Connecticut Oktoberfest 2016: Where & When to Enjoy German Fare and Music

Latch up your leiderhosen and deck out your dirndls— it's Oktoberfest! The German tradition began in the early 1800s and is celebrated in Munich, Germany for 16 days. It traditionally starts in the third weekend in September and ends the first Sunday in October.

Below are some festivals and happenings in Connecticut. Prost! Or as the young folks, say, “Ticky tocky, ticky tocky, hoi hoi hoi!”

Bethel

• Old Heidelberg's Oktoberfest was celebrated during September, as is the tradition in Germany, however, the authentic German restaurant has delicious fare including brats, kraut, potato pancakes and more. A wine festival is being held Oct. 21-23. Click here for more info.

Derby

• The Hops Company is celebrating Oktoberfest every Sunday through October 23. Stop by from 3-7 p.m. for live German bands, Oktoberfest inspired food beer and more.

Meriden

• Meriden Turner Society Oktoberfest, 5 p.m., October 8, 2016. The 150-year old society will serve up smoked pork chops while guests enjoy live music from the Joe Unger Band and Bavarian dancers. Tickets are $25 per person.

Middlebury

• Powder Ridge Oktoberfest, Saturday, October 8, 2016. A German menu that includes bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels with mustard, brick oven potato pizza, chili bread bowl and more will be served from 3-8 p.m. There will be beer tasting, live music, a keg toss and hard cider demo and exhibition.

Monroe

• Tavern Restaurant is featuring a special German menu during the month of October which includes goulash, schnitzel, bratwurst and more. Click here for details.

New London

• The Seehund Oktoberfest, Oct. 6 - 10, 2016. Seehund Oktoberfest features happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tuesday is an all you can brat platter with a 1/2 liter of beer for $16.99 per person. Wednesday is "Wine Wednesday," with a bottle of wine for $12 with a dinner. On Thursday, guests can enjoy all you can eat German nachos with a 1/2 Liter of beer for $16.99 per person.

New Milford

• Alpenhaus features 2 biergartens, live German music, authentic German fare and much more on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 12 - 7 p.m.

Redding

• Redding Roadhouse: Now through October 31, Redding Roadhouse is hosting their 31st annual Oktoberfest with live Oompah bands on Sundays from 4-8 p.m., authentic German cuisine, 1-liter bier steins and more.

Shelton

• Hoptoberfest Craft Beer and Wings Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 1 - 5 p.m. at Shelton Riverwalk. Attendees can enjoy unlimited wings from 10 different restaurants, including the Dew Drop Inn, over 80 craft beers with unlimited samples and live music. Tickets are $30 each and include a free beer stein to take home. Must be 21 or older to enter.

Simsbury

• Max Restaurant Group @ Rosedale Farm invites you to celebrate Max’s 3rd Annual Hoptoberfest on Sunday, October 9 at Rosedale Farm with beer tasting and live music.

Wilton

• Trackside's Oktoberfest will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. and is for 21+ up only. Tickets are $55 each and include live music, German food and drinks, raffles, a silent auction and more. Proceeds go to Trackside Teen Center.

Willimantic

• Thread City Hop Fest: Oktoberfest, October 20, 2016, 6-9 p.m. Traditional Oktoberfest brews, seasonal beers, delicious food and more. This event is for 21 and over and located on Main Street between High and Walnut Street. 6-9 p.m.

If we missed any Oktoberfests in your area, let us know by emailing wendy.mitchell@patch.com.

Photo: Club Transatlântico via Flickr Creative Commons