If you’re willing to strap on some lederhosen and suspenders for beer, then the Maryland Brewer’s Oktoberfest is for you.
Attendees brave enough to wear German attire to the 7th annual festival on Saturday will receive three extra drink tokens to wash down that bratwurst with a choice of more than 75 beers from 12 local breweries.
“The Maryland breweries have enjoyed watching this event grow year after year into one of the best beer festivals in the mid-Atlantic,” said Hugh Sisson, President of the Brewer’s Association of Maryland. “We are thrilled to have the best breweries in the state here for a wonderful event and a fun-filled atmosphere.”
Hosted by the Brewer’s Association of Maryland, Oktoberfest not only features beer and authentic German fare, but live entertainment, contests and more. Last year’s sold-out event saw more than 8,500 revelers.
Performances by local bands Black Falls Band, Great Train Robbery and Kelly Bell Band will take place on the main stage, while the German stage will feature oompah musicians The Edelweiss Band and The Home Brew Contest.
Breweries involved include Clipper City Brewing Co., Brewers Alley, Barley & Hops Grill & Microbrewery, Flying Dog, Franklins, Red Brick Station, Brewers Art, The Raven, DuClaw, Growlers and more.
“Oktoberfest features all the great beers of Maryland,” said Greg Nivens, event producer. “Maryland brewers are fantastic: Many of our brewers are winners in national beer competitions. And some of the beers are brewed specifically for Oktoberfest, so people will never get the beer anywhere else.”
BAM Bierfest is being brewed exclusively for Oktoberfest, and can only be bought on-site at the show. The beer was made in the tradition of Dusseldorf’s famous Sticke Alts, which is similar to Munich’s Oktoberfest beers.
The event will also feature the Miss Oktoberfest contest, which puts women’s knowledge of the German language to the test, while the winner of the Wife Carrying Contest wins his wife’s weight in beer. And don’t forget to check out the Biggest Beer Belly contest — one year’s winner measured a gigantic 82 inches around.
IF YOU GO
7th Annual Maryland Brewers’ Oktoberfest
Where: Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium
When: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $10 to $25
Info: www.mdoktoberfest.com
