Psst…if you love beer, check out the Burg Brewery Battle happening this October!

Prost! Oktoberfest season is underway, along with all the wonderful festivities it brings. Here in St. Pete, there is no lack of activities planned over the next month, particularly as our bounty of breweries makes the holiday even easier to celebrate.

Whether you already have a closet full of lederhosen and dirndls, or you’re just happy for an excuse to eat pretzels and drink beer, there is something for everyone in the Burg this year. The following list is in chronological order, with links to individual event pages where possible. Know of an Oktoberfest celebration not shared here? Shoot us an email at info@ilovetheburg.com so we can add it!

And if you’re wondering why we’re celebrating “Oktober”-fest in September, you aren’t alone. There is no official start date, but no matter when you begin celebrating, Oktoberfest officially comes to a grand finale on the first Sunday in October. To accommodate more fun, the starting date for festivities has been pushed back earlier and earlier every year – so much so that now, much more happens in September than in October. Happy festing!

Oktoberfest at St. Pete Brewing Company
Saturday, September 21
The annual Oktoberfest celebration at downtown’s St. Pete Brewing Company features tons of great German beers, as well as music, food and games.

Oktoberfest at Bayboro Brewing
Saturday, September 21
Bayboro is a star in the Warehouse Arts District, and their all-day Oktoberfest party befits their status. There will be huge steins and beer pours, live German music, Bavarian food specials, and plenty of games in the beer garden.

Oktoberfest at Green Bench Brewing
Saturday, September 21
Green Bench is hosting its first ever Oktoberfest celebration in grand style, featuring German cuisine from Mullet’s Fish Camp, stein pours, stein-hoisting competitions, a huge Bavarian beer tent, and live polka music.

OktoberSesh
September 21 – October 6
Sesh Brewing Co, the 4th Street star, is hosting two full weeks of Oktoberfest celebrations, right up to its grand finale. They’ll have a fantastic array of German beers, a Bavarian food menu, and fun decor. There will be more than a dozen German style beers on tap, so you may want to make a few different visits to maximize the fun.

Wheel Haus Oktoberfest
September 23-29
This week-long extravaganza will feature a special menu of German-inspired dishes, traditional German Festbier, and the transformation of The Wheelhouse into an Oktoberfest-style beer tent.

Road To Oktoberfest Beer & Food Pairing
Wednesday, September 25, 5-9 pm
As part of their monthly Wednesday night market, Grand Central Brewhouse (beloved for their German style beers round) is hosting a supremely tasty beer and food pairing inspired by Oktoberfest, creating a night full of local art, live music, craft beer and Bavarian eats.

German-American Society Oktoberfest
September 27-28, and October 4-5
Each Friday and Saturday for two straight weekends, the most authentic Oktoberfest celebration in town features traditional German fare, dances, imported Bavarian beers, and made-from-scratch German delicacies.

PAWtoberfest Weekend
September 27-29
Pinellas Ale Works is hosting its annual dog-inspired Oktoberfest weekend of events, complete with new beer releases, costumes contents, German game competitions, and tons of fun in the beer garden

Oktoberfest Beer Festival at Albert Whitted Park
Saturday, September 28, 12 – 5 pm
Thousands will descend on the downtown waterfront for St. Pete’s biggest-ever Oktoberfest celebration, featuring tons of beer and breweries, live music all day, some of the area’s best chefs and food trucks, Oktoberfest games, a sprawling vendor market, and beautiful views over the water.

5th Annual Oktoberfest at Gulfport Brewery
Saturday, September 28
Yet another must-visit brewery on the list, Gulfport Brewery + Eatery is home not only to great beer, but some of the best food you’ll find in town, brewery or otherwise, and this year’s Oktoberfest celebration is bigger than ever before, stretching all the way down Beach Boulevard.

Burg Brewery Battle
All October Long
The Burg Brewery Battle is a friendly competition featuring at least 18 top breweries in and around St. Pete. Each spot offers a free draft or flight to people who purchase the Battle. Get up to 18 beers at 18 breweries throughout all of October.

4th Annual Oktoberfest at Grand Central Brewhouse
October 5 & 6
Enjoy German style beers on tap, live oompah bands and dancing, German street fare and Bierstacheln demonstrations and tasting! This will be an epic party and there will be prizes for best dressed people and pets throughout the weekend! GCB will also be host to an official qualifying event for the US Steinholding Association for the Florida State Stein Hoisting Championship.

Okto-Bull-Fest at USF ST. Pete
Friday, October 25, 4:30-7:30 pm
The 2nd annual Bulls and Brews by the Bay will feature live music and an impressive array of local craft brews, selected to honor the Brewing Arts program at USF St. Petersburg. Enjoy a pint or sip a glass of wine as you connect with other friends and supporters of the university.