Fall Festivities
As summer comes to an end and New England begins its colorful transition into fall, Boston comes alive with seasonal celebrations, outdoor festivals, delicious food, and plenty of Oktoberfest fun.
From stein-hoisting competitions and German-inspired cuisine and cultural celebrations, there is no shortage of ways to embrace the season! Whether you’re visiting Boston for a weekend getaway or looking to explore the city like a local, add these upcoming fall festivals and Oktoberfest’s to your calendar.
Bow Market Oktoberfest | September 11–13
he weekend kicks off Friday with the annual Stein Holding Competition, followed by a full day of live music, Oktoberfest games, Fest Lager, and pretzels on Saturday. Wrap up the festivities Sunday with the Lederhosen Lager Run through Somerville’s brewery scene before returning to Bow Market for a well-earned celebration. Whether you’re competing, dancing, running, or simply enjoying a cold beer and pretzel, Bow Market’s Oktoberfest is the perfect way to celebrate the fall season.
Samuel Adams Octoberfest Celebrations | September 18–20 & September 25–27
As one of Boston’s most iconic breweries, Samuel Adams knows how to welcome the fall season. Celebrations will take place at both the Boston Taproom and Boston Brewery, featuring classic seasonal brews, live music, German-inspired food, and the always-popular stein-hoisting competition.
Trillium Oktoberfest | September 19–20
Come for the beers, stay for the competition, think you’ve got what it takes? Put your strength and endurance to the test during our Keg Holding Competition, featuring two heats for participants to compete in. Prefer to show off your style? Break out your dirndls, lederhosen, and whatever else you’ve been waiting all year to wear for the Costume Contest, with prizes awarded for the best male, female, and youth costumes. Enjoy lively German music and accordion tunes while indulging in festive German food specials, with pretzels highly encouraged, of course!
Harpoon Octoberfest | October 2–3
One of Boston’s largest and most beloved fall traditions returns to the Harpoon Brewery for two full days of music, food, competitions, and flowing beer. Harpoon Octoberfest is known for its lively atmosphere and is the perfect excuse to gather your friends, grab a pretzel, and celebrate the season. Th venue itself spans both outdoors and inside to the beer hall making this sprawling space an all-day activity.
Dorchester Brewing Oktoberfest | October 3
Head to Dorchester Brewing Company for a full day of Oktoberfest festivities, including traditional music featuring the Ben Cuba Band and Midnight Moon from 2-4PM. If you’re not so keen on beers, they have a variety seasonal cocktails to sip on, Fest Bier, and festive competitions… the most notable being the male and female stein holding competition.
Harvard Square Oktoberfest & HONK! Festival | October 11
For a larger-than-life celebration, head to Harvard Square for one of the area’s most anticipated fall events. The annual festival features live entertainment, international food vendors, local businesses, family-friendly activities, and the colorful HONK! Parade throughout the streets of Cambridge.
Boston’s Oktoberfest season offers something for everyone, from brewery celebrations to large-scale street festivals.