Raise a Stein: Metro Detroit Oktoberfest Serves Up Beer, Brats, and Festivities

Prost! It's that time of year again—Oktoberfest is here, bringing a taste of Bavaria to Metro Detroit.

 

Originating in Munich in the early 19th century to honor the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig, this cherished festival has become a global celebration of German culture.

 

Local establishments are rolling out the barrels and firing up the grills to offer an array of events that promise to delight beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

 

Brown Iron Brewhouse is hosting its annual Oktoberfest from September 19 to 28 at both its Royal Oak and Washington Township locations.

 

Celebrating a decade of festivities at the Washington Township venue, the brewhouse is serving imported German beers alongside a specially curated menu featuring dishes like Bavarian Obatzda cheese spread, Berlin-style currywurst, and chicken Jägerschnitzel.

 

Don't miss the stein hoist competition on September 24 at 6 p.m. in Washington Township, and a family day on September 28 in Royal Oak, complete with activities like giant Jenga, cornhole, and a pretzel-coloring contest from 3 to 7 p.m.

 

Locations: 57695 Van Dyke, Washington Township; 30955 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak.

 

Clarkston Union is marking its 30th anniversary with an Oktoberfest celebration on September 27, starting at 6 p.m.

 

Attendees can enjoy German beers, brats, pretzels, and live music from Big Daddy’s La Dee Das.

 

Location: 54 S. Main St., Clarkston.

 

Zingerman's Cornman Farms in Dexter is hosting Sunday pop-up dinners through October 5, each featuring a different Bavarian-inspired dish.

 

The lineup includes chicken schnitzel on September 21, currywurst on September 28, and Jägerschnitzel on October 5.

 

Tickets are $25, and live music will be provided by Alpen Duo.

 

Location: 8540 Island Lake Road, Dexter.

 

Dakota Inn Rathskeller, a Detroit institution for over 90 years, kicks off its Oktoberfest on September 26 with a traditional keg tapping and proclamation reading.

 

Enjoy German fare like warm potato salad, schnitzel, and sauerbraten, along with musical entertainment each night.

 

Location: 17324 John R, Detroit.

 

Yard House in Troy is offering an Oktoberfest menu through October 26, featuring beers like Weihenstephaner Festbier and Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier.

 

Menu highlights include apple strudel, Bier Brat Sliders, and jumbo Bavarian pretzels.

 

Souvenir steins are available for purchase, with daily $5 refills.

 

Location: 950 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy.

 

Embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest by donning your lederhosen or dirndl and joining the festivities across Metro Detroit.

 

With a variety of events and authentic German cuisine, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

 

Prost!