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18 Spots to Drink Beer and Celebrate Oktoberfest in Metro Detroit

It’s time to don that lederhosen and grab a stein of bier

by Courtney Burk Updated
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by Courtney Burk Updated
GB in Detroit

Labor Day is barely in our rearview mirrors, but that just means it’s getting to be that time of year when Detroiters trade in their shorts, sun dresses, and frozen cocktails for layers, warm comfort food, and Oktoberfest. The two-week, carbohydrate-filled festival of beer and merriment held each year in Munich since the early 19th century has a presence here in the Motor City. This year, Oktoberfest runs from Sept. 16 to Oct. 3.

Expect beer tents, Bavarian music, warm pretzels, filling spaetzle, bratwurst, lederhosen, stein hoisting competitions, and big ol’ frothy, liter-sized steins of märzen. Märzen is a lager that originated in Bavaria. The medium-to-full-bodied Bavarian lager is traditionally served at the Munich Oktoberfest, and plenty of breweries around metro Detroit craft the special brew just for the occasion.

Several events taking place this year are in collaboration with DeutschTroit, a regional German-themed food pop-up and catering company. Here are 18 breweries, bars, and restaurants that are hosting Oktoberfest celebrations and serving beer and food menus highlighting German fare in metro Detroit. Prost.

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HOMES Brewery - Campus

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HOMES Brewery is ringing in Oktoberfest with a New Munich Day celebration beginning at 4 p.m. on Sept. 15 at its campus location. The celebration will include a beer release alongside German-themed food. New Munich Märzen is a dry-hopped Oktoberfest lager with notes of toasty biscuit. There will be a German-inspired food pop-up, grilling in the beer garden, yard games, and frozen drinks.

112 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734) 929-5212
(734) 929-5212

Also featured in:

River's Edge Brewing Company

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DeutschTroit will pull up to this Milford brewery on Sept. 23, featuring authentic German fare to pair with their German-style beers. Spiders from Marzen Oktoberfest Lager will be available alongside new German-style beers the brewery is releasing for the occasion. Tents open at 4 p.m. for the family-friendly event. The Good Times Band will kick off the festivities with traditional German music, and Brother Crowe will take the stage later in the evening with some Celtic-tinged Americana.

125 S Main St Suite 400, Milford, MI 48381
(248) 685-1625
(248) 685-1625
River’s Edge Brewing Co

Drafting Table Brewing Company

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Dress to impress for a chance to win prizes at the Wixom brewery’s Oktoberfest party. Limited beer releases, food by DeutschTroit, and a very competitive stein holding competition will all take place Sept. 29 and Sept. 30. The brewery is raising funds for the Hospitality House Food Pantry with a 50/50 raffle each day.

49438 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI 48393
(248) 956-7279
(248) 956-7279
Drafting Table Brewing Company

Kickstand Brewing Company

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The microbrewery and restaurant is hosting its second Oktoberfest celebration on Sept. 16. Live music, German-inspired food, keg rolling, and stein racing will be a part of the celebration. Note that the event is for guests 21 years old and above.

3050 Union Lake Rd #4a, Commerce Charter Twp, MI 48382
(248) 301-5941
(248) 301-5941
Kickstand Brewing Company

Brown Iron Brewhouse Royal Oak

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This Royal Oak brewery is hosting an authentic German Oktoberfest celebration from Sept. 15 to Oct. 1. German food specials will accompany the regular food menu and 25-plus German beers on tap. Wear a dirndl or lederhosen to receive a 10 percent discount.

30955 Woodward Ave Suite 510, Royal Oak, MI 48073
(248) 951-2659
(248) 951-2659
Brown Iron Brewhouse

Urbanrest Brewing Company

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Urbanrest brings Oktoberfest to Ferndale with activities for friends and family to its Wolcott location on Sept. 30. Strap on lederhosen and enjoy a pint — or stein — of the märzen, rauchbier, or export helles. Stichfass, or gravity cask tapping, takes place at noon. Traditional German fare will be provided by Belly It and DeutschTroit. The stein hoisting competition begins at 4 p.m. and festival games are available throughout the entire celebration. The Oompah band performance begins at 5 p.m.

2615 Wolcott St, Ferndale, MI 48220
(313) 389-6439
(313) 389-6439
Urbanrest Brewing Company

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FRAMEbar

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GERMANbar at FRAMEbar is bringing a refined but approachable take on the cultural celebration. Chef Michael Barrera is serving dishes of currywurst and wiener-schnitzel to pair alongside sommelier Diego Aliste’s favorite German wines from importer Vom Boden’s catalog. Other traditional favorites on the menu include käespätzel, kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), and apple strudel. Tickets are available for the Sept. 14 and 15 celebration. Lederhosen is optional.

23839 John R Rd #1, Hazel Park, MI 48030
(248) 291-5711
(248) 291-5711
Joe Vaughn

Dakota Inn

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The ceremonial keg tapping on Sept. 23 marks the beginning of Dakota Inn Rathskeller’s 90th year of Oktoberfest parties, which span five weekends from mid-September through early November every year. Each weekend, the restaurant piles patrons into the hall to raise pints of beer and sing along as live bands play traditional tunes like the schnitzel bank. Hearty plates of vinegary suerbraten, kaespatzle, and other German classics are churned out of the kitchen. Reservations are highly encouraged. Chicken hats are also strongly recommended.

17324 John R St, Detroit, MI 48203
(313) 867-9722
(313) 867-9722
GB in Detroit

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Supergeil

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More details are coming soon for Supergeil’s third annual celebration of Oktoberfest on Sept. 29 and Sept. 30. The two-day event will have live music, German fare, beer, and a costume contest for the best Oktoberfest attire.

2442 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 462-4133
(313) 462-4133
Supergeil

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Alpino Detroit

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The Alpine restaurant is celebrating its first Oktoberfest on Sept. 16 and Sept. 17. Ceramic 24-ounce Alpino beer steins are available for preorder for $45 and include the first beer fill. A German dinner is $30 and includes wursts, rotkraut, sauerkraut, gurkensalat, and a pretzel bun. Reservations encouraged.

1426 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 524-0888
(313) 524-0888

Also featured in:

Stadt Garten

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Midtown’s German beer and wine patio (with both indoor and outdoor seating) is hosting its second Oktoberfest celebration throughout the month of September and into early October. In addition to its already robust beverage menu of German wine and beer, the garden will host various pop-ups throughout the six weeks, including the Melway burger pop-up on Sept. 15 and Sept. 16, DeutschTroit on Sept. 24, and Chicago-based Hopewell Brewing on Sept. 28. Outside food is welcome, and more updates (including a German bakery pop-up, live music, and Apfelwein party with Revel Ciders) will be provided on Instagram once confirmed.

3980 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 500-0000
(313) 500-0000
Stadt Garten

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Batch Brewing Company

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For the past nine years, Batch Brewing Company has transformed into Batch Brauerei — its alter ego that comes out just for Oktoberfest. This year, festivities take place from Sept 15-17, featuring live music, a German-themed menu, and steins available for purchase for $25, which includes the first liter of beer. Options include festbier, pocket calculator, altbier, schwarzbier, Czech pils, chelsa familiar, hefeweisen, biergartenbier, berlinerweis, szwickelbier, and German pilsner.

1400 Porter St, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 338-8008
(313) 338-8008
a beer of boot clinking a can of beer Batch Brewing Company

Also featured in:

Brew Detroit

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The indoor and outdoor Corktoberfest celebration on Sept. 16 will include music, food, and lots of beer. Specialty beers for the event include the märzen lager “Corktoberfest,” which will be available on draft and by 4-pack 16-ounce cans to-go, German pilsner, festbier, and kölsch. Food includes Bavarian pretzels with a flight of different house-made mustards and German street-style currywurst.

1401 Abbott St, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 344-7185
(313) 344-7185
Brew Detroit

Also featured in:

Eastern Market Brewing Co

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The Eastern Market bier drinking, stein-cheersing celebration will take place 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 16 and will feature German stein specials, keg rolling and stein hoisting contests, DeutschTroit food, and live music by Ensemble Die Dorfmusikaten.

2515 Riopelle St, Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 513-2200
(313) 513-2200

Also featured in:

Cøllect Beer Bar

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Cøllect Beer Bar will hold its rooftop Oktoberfest party on Sept. 30, featuring a large selection of German-style beers on draft, by the bottle, and can. Bunny Bunny will be coordinating a German menu special for the event.

1454 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207

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St. Joseph Shrine

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St. Joseph Shrine will host its sixteenth annual family-friendly Oktoberfest on Sept. 23 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sept. 24 from noon to 8 p.m. The event features a special German dinner, Oktoberfest beers, a stein-holding competition (registration required) with a trophy for both the men's and women’s winners, live pony rides, a petting zoo, and live music from various German bands.

1828 Jay St, Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 784-9152
(313) 784-9152
St. Joseph Oktoberfest

Atwater Brewery & Tap House

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The Rivertown tap house will host Bloktoberfest from noon to 10 p.m. on Sept. 23. The event will include live music, stein hoisting, keg lifting, pretzel tossing, and Oktoberfest-themed food and beer menu, and more.

237 Jos Campau, Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 877-9205
(313) 877-9205

Also featured in:

Two Birds

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The house in Detroit’s West Village will be hosting an Oktoberfest celebration with themed beverages on Oct. 6th. The pierogi queen will be popping up with a unique menu for the night, and more information will be released on social media.

8130 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214

Also featured in:

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HOMES Brewery - Campus

112 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

HOMES Brewery is ringing in Oktoberfest with a New Munich Day celebration beginning at 4 p.m. on Sept. 15 at its campus location. The celebration will include a beer release alongside German-themed food. New Munich Märzen is a dry-hopped Oktoberfest lager with notes of toasty biscuit. There will be a German-inspired food pop-up, grilling in the beer garden, yard games, and frozen drinks.

112 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734) 929-5212
(734) 929-5212

River's Edge Brewing Company

125 S Main St Suite 400, Milford, MI 48381

DeutschTroit will pull up to this Milford brewery on Sept. 23, featuring authentic German fare to pair with their German-style beers. Spiders from Marzen Oktoberfest Lager will be available alongside new German-style beers the brewery is releasing for the occasion. Tents open at 4 p.m. for the family-friendly event. The Good Times Band will kick off the festivities with traditional German music, and Brother Crowe will take the stage later in the evening with some Celtic-tinged Americana.

125 S Main St Suite 400, Milford, MI 48381
(248) 685-1625
(248) 685-1625
River’s Edge Brewing Co

Drafting Table Brewing Company

49438 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI 48393

Dress to impress for a chance to win prizes at the Wixom brewery’s Oktoberfest party. Limited beer releases, food by DeutschTroit, and a very competitive stein holding competition will all take place Sept. 29 and Sept. 30. The brewery is raising funds for the Hospitality House Food Pantry with a 50/50 raffle each day.

49438 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI 48393
(248) 956-7279
(248) 956-7279
Drafting Table Brewing Company

Kickstand Brewing Company

3050 Union Lake Rd #4a, Commerce Charter Twp, MI 48382

The microbrewery and restaurant is hosting its second Oktoberfest celebration on Sept. 16. Live music, German-inspired food, keg rolling, and stein racing will be a part of the celebration. Note that the event is for guests 21 years old and above.

3050 Union Lake Rd #4a, Commerce Charter Twp, MI 48382
(248) 301-5941
(248) 301-5941
Kickstand Brewing Company

Brown Iron Brewhouse Royal Oak

30955 Woodward Ave Suite 510, Royal Oak, MI 48073

This Royal Oak brewery is hosting an authentic German Oktoberfest celebration from Sept. 15 to Oct. 1. German food specials will accompany the regular food menu and 25-plus German beers on tap. Wear a dirndl or lederhosen to receive a 10 percent discount.

30955 Woodward Ave Suite 510, Royal Oak, MI 48073
(248) 951-2659
(248) 951-2659
Brown Iron Brewhouse

Urbanrest Brewing Company

2615 Wolcott St, Ferndale, MI 48220

Urbanrest brings Oktoberfest to Ferndale with activities for friends and family to its Wolcott location on Sept. 30. Strap on lederhosen and enjoy a pint — or stein — of the märzen, rauchbier, or export helles. Stichfass, or gravity cask tapping, takes place at noon. Traditional German fare will be provided by Belly It and DeutschTroit. The stein hoisting competition begins at 4 p.m. and festival games are available throughout the entire celebration. The Oompah band performance begins at 5 p.m.

2615 Wolcott St, Ferndale, MI 48220
(313) 389-6439
(313) 389-6439
Urbanrest Brewing Company

FRAMEbar

23839 John R Rd #1, Hazel Park, MI 48030

GERMANbar at FRAMEbar is bringing a refined but approachable take on the cultural celebration. Chef Michael Barrera is serving dishes of currywurst and wiener-schnitzel to pair alongside sommelier Diego Aliste’s favorite German wines from importer Vom Boden’s catalog. Other traditional favorites on the menu include käespätzel, kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), and apple strudel. Tickets are available for the Sept. 14 and 15 celebration. Lederhosen is optional.

23839 John R Rd #1, Hazel Park, MI 48030
(248) 291-5711
(248) 291-5711
Joe Vaughn

Dakota Inn

17324 John R St, Detroit, MI 48203

The ceremonial keg tapping on Sept. 23 marks the beginning of Dakota Inn Rathskeller’s 90th year of Oktoberfest parties, which span five weekends from mid-September through early November every year. Each weekend, the restaurant piles patrons into the hall to raise pints of beer and sing along as live bands play traditional tunes like the schnitzel bank. Hearty plates of vinegary suerbraten, kaespatzle, and other German classics are churned out of the kitchen. Reservations are highly encouraged. Chicken hats are also strongly recommended.

17324 John R St, Detroit, MI 48203
(313) 867-9722
(313) 867-9722
GB in Detroit

Supergeil

2442 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

More details are coming soon for Supergeil’s third annual celebration of Oktoberfest on Sept. 29 and Sept. 30. The two-day event will have live music, German fare, beer, and a costume contest for the best Oktoberfest attire.

2442 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 462-4133
(313) 462-4133
Supergeil

Alpino Detroit

1426 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216

The Alpine restaurant is celebrating its first Oktoberfest on Sept. 16 and Sept. 17. Ceramic 24-ounce Alpino beer steins are available for preorder for $45 and include the first beer fill. A German dinner is $30 and includes wursts, rotkraut, sauerkraut, gurkensalat, and a pretzel bun. Reservations encouraged.

1426 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 524-0888
(313) 524-0888

Stadt Garten

3980 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Midtown’s German beer and wine patio (with both indoor and outdoor seating) is hosting its second Oktoberfest celebration throughout the month of September and into early October. In addition to its already robust beverage menu of German wine and beer, the garden will host various pop-ups throughout the six weeks, including the Melway burger pop-up on Sept. 15 and Sept. 16, DeutschTroit on Sept. 24, and Chicago-based Hopewell Brewing on Sept. 28. Outside food is welcome, and more updates (including a German bakery pop-up, live music, and Apfelwein party with Revel Ciders) will be provided on Instagram once confirmed.

3980 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 500-0000
(313) 500-0000
Stadt Garten

Batch Brewing Company

1400 Porter St, Detroit, MI 48216

For the past nine years, Batch Brewing Company has transformed into Batch Brauerei — its alter ego that comes out just for Oktoberfest. This year, festivities take place from Sept 15-17, featuring live music, a German-themed menu, and steins available for purchase for $25, which includes the first liter of beer. Options include festbier, pocket calculator, altbier, schwarzbier, Czech pils, chelsa familiar, hefeweisen, biergartenbier, berlinerweis, szwickelbier, and German pilsner.

1400 Porter St, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 338-8008
(313) 338-8008
a beer of boot clinking a can of beer Batch Brewing Company

Brew Detroit

1401 Abbott St, Detroit, MI 48216

The indoor and outdoor Corktoberfest celebration on Sept. 16 will include music, food, and lots of beer. Specialty beers for the event include the märzen lager “Corktoberfest,” which will be available on draft and by 4-pack 16-ounce cans to-go, German pilsner, festbier, and kölsch. Food includes Bavarian pretzels with a flight of different house-made mustards and German street-style currywurst.

1401 Abbott St, Detroit, MI 48216
(313) 344-7185
(313) 344-7185
Brew Detroit

Eastern Market Brewing Co

2515 Riopelle St, Detroit, MI 48207

The Eastern Market bier drinking, stein-cheersing celebration will take place 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 16 and will feature German stein specials, keg rolling and stein hoisting contests, DeutschTroit food, and live music by Ensemble Die Dorfmusikaten.

2515 Riopelle St, Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 513-2200
(313) 513-2200

Cøllect Beer Bar

1454 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207

Cøllect Beer Bar will hold its rooftop Oktoberfest party on Sept. 30, featuring a large selection of German-style beers on draft, by the bottle, and can. Bunny Bunny will be coordinating a German menu special for the event.

1454 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207

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St. Joseph Shrine

1828 Jay St, Detroit, MI 48207

St. Joseph Shrine will host its sixteenth annual family-friendly Oktoberfest on Sept. 23 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sept. 24 from noon to 8 p.m. The event features a special German dinner, Oktoberfest beers, a stein-holding competition (registration required) with a trophy for both the men's and women’s winners, live pony rides, a petting zoo, and live music from various German bands.

1828 Jay St, Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 784-9152
(313) 784-9152
St. Joseph Oktoberfest

Atwater Brewery & Tap House

237 Jos Campau, Detroit, MI 48207

The Rivertown tap house will host Bloktoberfest from noon to 10 p.m. on Sept. 23. The event will include live music, stein hoisting, keg lifting, pretzel tossing, and Oktoberfest-themed food and beer menu, and more.

237 Jos Campau, Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 877-9205
(313) 877-9205

Two Birds

8130 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214

The house in Detroit’s West Village will be hosting an Oktoberfest celebration with themed beverages on Oct. 6th. The pierogi queen will be popping up with a unique menu for the night, and more information will be released on social media.

8130 Kercheval Ave, Detroit, MI 48214

Related Maps