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As mid-September rolls in, it’s not just the season for pumpkin-spiced lattes—it’s time for Oktoberfest! This month-long celebration starts on September 20 and features traditional elements like beer drinking, lively polka dancing, and delicious bratwursts. One of the more unique competitions during Oktoberfest is Masskrugstemmen, a test of strength where participants hold a filled one-liter glass stein with an outstretched arm; a fun way to combine fitness with festivity.

Here are some exciting events to check out for this year’s Oktoberfest celebrations:

Oktoberfest Events

Oktoberfest at Calusa Brewing
- When: Friday, Sept. 19 – Saturday, Sept. 20, starting at noon
- Where: 5377 McIntosh Road, Sarasota
- Enjoy Calusa Brewing’s Kolben lager, a Bavarian-style Märzen, paired with snacks from PigFish.
Opening Day of Oktoberfest at 99 Bottles
- When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 5-11 p.m.
- Where: 1445 Second St., Sarasota
- Experience Ayinger Brewery’s Oktoberfest lager along with fun giveaways.
Oktoberfest at Gecko’s Grill & Pub on Hillview
- When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 3 p.m.
- Where: 1900 Hillview St., Sarasota
- Participate in a costume contest while enjoying award-winning lagers from Barriehaus Beer Co.
Bishop After Hours Presents Oktoberfest
- When: Friday, Sept. 26, 6-9 p.m.
- Where: 201 10th St. W., Bradenton
- Discover traditional German games, music, and food at the Bishop Museum.
A Month of Oktoberfest at Edelweiss Restaurant
- When: Friday, Sept. 26 – Sunday, Oct. 26
- Where: 611 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton
- Enjoy Oktoberfest specials, weekend entertainment, and beer deals.
Oktoberfest at Back Porch Brewing
- When: Saturday, Sept. 27, noon-10 p.m.
- Where: 3469 Precision Drive, North Venice
- Relish beer-braised bratwurst along with German brews and live music.
Paint Your Own Beer Stein at Inner Compass Brewing
- When: Sunday, Sept. 28, at noon
- Where: 10316 Technology Terrace, Bradenton
- Create your own ceramic beer stein while enjoying the brewery’s atmosphere.
Oktoberfest at 3 Bridges Brewing
- When: Friday, Oct. 3 – Sunday, Oct. 5, starting at noon
- Where: 1765 S Tamiami Trail, Venice
- Celebrate with food, beer, and music, including the popular stein-holding contest.
Geier’s Sausage Oktoberfest at Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa
- When: Saturday, Oct. 4 – Sunday, Oct. 5, starting at 11 a.m.
- Where: 600 U.S. Highway 41
- Sample sausages from Geier’s at this year’s festival.
Oktoberfest in Downtown Wellen Park
- When: Sunday, Oct. 4, noon-8 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Wellen Park
- Enjoy brats, beers, and community togetherness.
Pop’s-toberfest at Pop’s Sunset Grill
- When: Sunday, Oct. 5, 1-4 p.m.
- Where: 112 Circuit Road, Nokomis
- Experience Oktoberfest in a relaxed setting, under the Florida sun.
Oktoberfest at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime
- When: Sunday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Where: 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota
- Join in free polka lessons, a stein-holding contest, and a yodeling contest.
A Day of Oars & Pours Oktoberfest at Nathan Benderson Park
- When: Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Where: 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota
- Celebrate with brews, scenic views, and the annual Benderson Chase regatta.
Park-toberfest at The Bay
- When: Sunday, Oct. 12, 5-7 p.m.
- Where: 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota
- Enjoy live music from the DeLeon Family Band.