Las Vegas Oktoberfest Events
It should come as no surprise that the Germans have us beat when it comes to hardcore drinking. But when you mix German drinking with Las Vegas partying, things are bound to get pretty wild. With over 5,000 different brands of German beer and strict regulations protecting the purity of German beer, it’s safe to say that beer is definitely ingrained in German culture. The German brew is a thing of beauty that is truly worthy of its world-renowned reputation. Thankfully, the Germans are aware that their culture should be shared and celebrated with the entire world, and Oktoberfest provides the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Germany when Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburhausen on Oct. 12, 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the celebration of the royal couple, resulting in the tradition of Oktoberfest and the dawn of a momentous component of Bavarian culture. Today, this 16-day event has become the largest folk festival in the world, attracting over 6 million visitors from a variety of different countries. These lucky festival attendees are treated to amusement rides, games, German entertainment, traditional food and, of course, special Oktoberfest beer. Every year, Oktoberfest serves approximately 1.8 million gallons of its specialized beer, which must be brewed within Munich and conform to the “German Beer Purity Law.”
Due to the increasing popularity of Oktoberfest, it has now become a worldwide celebration. So if you can’t travel to Munich to honor Bavarian traditions and culture, you can probably find Oktoberfest events happening around you. In Las Vegas, there are a few Oktoberfest events happening this month:
1. Las Vegas Oktoberfest, Oct. 3, 2015 - 3-9 p.m.
If you really want to indulge in Bavarian culture, head over to the seventh annual Oktoberfest celebration presented by The German-American Social Club of America on Saturday, Oct. 3. The free event takes place at the Historic Fifth Street School and provides an authentic Bavarian experience with German music, dance, food and beer.
2. Fall Beer Fest, Oct. 9-10, 2015
The Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino will host its sixth annual Fall Beer Fest on Oct. 9 and 10. On Friday, Oct. 9, you can relax poolside while treating yourself to more than 100 craft brew samples, fresh pretzels, brats and live entertainment at the Oktoberfest Pool Party. The next day, you’re not going to want to miss out on the Craft Beer Grand Tasting, where award-winning breweries will be providing samples of more than 124 craft beers. Admission to the pool party is free while tickets to the Grand Tasting are available for $45 pre-sale and $55 at the door.
3. Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest, Sep-Oct. 31, 2015
This classic German beer hall offers up a special, full-bodied beer paired with traditional Bavarian cuisine for this festive occasion. The authentic brew is imported from the same batches that are made for the Hofbrauhaus tent at Oktoberfest in Munich. To top it all off, Hofbrauhaus hosts celebrity keg tappings during the weekend. Live music from a traditional Bavarian band is also provided.
4. Town Square Oktoberfest, Oct. 17-18, 2015
Town Square is always full of excitement, especially during Oktoberfest. On Oct. 17 and 18, you can experience live entertainment, Bavarian foods, beer, yodeling contests, beer stein holdings, sausage eating contests and more. This event provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy Bavarian culture for free while having a lot of fun.
Can’t get enough of Oktoberfest? These bars and restaurants are featuring Oktoberfest beer and food specials this month:
1. Hard Rock Cafe
All of the Hard Rock Cafe locations on the strip are currently featuring the Samuel Adams OctoberFest Schnitzel Burger and the Samuel Adams OctoberFest beer until Oct. 31.
2. TAP at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
Oktoberfest specials at TAP include Jumbo Bavarian Pretzels, Bratwurst, Pork Jagerschnitzel, Black Forest Cake and $7 pints of Oktoberfest beers from Ballast Point and Samuel Adams. These specials will continue until Oct. 4.
3. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Continuing until Oct. 31, this restaurant and bar features specials such as pretzel-crusted schnitzel and an Oktoberfest beer sampler with hefeweizen, Oktoberfest and Hefe Dunkel.
4. Shake Shack
Shake Shack is celebrating Shacktoberfest until the Oct. 4. For a limited time, this popular burger joint is offering special edition biers, bratwursts and burgers. This is the only time during the year to get a Shake Shack Bier Stein for $10.
We want you to have a great time celebrating Oktoberfest! But please don't drink and drive. If you need transportation to and from any of these events or bars, click here for VIP-style designated drive services.
