WORDS Anna Lowder
Smell that in the air? Behind the fading whiff of coconut sunscreen, it’s there. It’s subtle, but you catch it in the breeze: the hint of grilled sausages, the promise of fires and falling leaves, and yes, dark, heady beer.
Maibock and Kolsch and Mårzen, to be precise. With a fond farewell to the simple pilsners of summer, we turn to September and welcome back our old friend Oktoberfest. Now before you post to MADE’s Facebook page saying how silly we are, remember that Oktoberfest begins this month in Germany and carries through the first weekend in October. Being good beer drinking folks, we tend to extend the celebrations throughout next month to take advantage of craft beer, filling food and fall weather.
So where to celebrate Oktoberfest 2014? Oktoberfest festivities fall into three general categories: sloppy, craft, or tongue-in-cheek. If you are after sloppy, stop here. But if you are interested in craft or tongue-in-cheek, you’ve found the right source. Montgomery has a handful of unique events that reflect its newfound hipness. Check them out - it’s worth the support for these local establishments.
This fall brings the Fifth Annual Oktoberfest at The Tipping Point. Set in its outdoor beer gardens, this massive event brings craft beer tastings from the South’s best breweries and a special menu of German “pub” specialties like beer-braised bratwurst and German pretzels. With live music by Zac Martin, this event sells out every year so don’t wait until the last minute.
This year, The Tipping Point is joining with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra to integrate music into the beer bash. A first for Montgomery’s Oktoberfest, this is a unique approach not to be missed. Details are under wraps until the event night, but support for local music and tastings by Blue Pants, Brew Stooges, Rocket Republic sounds like a great night out to us.
Elsewhere, El Rey & Leroy Oktoberfest is Friday, October 3rd in Cloverdale. Featuring DJ Kevin Nutt & friends, the specialty house-made chorizo dogs, currywurst and vegan chorizo dogs return with 20+ German beers.
Tavernfest returns to Downtown’s Old Alabama Town on October 17th. Lucas Tavern, on North Hull Street, is the oldest building in Montgomery County - the perfect venue to celebrate Oktoberfest and the spirit of the old tavern at Tavernfest. There will be craft beer and wine tastings, music from Mike Whitty Band, tavern-style food, and porch packages are available for private tables on history cottages.
September 19: The Tipping Point’s Oktoberfest
Craft beer tastings 5-7 p.m. Live music from 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.tippingpointhampstead.com. This event sells out every year, advance ticket purchase is recommended. Proceeds benefit the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra.
October 3: El Rey & Leroy Oktoberfest
Food from 4 p.m., DJs from 7 p.m. Find out more at www.burritolounge.com.
October 17: Tavernfest at Old Alabama Town
Gates open at 6pm, band starts at 7pm. For info call 334 240 4500. Proceeds benefit Landmarks Foundation and help bring more school children to learn about history at Old Alabama Town. Tickets are $10 pre-sale, $15 at the gate.