Oktoberfest in Phoenix: German Food, Drink, Dance

When Oktoberfest comes around, and you get that urge for donning your lederhosen, dancing the polka and eating wienerschnitzel, here are the best places around town where you can join in the fun.

These Oktoberfest events are listed in date order.

01 of 06

Old World Oktoberfest

Photo Courtesy Old World Phoenix Oktoberfest

Saturday, September 22 and 23, 2017 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Celebrate German heritage and culture at a traditional German “Volksfest” in Peoria. Bavarian brews, Bavarian bands playing music and leading sing-alongs, Bavarian dancing, rides and kids activities at this authentic old-world family event. Contests. Sample traditional German foods and drinks, enjoy the music, and shop from a variety of authentic German products. $5 admission, ages 20 and younger free. Centennial Plaza, near the Main Peoria Public Library.

02 of 06

Fountain Hills Oktoberfest

September 29 and 30, 2017 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Food and fun at Fountain Park in Fountain Hills. Expect polka music, German beers, pretzels, schnitzel, and other festive eats.

03 of 06

SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest

Saturday, September 30, 2017 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Brat eating contest, stein holding competition, wiener dog races, polka music, live yodellers, alpenhorn blowing, and Bavarian style dancers. Reel Big Fish and Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers perform live. Check Basha's locations for advance discounted tickets. Festival location: Dr. AJ Chandler Park, Chandler.

04 of 06

Ales on Rails on the Verde Canyon Railroad

Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October 2017 starting at 11 a.m.
Take a day trip to Clarkdale and enjoy a lunch of German sausages, sauerkraut, potato salad, pretzels and strudel, with polka music in the background, on the patio. Then, all aboard for the scenic train ride. During the month of October the "Ales on Rails" train rides offer a $10 logo beer glass that comes with five beer tastings.

Continue to 5 of 6 below.

05 of 06

Four Peaks Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake — Photo Courtesy City of Tempe

October 13 - 15, 2017.
This annual celebration of Oktoberfest brings a bit of Germany to downtown Tempe at Tempe Town Lake, accessible by Valley Metro Rail. Several stages of live entertainment. Beer gardens plus wines and spirits, polka, dachshund races, local bands, carnival, and activities for every age. No pets. Free admission, charge for carnival/rides.

06 of 06

Oktoberfest for Parkinson’s Fundraiser

Oktoberfest for Parkinson’s in Phoenix — Baehr Challenge

Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The High Street block party celebration in North Phoenix features live music, brats, craft ales, and raffle prizes. Admission is $20 per person online in advance, $40 day of the event. People with Parkinson’s and their care partner are charged $20 per person online or at the event. Admission includes a gourmet German brat on a pretzel bun, side salads, dessert and one drink ticket for a beer or wine or a nonalcoholic beverage. VIP admission (21+ only) is $75. Proceeds help fund scientific research to find better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s and support local organizations that guide and serve people with Parkinson’s, their care partners and families.