Raise a Glass at These Oktoberfest Celebrations in St. Louis

St. Louis is closer to Germany than you think. More than 165 years ago, German brewers found the naturally cool caves under the city ideal for fermenting their lagers, while the proximity of the Mississippi River provided one of their recipes’ key ingredients – water. So began St. Louis’ fixation on beer and our connection to German traditions.

Today, the flagship brewery of Anheuser-Busch serves as a hub for brewing innovation, producing more than 30 brands of ice-cold beer. Dozens of local craft breweries have followed suit, and many of our favorites supply epic Oktoberfest celebrations in St. Louis.

If you don’t want to designate a driver for these events, find a nearby place to stay for the night – or weekend!

Oktoberfest-Themed Pairing Dinner at the Anheuser-Busch Biergarten

September 12

Show your appreciation for beer during this two-hour, four-course dinner at the Anheuser-Busch Biergarten. Hosted by the restaurant’s head chef, the special dining experience begins with Bavarian flatbread smothered in Gouda, sautéed shallots and thinly sliced bratwurst, drizzled with housemade Goose Island 312 whole-grain mustard and paired with Franziskaner. The meal continues with creamy Bavarian potato soup complemented by Spaten Premium Lager and pork schnitzel served with potato pancakes, tangy German-style slaw and Spaten Oktoberfest. You’ll then end on a sweet note with stollen, German-style sweet bread, featuring almond cake and vanilla icing, which you can wash down with Spaten Optimator.

Oktoberfest at Grant’s Farm

September 13 to 15

Oktoberfest returns to Grant’s Farm this September, celebrating the attraction’s German heritage. Included with free general admission, the event will feature cold beer served in commemorative steins, alongside traditional German food, live German music, enthusiastic German dancing and access to the farm’s animals.

Saint Charles Oktoberfest

September 27 to 29

A toast to tradition! Touted as the ultimate celebration of German culture, Saint Charles Oktoberfest immerses attendees in a Bavarian wonderland brimming with traditional cuisine, varied beers and family-friendly activities. The legendary Obenheimer Express Band as well as the original Milwaukee Glockenspiel will perform throughout the weekend, along with other live entertainers. Over-the-top activities include a Sam Adams Stein-Hoisting Competition and a Wiener Dog Derby, making this an unmissable annual celebration.

Zootoberfest

September 28 to 29 and October 5 to 6

On crisp fall days, head to the Saint Louis Zoo for a family-friendly Oktoberfest celebration. Enjoy the animals, exhibits and attractions alongside German-inflected food and drinks at the local landmark. There will also be special activities for kids such as arts and crafts.

Oktoberfest in Soulard

October 11 and 12

Home to the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country, Soulard is the perfect location for another buzzy party. The neighborhood’s free, family-friendly Oktoberfest event honors St. Louis’ German brewing traditions with multiple beer stands serving the best suds around town. Attendees can also enjoy customary German food, a wine garden and live music.

Oktoberfest in The Grove

October 11 to 13

Urban Chestnut Brewing Co. will celebrate Oktoberfest at its bierhall in The Grove. Festivities will feature live music on two stages, hearty German food and plenty of beer – plus, a stein-holding competition. Prost!

Oktoberfest at Westport Plaza

October 19

Dust off your lederhosen and raise your beer steins – Westport Plaza is celebrating Oktoberfest this year! With spirit straight out of Bavaria, the event will include upbeat music from Ubercool and The Wurst Bavarian Band, complete with German dancers showing off their traditional moves. When you’re not clapping, stomping, dancing and singing, dig into German favorites such as bratwursts and pretzels, which pair best with a frothy brew. If you’re up for it, you can also test your drinking skills in one of the beer competitions. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the festivities or not, this is one party that you won’t want to miss!