night with your best yodel! The winner will be crowned with a limited edition Oktoberfest NCB cap. Find all the details for this fun event online!
You don’t have to head to Bavaria for great brews and brats. Stay local and live large this Oktoberfest season!