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Guide To 2017 Oktoberfest Events Around Baltimore

By Joel Furches

Like the melting pot that it is, Baltimore has gladly adopted a number of world celebrations into its own unique culture. Among these is the beer-swilling, bratwurst-roasting, lederhosen-wearing German holiday: Oktoberfest. The 2017 Oktoberfest season is shaping up to be spectacular in Baltimore. If you are a beer or brat fan, consider hitting one or several of these parties. Each has its own unique flavor of Oktoberfest goodness, so carefully consider before you join.

Summer Block Party Featuring Diamondback Brewing Co.
World Of Beer
1724 Whetstone Way
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 752-2337
www.worldofbeer.com/Locations/Baltimore

Date: Sept. 15, 2017 at 5 p.m.

World of Beer is very gregarious when it comes to throwing a good block party. In its last celebration of the season, World of Beer has opted to host its shindig on the very party-friendly McHenry Row and feature the quality beer of the Diamondback Brewing Co.

Wisely, World of Beer chose to throw its biggest and boldest party right during the German beer festival, making it - essentially - an Oktoberfest party. The party begins in the tavern itself, and then spills out onto the street where WOB has set up some beer tents. The central event of the party will be the bracketed ping pong tournament. The festivities will also include cornhole and live music for the adults, with a moon bounce for the kids. In addition to loads of beer, you will find plenty to eat with many local food trucks on site.

Das Best Oktoberfest
M&T Bank Stadium Lots
1101 Russell St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 261-7283
www.dasbestoktoberfest.com

Date: Oct. 14, 2017 at 2 p.m.

Das Best Oktoberfest is Baltimore City's annual Oktoberfest blowout in the heart of the city: the lots of the M&T Bank Stadium. Here, you may expect all of the Oktoberfest trappings. Upon entry, you receive a free tasting glass. The show features over 150 international, domestic and locally brewed Maryland beers, and with your souvenir glass, you get the privilege of all-you-can-taste sampling. While you are sampling your beers (and wine pairings, if you like), enjoy the sounds of dozens of Oompah and Polka bands. There will be a literal ton of German foods available, primarily, of course, brats. Food will be available to order a la carte.

The festival will include several competitions, including a stein holding contest, and a biggest beer belly competition. In the end, it really is Das Best Oktoberfest!

Oktoberfest
Delta Community Center
2501 Springhill Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21215
(410) 622-9971
www.eventbrite.com/e/oktoberfest-2017

Date: Oct. 13, 2017 at 8 p.m.

The Delta Community Center in Baltimore is proud to present its own take on Oktoberfest, hosted by Taste of Heaven Caterers. At this particular festival, the catering is the main event, so expect excellent food at the full buffet during this celebration. Food includes, of course, smoked sausages with sauteed peppers and onions. But the list doesn't end with those. The buffet has so many combinations of meats and greens, you're going to want to bring several appetites with you. The night is a party full of events, including a DJ and dancing, card games and an auction. This might be a better fest for the kids to attend, since there isn't going to be much to drink, but there will be plenty to do and to eat.

Related: Best Beer Gardens In Baltimore

Oktobearfest
Waterfowl Lake Pavilion, Maryland Zoo
1 Safari Place
Baltimore, MD 21217
(410) 396-7102
www.marylandzoo.org/event/oktobearfest

Date: Oct. 21, 2017 at 12 p.m.

Yes, this is an event which is being held at the zoo, and its name is a pun on an animal. This is not, however, an event for children. Come out to the zoo this October, and become part of one of the most unprecedented Oktoberfest activities in the Baltimore area. In this unique venue, you will find yourself the recipient of unlimited sampling of over 30 autumn beers. That's correct: unlimited. As you down your drafts, German music will be playing appropriately in the background. Be sure to bring your appetite with you, because the zoo has brought in a number of food trucks from local vendors.

Take a day to get your kicks in a menagerie of beers in a truly German tradition. Plus animals.

Maryland Oktoberfest
Maryland State Fair
2200 York Road
Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093
(410) 252-0200
www.marylandstatefair.com

Date: Sept. 23, 2017 at 11 a.m.

The Maryland State Fair is a very large venue which hosts a number of exciting events throughout the year. This September, the German American Association is taking over the fairgrounds to host the annual Maryland Oktoberfest. The German American Association is committed to tracing German ancestry in Americans, and to keeping the German spirit and culture alive in Maryland. The Oktoberfest will actually take place in the comfortable air conditioning of the Fairground's 4H building. Parking is free for all, but dress in full tracht, and admission is free, too. Live music will be performed by Heidi und HEIMAT ECHO Band and by The Royal Bavarians.

Related: Best Craft Beer Shops In Baltimore

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