by Abby Moore

The crisp air and autumn leaves of October do not always arrive in Austin, but the golden hues of Oktoberfest certainly do. We’ve rounded up a list of the best Bavarian, beer-fueled celebrations this month.

Banger’s Oktoberfest 3-Day Celebration

October 18–20

Rainey Street’s beloved beer garden is ringing in Oktoberfest with a bang…literally. The opening gun salute at 5 p.m. will signal the start of the three day celebration. Each event will begin with a ceremonial firkin tapping of Live Oak’s Oaktoberfest beer. Attendees can participate in German-inspired games, like Hammerschlagen, a stein hoist and most notably, a brat-eating contest. To top it all off, Banger’s will have live German music and a specialized menu. The event will end with a closing gun salute at 6:30 p.m.

Rocktoberfest

October 20

Jack & Ginger’s at the Domain NORTHSIDE is hosting Rocktoberfest from 3-10 p.m. on Oct. 20. Admission is free and open to all ages. Sip on Sam Adams Octoberfest beer, or other beer and cider options while enjoying music from Ryan Holley, Chandler & The Bings and More Cowbell. Local artists will be auctioning off murals to benefit Austin Pets Alive! In true festival fashion, face painting, games, and a dunking booth will be present. Coat your beer-filled bellies with pretzels and bratwurst, then sober up with Chameleon Cold Brew.

Barktoberfest

October 20

Barktoberfest’s sixteenth annual festival and second annual 5k are taking place at two separate locations. Start your morning at Brushy Creek Lake Park for the race, then head to the Dog House Drinkery and Dog Park for the festival. Dress your kids and pups for a costume contest and walk the trail with your dogs to raise money for the Central Texas SPCA.

Easy Tiger Oktoberfest

October 20 – 21

Celebrate Oktoberfest with Easy Tiger on Saturday or Sunday at their 6th St. location. From 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., the casual beer garden will be grooving with Reed Meisters polka band at 12pm and serving specialized Oktoberfest craft beers. Fine Southern Gentlemen will be on site, and kiddos can take home Lebkuchen, gingerbread heart necklaces, to commemorate the night.

St. Elmo’s Inaugural Oktoberfest

October 22

Head to the biergarten on St. Elmo Road to enjoy eight German style beers on tap, complemented by German inspired fare from Soursop food truck. The Tuba Meisters will be playing polka music from 5-7 p.m. while visitors participate in a friendly stein hoist competition.