German state of mind
Oktoberfest lives on! The best beer parties in Houston, from babes to bratwurst
Oktoberfest may be over in Munich, but don't put your dirndls and lederhosen away just yet. There are still plenty of Oktoberfests events on tap in Houston.
While the beer celebrations typically run from the end of September to the beginning of October, some local spots are extending the gut time to the end of this month. Check out these upcoming events and you'll have just enough time for a power nap before the Halloween festivities begin.
No Label Brewing Co.'s Oktoberfest, Sunday, 4 to 7 p.m.
For those out west, stop by No Label’s first Oktoberfest at the brewery in Katy. A $25 ticket gets you a commemorative glass, beer tickets and live music.
Festive bites provided by Zubs Brats. With ticket sales capped at 300, you’re going to want to buy yours fasten.
Southern Star's Oktoberfest, Oct. 20, 5 to 9 p.m.
Your favorite (and only) brewery in Conroe will be pouring Pine Belt Pale, Bombshell Blonde and Buried Hatchet Stout at its fest. If you’re lucky, Southern Star will also share its double IPA Pro-Am 2012 and some smaller test batches.
A $30 ticket nabs you a ceramic stein, live music from Tone Kings and five pours. Make sure to bring cash for tasty cuisine from The Outlaw Kookers.
Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s Brews Cruise, Oct. 16 through 23, 6 p.m. nightly
If you’re looking for a low-key alternative to the rowdy crowds and loud polka, Buffalo Bayou Partnership has you covered. For $50 you’ll float down the bayou on a pontoon boat with Saint Arnold’s pouring Oktoberfest and Houston Dairy Maids providing gourmet cheese pairings.
Oktoberfest Houston, Oct. 20, 1 to 10 p.m.
The longest celebration of the bunch, this fest also offers the most extensive German beer list, like Erdinger, Spaten and a handful of Hofbräu brews. Watch or register to join in on some competitive German fun including the Stein Race, Barrel Roll, Bucket Race and the Brat Toss.
A traditional German band will kick off a long list of local music acts including The Scorseses and Luther and the Healers. Ticket prices range from $2 to $40 depending on your age and level of sobriety.
The Island Oktoberfest, Oct. 26 to 27
For a family-friendly fest head over to Galveston’s First Lutheran Church for two days of arts and crafts, children’s activities and a live auction. Giant pretzels, bratwurst and sauerkraut will be served alongside das bier and German wine. If you’re a baker, show off your best strudel with some competitive bake-off fun.
Oktoberfest at Rudi Lechner’s, through Nov. 3
Sure, you could say that Oktoberfest is year-round at Rudi Lechner’s, especially since the German restaurant offers a buffet sampler and live polka music by Alpenfest every Wednesday. But from now until November, it will be holding a drawing for Miss Oktoberfest who will win two free tickets to Germany.
Maybe it's the bier goggles, but with so many remaining Oktoberfests, Bavarian garb never looked so good. Prost, y’all!