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The event is a festival complete with live music, delicious food, amusements for the whole family and traditional German Oktoberfest beers. Oktoberfest begins at 10 a.m. at the Bistro at 25 Main St. in Tuckahoe.
“When Growlers opened four years ago, we made a commitment to support small craft breweries, so that’s what we feature at our bar,” said Eric Lorberfeld, Growlers owner. “We look forward to Oktoberfest each year because we get to move outside, set up a tent, meet new people and say hello to the families of our regulars. It’s a great community event where we get to introduce people to traditionally brewed beers from Germany and also some delicious German-style beers from local, small craft breweries too.”
Technically, only beer that’s brewed within the city limits of Munich is considered to be true Oktoberfest beer, the only beer served at the German festival since 1810. There are only six breweries that meet the criteria, and Growlers will have brews from three of them in this year’s festival. Hacker-Pschorr’s Amber Marzen, Paulaner’s Premium Pils and Hofbrauhaus Munchen’s Dunkel beers will be poured throughout the day and evening.
Additional beers to be served include Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier, brewed by Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan in Freising, Germany, and German-style beers from Yonkers Brewing Company and Broken Bow Brewery right in Tuckahoe.
Growlers also has acquired a cask beer to be included at the event. Cask beers are more difficult to find in warmer weather. These seasonal beers appeal to craft beer purists due to their difference from other beers: Cask beers are more like an English style ale in the way that it is served and consumed -- the beer continues to ferment inside its "firkin."
Growlers’ Oktoberfest begins with a German-American breakfast at 10 a.m. and continuing well past 11 p.m. when the party moves back inside. Visitors can expect a variety of food and entertainment throughout the day.
Children will enjoy amusements including a rock-climbing wall, jumping castle, bumper cars, carnival games, tattoo art and face painting. A $15 all-inclusive children’s ticket will be available, which includes one turn on each of the amusements, and one serving each of cotton candy and popcorn. Individual attraction tickets will also be available.
Adults will also have some fun of their own. In addition to two live bands – Whoz Ya Daddy and Winston Wolfe – a local DJ will provide cultural ambience with German music. Guests will enjoy watching or taking part in the chicken dance, a freeze dance contest and a Bavarian Bier Stein holding contest.
Another annual favorite to expect is the das boot, a 28-ounce beer container in the shape of a boot that can be purchased and brought home for $19. Full refills will be available for $12. Half refills will be $7.
While food and beverages are available for purchase, admission to Oktoberfest is free. Find out more on the Growlers website or Facebook page.
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