Best Places To Celebrate Oktoberfest 2012 In Baltimore

Oktoberfest is a 16-day festival originating in Germany that runs from late September to the first weekend is October … typically. Charm City prefers to take its time when it comes to celebrations involving a top-notch brew, and chooses to feature its largest Oktoberfest celebration Oct. 13. Other fine Baltimore establishments feature festive German beers throughout the month and participate in Baltimore Beer Week, in which patrons may sample authentic brews from all over the globe, win prizes and fill up on some schnitzel.

Maryland Brewer's Oktoberfest                        
Timonium Fairgrounds
2200 York Road
Timonium, Md. 21093
(800) 830-3976
www.dasbestoktoberfest.com/

Price: $15 to $39
Dates: Oct. 13

On Oct. 13, the Brewer's Association of Maryland will present its 11th annual Oktoberfest celebration at Timonium Fairgrounds. The celebration is regaled as Baltimore's largest beer festival, featuring more than 80 beers from 15 Maryland breweries. Those who attend the festival will receive a souvenir tasting mug and six beer tokens, or nine tokens if they dress up in festive German attire. Authentic German cuisine, live music and cash contests make missing this celebration hurt worse than a hangover.

Related: Best Fall Festivals in Baltimore

Manhaffey's Pub
2706 Dillon St.
Baltimore, Md. 21224
(410) 276-9899
www.manhaffeyspub.com

Dates: Oct. 20

Manhaffey's doesn't cut corners when it comes to a quality brew. The pub, nestled in historic Canton, features taps that rotate every day, a large selection of import and micro bottles, and a cask-conditioned beer on the hand pump. Manhaffey's also wastes no time getting into the spirit of Oktoberfest, kicking off Baltimore Beer Week with a Kick Our Kegs party. The event takes place from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and features three beers for $5, an extended four-hour happy hour, and chances to win cool prizes in its raffle. Manhaffey's will also be featuring the event Double Digit Beer Night Oct. 20, during which patrons have the special opportunity to try an eclectic variety of rare beers, all 10 percent ABV and higher. Patrons may buy bottles or try all the beers in four-ounce pours.

2012 Baltimore Beer Week Opening Tap Celebration
Power Plant Live!
20 Market Place
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(410) 752-5444
www.powerplantlive.com

Price: $30
Dates: Oct. 19

Power Plant Live! will be uncapping Baltimore Beer Week Oct. 19 with the Opening Tap Celebration. The event includes a ceremonial tapping of the firkin using the famed "Star-Spangled Banger." Following the ceremony, attendees may enjoy rubbing elbows with some of the most reputable beer connoisseurs in the area, enjoying beer tastings, appetizers and live music. Tickets are at a fixed price of $30 and can be purchased at Mission Tix.

Baltimore Beer Week Late Night Firkin Friday
Heavy Seas Alehouse
1300 Bank St. #120
Baltimore, Md. 21231
(410) 522-0850
www.heavyseasalehouse.com

Date: Oct. 19

After the Baltimore Beer Week Opening Tap, Heavy Seas Alehouse will feature specialty cask offerings, a late-night menu and other specialty beers.

Leinenkugel Beer Garden
34 Market Place
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(443) 208-3316
www.leiniebeergarden.com

Date: Oct. 25

Located in a newly constructed glass pavilion at the entrance of Power Plant Live!, Leinenkugel Beer Garden trades the habitual rocking party atmosphere that is commonplace at Power Plant for a more mature, laid-back atmosphere with its lush, outdoor beer garden and aromatic brews. The venue features more than 30 specialty draft brews and delectable fare including German-style bratwurst bites. On Oct. 25, Leinenkugel will host the special event Pitcher Night @ LBG in which patrons may come for a bargain on beer from the Harpoon Brewery out of Boston.

Related: Best German Food In Baltimore