It's the time of year to raise a beer (or two or three) to the German tradition of Oktoberfest. Grab your lederhosen and brush up your dance moves, and get ready to fill your belly with the best of Bavaria, from brews to schnitzel.
Wünderbar: An Oktobeerfest Pop-Up at Bells and Whistles
Photo by Jonathan Norton courtesy Bells and Whistles
When the clock strikes midnight in Munich on Friday, September 21 at 3 p.m., Fraser Street's Bells and Whistles will usher in 17 days of celebrations and transform into a Bavarian-inspired beer hall to host Wünderbar: An Oktobeerfest Pop-Up until Sunday, October 7. You'll find German-style beers from the bar, and grub on the menu like warm pretzels, schnitzel, currywurst, strudel and more.
When: September 21-October 7, 2018
Where: 3296 Fraser Street, Vancouver
Oktoberfest at Trading Post
Fort Langley's Trading Post is teaming up with Field House and Steel & Oak to put on a fun Oktoberfest featuring one-litre steins, food, and plenty of beer. Held in two sessions (noon-5 and 6-midnight), your ticket is purchased by session, and gets you: admission, a souvenir German beer stein, and your first beer.
When: Saturday, September 22 from noon-5 and 6-midnight
Where: Trading Post Brewing Taphouse & Eatery - 9143 Glover Road, Langley
Cost: $20; tickets available online
H2 Rotisserie & Bar Does Oktoberfest
Guten tag! Head to H2 Rotisserie & Bar at The Westin Bayshore for brews, bites, games and a live performance by Siegel Entertainment’s The Alpiners Oompapa band. You’ll be indulging in Red Truck Brewing Company craft beer, traditional German fare, (menu below), and all of the Deutsch-style shenanigans you can dream of on our garden-side terrace. Dress in your best lederhosen and dirndls. Tickets include entry, one complimentary beer ticket, take-home stein, and grub for the night (aka all the schnitzel you can eat!).
When: Friday, September 28 from 6-9 pm
Where: H2 Rotisserie & Bar – 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $60; tickets available online
Oktoberfest Vancouver at Hastings Racecourse
Celebrate the famed festival in style at the iconic Hastings Racecourse with traditional fare, exciting horse races, live music, and of course, plenty of beer. Your ticket includes a limited edition Oktoberfest Vancouver beer stein; two drink vouchers (redeemable exclusively in the Oktoberfest event areas); a food voucher (redeemable exclusively in the Oktoberfest event areas); and some live horse racing action--including $5 Win Bet wagering.
When: Saturday, September 29 from noon to 6 pm
Where: Hastings Racecourse - 188 North Renfrew Street, Vancouver
Cost: Tickets are $50 and are available online
Oktoberfest 2018 at the Vancouver Alpen Club
Vancouver Alpen Club/Facebook
This is the granddaddy of all Vancouver Oktoberfests that you can't leave off the list. Held at the historic Alpen Club, they've got three October weekends of beer, food, music, and fun. Dress up, dance, and raise a few glasses in the German tradition. Regular tickets $35 (plus taxes) include admission to the Oktoberfest, while VIP tickets $80 (plus taxes) include admission and access to a designated area that provides a delicious German buffet and a server who takes care of your drinks all night long (drinks not included in the prices).
When: October 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20
Where: Vancouver Alpen Club - 4875 Victoria Drive
Cost: $35/$80; tickets available online
Harvest Haus
This German-inspired fest takes place at the Festzelte venue set up at Concord Place in Vancouver. A wildly popular multi-day event with dancing, music, and plenty of drinking and merriment, Harvest Haus is slated for October 5-13, though details have not been made available yet. You can reserve interest for tickets on the Harvest Haus website.
When: October 5-13, 2018
Where: Concord Plaza - 88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Port Moody Oktoberfest 2018
Bigger than ever for 2018, the Port Moody Oktoberfest takes place under two tents, featuring activities, the Miss Oktoberfest contest, Original "München Oktoberfest" beers (Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr), tons of food vendors, and live entertainment.
When: October 5-7, 2018
Where: 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody
Cost: $20-40 individual admission; tickets available online
Oktoberfest Pub Nights on the Fraser
Embark on an Oktoberfest booze cruise on the mighty Fraser. Pub Nights on the Fraser goes German-style for their paddlewheeler tour. German-themed food and drink will be available for purchase on board, plus music and lots of fun.
When: October 12 and 19, 2018 from 7-10 pm
Where: $39.95 plus tax
