2021 MA Octoberfest Guide: Beer, Brats And Oompah Aplenty

FRAMINGHAM, MA — When the clock struck 3:20 p.m. on Wednesday, we entered Octoberfest season (also known as the autumnal equinox).

A fülle of local breweries, restaurants and other venues are hosting Octoberfest celebrations in 2021 following last fall's cancellations in pre-vaccine times. Of course, we're not out of the COVID-19 woods yet, so many festivals are being held outdoors with safety precautions in place.

The original Oktoberfest, held annually in Munich, has been cancelled this year due to the pandemic. The annual event typically attracts millions during the 18-day run from late September to early October.

The first festival was held in the early 1800s to celebrate the marriage of King Ludwig I to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The event later became an annual public party with shopping, food, traditional German music — and plenty of beer.

The festival looks a little different in the U.S., but has become its own autumn tradition. Here are some of the upcoming Octoberfest celebrations to look forward to in the area:

Longfellow's Wayside Inn Oktoberfest, Sudbury | Sept. 24
From the inn: Enjoy authentic German food, seasonal beers, and live acoustic rock music under the event tent. Tickets are $30 and include dinner. Find out more.

Marlborough's Oktoberfest, Flying Dreams, 277 Main St., Marlborough | Sept. 25
This outdoor collaboration between Lost Shoe, Tackle Box and Flying Dreams breweries will feature food, music, competitions and special beers. Free entry for designated drivers and anyone under 21; $10 entry fee for others comes with a beer stein. Find out more.

Octoberfest at Sam Adams, 60 State St., Boston | Sept. 25
From the brewery: Join us as we honor the centuries-long celebration of classic German beers with our own traditional and innovative brews. We'll have live music, a fest plate featuring a Boston lager beer brat and pretzel combo, and stein hoisting contests. We'll also have a special sampling of barrel Aged Octoberfest available for purchase within the taproom! Find out more.

Lock 50 Octoberfest, 50 Water St., Worcester | Sept. 29
From the restaurant: Join us for a COVID-compliant, outdoor and awesome Octoberfest celebration on the patio at Lock 50. Our Executive Chef Tim Russo will prepare a homemade feast you won't forget. The meal will include spätzle, sausages, pork schnitzel, sauerbraten, red cabbage, pickles, mustards and pretzels. Find out more.

Jack's Abby, 100 Clinton St., Framingham | Oct. 1 to 3
From the brewery: Spanning three full days, Jack's Abby Octoberfest will toast to the launch of our seasonal beer, Copper Legend. Touching on our roots as a German-inspired brewery, we'll be going all out — there will be oompah bands, Octoberfest fare, German-style beers, pretzels, stein-hoistings, a keg toss, flower crowns and more! Plus, the space will be decked out with authentic decorations, transporting guests to Munich for the night. For more details, check out our website: https://jacksabby.com/2021-octoberfest/.

Harpoon Octoberfest, 306 Northern Ave., Boston | Oct. 1
From the brewery: Join us alongside thousands of friends outside of our Boston brewery in open air tents for our 31st annual Octoberfest, our largest festival of the year! Flowing taps, live oompah music, stein-hoisting competitions, pretzel eating contests, chicken dancing, and more will be waiting for you at Boston's festival of the fall. Find out more.

Wormtown Oktoberfest, 72 Shrewsbury St., Worcester | Oct. 2
From the brewery: Join us for the last day in our Worcester beer garden. A day of drinks, games, music and fun! We are bringing back all of our Oktoberfest beer styles, having live music at 7pm and games throughout the day! Find out more.

Wachusett Mountain Oktoberfest, 499 Mount Road, Princeton | Oct. 2-3
From the mountain: This is the season for beautiful foliage, tasty beer and camaraderie among friends! Raise your steins and toss the empty kegs as you eat, drink and celebrate with live German music, contests, shows, craft and farmers' market vendors, and activities for the whole family. Find out more.

WooSox Craft Beer Fest, 100 Madison St., Worcester | Oct. 2
Not explicitly an Oktoberfest, but the event will feature over 40 craft beer and cider brewers, which means a high chance of seasonal autumn beers. Find out more.

Have an Octoberfest/Oktoberfest event we missed? Email neal.mcnamara@patch.com with details.