It’s September which means it’s time for Oktoberfest! Every autumn since 1810, the people of Bavaria (in southern Germany) have held an Oktoberfest, a traditional 16-day festival celebrating autumn and all things beer. While far and away from Germany, the people of Alaska love their beer and relish the last days before winter. Because of this, more and more venues are holding Oktoberfest celebrations in the German tradition. Featured below are several downtown venues honoring the Oktoberfest tradition.
Kitchen Vixen
Every Saturday in September, Kitchen Vixen will feature beautifully decorated, handcrafted Lebkuchen Heart cookies! These are 8″ traditional, Bavarian gingerbread cookies that (while made for eating) also come adorned with ribbons to wear around your neck during “Oktoberfest-ivities.” The are, essentially, giant decorated gingerbread heart cookie necklaces that you can wear! The cookies come skrinkwrapped for later enjoyment.
Kitchen Vixen will also carry an Oktoberfest-themed menu that includes Linzer and Springerle Cookies, as well as German-inspired Macarons and Lebkuchenherzen.
Make sure to RSVP for Kitchen Vixen’s event.
HooDoo Brewing Company
For the 4th year in a row, HooDoo Brewing will kick off their Oktoberfest just like the German’s do, at noon on September 17, when they tap a cask of German-style Oktoberfest Lager. Local mayor’s John Eberhart and Karl Kassel will on hand to help with the tapping.
HooDoo will feature a wide selection of German food all Oktoberfest long.
- 9/17: Susan Duhaime will provide traditional pastries like handcrafted Lebkuchen Heart, as well as Rotweinkuchen and other treats.
- 9/17 – 9/24: German food chef Konrad of Mein Diner will cook-up authentic German food like spaetzle, sausages and kebabs.
- 9/24 – 10/1: Golddigger Dogs will serve 100% local pork bratwurst simmered in HooDoo Kölsch.
As is become customary, HooDoo will showcase a unique, commissioned art piece. This year’s logo was designed by local artist Hannah Foss. Her place-based, totem design will be featured on limited edition t-shirts and posters starting September 17th at 11AM. If you can’t make the event, have no fear! Both will be available online next week.
There will also be contests and a competition at HooDoo, including:
- Stein Holding Competitions (for men and women)
Saturday, 9/17 (1PM)
Saturday, 9/24 (6PM)
Saturday, 10/1 (6PM) - German Costume Contest
Saturday, 9/17 (12:45PM)
Saturday, 10/1 (6:30PM) - Hilariously Funny HooDoo Yodeling Contest
Saturday, 10/1 (7PM)
Make sure to RSVP to HooDoo’s event.
Eastern Treats
Are you hungry for a taste of Germany but only have time for a quick bite? Stop by Eastern Treats inside the Co-Op Plaza for a warm Bavarian schnitzel and a cold Spaten brewed right in the heart of Oktoberfest country itself – Munich!