Community September 5, 2023

Oktoberfests in WA and Craft Beers on Bainbridge Island

Ready to celebrate fall in Washington? Many Oktoberfest events are coming up right here in our region. They are an exciting way to get into the spirit of the new season. As a celebration of Bavarian culture, they include beer, music, and other festival activities. Check out this Oktoberfest list to see which event fits your style. And, if you’d rather celebrate by simply grabbing a pint with friends, we’ve also included some great places to do so here on Bainbridge Island.

Edmonds Rotary Oktoberfest Family Festival in Edmonds

This Oktoberfest takes place on Friday, September 15th, from 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM and resumes Saturday, September 16th, from 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM. It is kid-friendly and pet-friendly. The Kids Korner will be open on Saturday and feature games, activities, and more. Pups can join the Pet Parade on Saturday around noon. The Beer Garden is reserved for those 21+. The event will also feature live music and food trucks. It’s sure to be a great time!

Cost: $10 for Beer Garden | Sept. 15 – 16

Poulsbrew Beer Fest in Poulsbo

This one-day event will feature many different drinks, food vendors, and live music. Tickets include a commemorative beer glass as well as five tasting tickets. Not drinking? That’s okay! For $15, you can still attend and receive a commemorative mug. It is strictly an event for 21+ and no pets are allowed. Register here.

Cost: $15 – $45 | Sept. 16

West End Oktoberfest in Spokane

In the heart of downtown Spokane’s West End, this Oktoberfest will feature six different breweries. You can go to each participating brewery to enjoy specialty beers and live entertainment. Admission includes an Oktoberfest 2023 mug, an event program, and an Oktoberfest beer at every location for only $4. While some breweries will allow all ages, the event is advertised for those 21 and older. Spend a weekend in vibrant downtown Spokane listening to live entertainment and tasting their popular local beers.

Cost: $20 | Sept. 16 – 17

Kirkland Oktoberfest in Kirkland

Returning for its 10th year, this event promises to be better than ever. This Oktoberfest is jam-packed with fun games and encourages visitors to get in the spirit and dress up. You can bring your own stein, but it is not required. Watch or participate in keg rolling races, dance during the live shows, or enter your pup in the wiener dog races. Event organizers describe this as the ‘Wurst 3 Days of the Year,’  and you can purchase your tickets online.

Cost: $20 – $75 | Sept. 22 – 24

Fremont Oktoberfest in Seattle

Strictly a 21+ Oktoberfest in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, this festival will feature over 100 craft beers, ciders, and more. Dogs are welcome on Sunday for Dogtoberfest and will receive some free swag, such as a bandana and water bowl, while supplies last. All weekend, you can celebrate with tasty meals, live bands, and games like the Stein Hoisting Competition. Check out the event’s FAQs for parking, nearby hotels, and admission information.

Cost: $15 – $45 | Sept. 22- 24

Projekt Bayern Oktoberfest in Wenatchee

Going into its 24th year, this authentic Bavarian festival is free all three weekends. It includes two huge dance hall tents, live German music, and German beer. Families with children are welcome to join, but the pets will need to stay at home. There will be crafts for kids, local vendors, and food booths. Every Saturday at 1:00 PM, there is the official keg tapping. Check out their musical lineup. While this Oktoberfest is free, once you’re inside, you can go to a food/beverage/souvenir ticket line to purchase tickets with cash or a credit card. Tickets are $1 each and a beer costs 8 tickets while food starts at 7 tickets.

Cost: FREE to enter | Sept. 29 – 30; Oct. 6 – 7; Oct. 13 – 14

Poulsbo Beer Run

This one-day event in Poulsbo is a unique take on the Oktoberfest celebration. Enjoy a 4-mile course that is half pub crawl and half sporting event. There are stops throughout Poulsbo at local breweries, restaurants, and cideries. Entrance includes five beers and one cider. Participants are encouraged to dress up and well-behaved dogs are allowed. However, children are not permitted at this event. All proceeds go to the Blue Star Banner Program, which honors locals who are currently serving in the military by installing street banners with their names on them. You can register online, and check out the Poulsbo Beer Run’s Facebook page to stay up to date on event information.

Cost: $45 – $55 | Sept. 30

Oktoberfest Northwest in Puyallup

Located at the Washington State Fairgrounds, Oktoberfest Northwest in Puyallup is Washington’s largest Munich-style Oktoberfest celebration. Children are welcome to attend for free until 6:00 PM. The evening hours are reserved for those who are 21+. Ticket prices range from general entry to VIP packages that include special VIP areas, light food and drinks, and a stein. No matter how you choose to celebrate, the Hammerschlagen, Bavarian Bier-Lympics, and Kids’ 1/2-Mile Root Beer Run are sure to be a blast!

Cost: Varies – see admission deals & packages | Oct. 6 – 8

Bier on the Pier in Anacortes

Started in 2010, this event will feature the beers and ciders of many local establishments, as well as food trucks and live music. This festival is also the perfect time to explore historic downtown Anacortes and all of its unique shops and restaurants. If you’d like to stay the whole weekend, the festival’s organizers created this list of lodging options.

Cost: $15 – $45 | Oct. 7 – 8

Or, Simply Enjoy Craft Beers on Bainbridge Island

Don’t want to commit to an all-day event or travel far? That’s okay. Bainbridge Island offers unique pubs and excellent craft beers. Simply visit our island to start fall off with a perfect pint.

Bainbridge Brewing Brewery and Taphouse

An independent craft brewery, Bainbridge Brewery has two locations on the island. The Brewery and Taphouse is located at Coppertop Park and welcomes all ages. The Bainbridge Brewing Alehouse in Downtown Winslow is reserved for those who are 21+. Every Thursday, the Taproom hosts Trivia Night and every third Wednesday, the Alehouse has a Drink & Draw event. No matter what day of the week it is, there is always a chance to enjoy some local flavors with small bites or a food truck.

The Harbour Public House

With a waterfront deck and steps from the marina and ferry, this is a perfect spot to grab a pint. Simply stroll along Bainbridge’s Waterfront Trail and you’ll reach this gem. The Pub serves local beers and delicious meals, including fresh seafood. Additionally, it is a historic site, the Ambrose Grow House, which was built in the 1880s. To learn more, download this fascinating Walking Tour of Winslow (PDF), created by Bainbridge Island Historical Museum.

The Plate & Pint

A family-friendly restaurant, The Plate & Pint is a popular place to enjoy local craft beers with friends or have a nice meal while watching a game. And, they have an excellent happy hour from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM featuring discounted beer and wine along with tasty bites like BBQ pork nachos and stuffed jalapeños. Check out their Facebook page for mouthwatering photos of their weekly specials.