Oktoberfest in Kansas City

Oktoberfest, where we pretend we’re German so we can drink more beer!  Oktoberfest was first celebrated in 1810, as a festival to honor the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen.  Citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities on the fields in front of the city gates.  The fields were named Theresienwiese (Theresa’s Meadow).  The events were held October 12 through October 17, ending with horse races in the presence of the Royal Family.  The decision to repeat the horse races in the following year gave rise to the tradition of Oktoberfest.  The horse races are no longer held, but Oktoberfest is still celebrated on the Theresienwiese.

The festival was eventually prolonged and moved ahead to September to allow for better weather conditions.  The Oktoberfest in Munich has attracted between 5 and 7 million visitors each year during the last decade.  Oktoberfest beer is a Märzenbier brewed by Munich breweries for the festival.  What do you call someone who has too many Märzenbiers and is passed out on the grounds?  Bierleichen, which means “beer corpses” in German.

Oktoberfest runs from September 20 through October 5 this year.  Here are some local events celebrating Oktoberfest.

• Parktoberfest – Parktoberfest is going to pack all their fun into one day, Saturday, Oct. 4. They’ll have a 5k race that morning at 8 a.m. followed by some awesome contest, such as October Skies Rocket Launch and Parkville Ninja Warrior Contest. In the afternoon enjoy some live music from School of Rock and Whiskey Bender’s Country Guitar Jam. There will be plenty of beer and some good food, particularly pizza, where Parkville is celebrating 20 years of Stone Canyon Pizza in Downtown Parkville.

•  KC Bier Co Oktoberfest – This festival will be a blend of music, German food, events and of course, fresh German bier.  The tapping of the first Festbier from a wooden keg imported from Munich will occur at 12:00 noon on Saturday.  KC Bier Co will serve Bratwurst and Hendl (chicken) roasted in a wood-fired oven along with imported Bavarian pretzels and other traditional Oktoberfest fare.  On both days there will be events, including Masskrugstemmen, a stein holding competition, and best Lederhosen and Dirndl contests.  Everyone is encouraged to get out their best German apparel and wear it with pride for a chance to win prizes each day.

•  Lee’s Summit Oktoberfest – String-up your pretzel neckless and head on over to downtown Lee’s Summit for their OktoberFest on Sept. 26 and 27. They offer a carnival with rides, live music, Beirgarten, free children activities, contest, arts, crafts, German meals and dancers. They have some great contest regarding beer such as Home Brew Beer Competition and People’s Choice Home Brew Tasting Event, be sure to sign up and have some “spab” — fun — which is the only German word you’ll need to know.

•  Grünauer Oktoberfest – Grünauer’s 5th annual Oktoberfest is set for Friday September 26th and Saturday September 27th, 2014! Featuring live music, food, and of course, plenty of beer.

•  BoOktoberfest – Join the new Young Friends of the Kansas City Public Library for BoOktoberfest, a novel beer tasting experience featuring several KC-area breweries at the Central Library, located downtown. Visit with local brewers (Crane, Cinder Block, Rock & Run, KC Bier Co) and try their featured beers, meet and mingle with fellow lit-lovers, learn what sort of resources and services your Kansas City Public Library has to offer, and find out more about this new group dedicated to building the next generation of Library supporters and advocates

•  Oktoberfest at Renaissance Festival – Knackwurst eating competition, root beer chug, and a keg toss.  Come celebrate Oktoberfest at the Renaissance Festival October 11-12

•  Hermann Oktoberfest – Hermann celebrates its German heritage with four weekends of German music, dancing and food, all set against a backdrop of glorious fall color.

•  Beer Kitchen – Try a variety of Oktoberfest beers that will be on tap.

•  Bridger’s Bottle Shop – On September 24 Bridger’s will host an Oktoberfest beer release party. Guests will receive a commemorative glass. In addition, Bridger’s will be offering German inspired fare for the event.

•  Firefly Lounge – On September 27 Firefly will host the Oktoberfest Aftermath Blowout to round out the week of festivities. This event will feature DJ Ataxic and traditional German beers and cocktails will be served.

•  The Foundry – On September 24 and September 27 the Foundry will be serving a flight of 4 different Oktoberfest/German style beers. Try German inspired menu items all week long.

•  Gambal’s Social Club – Meet your friends at Gambal’s and sample Oktoberfest beers and German liquors all week long.

•  Harpo’s – Bring your friends and family to Harpo’s and enjoy their Oktoberfest menu which includes Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, and German potato soup.

•  Harry’s Bar and Tables – Enjoy Oktoberfest beer and food specials all week long. Come join us for the festivities.

•  Joe’s Pizza Buy the Slice – Visit Joe’s for a taste of German fare and enjoy a Polish Sausage with Sauerkraut for $6, tax included.

•  Kelly’s Westport Inn – To celebrate Oktoberfest, Kelly’s will be discounting Bobs 47 and Sam Adam’s Oktoberfest all week long.

•  McCoy’s Public House – On September 23 McCoy’s will be tapping Oktoberfest beer with a release party at 4pm. Guests will receive a commemorative liter mug of beer for $9. Enjoy German food and drink specials all week long.

•  Westport Saloon – Throughout Oktoberfest Westport Saloon will feature KC Bier Co Helles and Dunkel, as well as Busch Beer. In addition, Westport Saloon has created a German inspired menu that will be available during Oktoberfest.

Have a safe and happy 2014 Oktoberfest!  Prost!