o’zapft! (Tap!)
As Oktoberfest season is all for us, it’s something the mayor of Munich screams when the first Oktoberfest beer barrel is tapped on September 20th, and perhaps they say at a German restaurant in Horrorbach in Sanford.
Best German: 2025 Orlando Sentinel Foodie Award
Oktoberfest, despite its name, is celebrated in September (while both Horrorbach and the German American Association will explore its factoid in the weeks that throw the annual festival in October, for now, there is a roster of local spots that can quickly win Dasfest around the Metro.
Aracato: music, food specials, and of course: beer. Oktoberfest will return to Arakart in Orlando’s Milk area until September 20th and run until September 28th. This year, all featured beers come from Fontrap, which is brewed from Stowe, Vermont (and if you’re thinking about “music sounds,” yes, von trapps, von trapps). More information: Alacartorlando.com
Gravity Taproom: This North Square Tavern Oktoberfest kickoff party will take place on September 20th from 4 to 8pm. Includes live music, prizes, contests, cask taps and food specials inspired by Oktoberfest. More information: GravityTaproom.com/events/oktoberfest-kickoff-party
The German Restaurant in Hollerbach: Their official Oktoberfest will take place next month (keep this space for more details), but at 6:30pm on September 20th, they will tap on the ritual barrels as kick-off to the season with special guests Tap Meister Matt Morgan, Longwood City Commissioner and former WWE wrestler. They celebrate all day and before tap, so come early. More information: Hollerbachs.com
Ivanhoe Park Lager House: There’s always a good time during the season of Oktoberfest at Ivanhoe Park Lager House. First, there will be a Beer Fest on September 20th, featuring a massive German pouring and a special German food menu available during the festival season. If you’ve never experienced the Kolsch Wheel Service, it features a constant refill of the homemade lake Hopp’r Kolsch from the tradition (IPLH). Place the coaster on the glass and always on the menu here, but it’s a great way to enjoy this tradition during the Oktoberfest season. Full 1 liter beer glasses are available and on September 20th, you can test your durability during the Steinholding Contest. Prizes include bar tabs and cool brewery stolen items! Plus, Ivanhoe Park Lager House will host a wine/German beer pairing dinner on October 7th. More: ivanhoeparkbrewing.com
Orlando’s Schnitz & Giggles is the Oktoberfest of Wheels
Oviedo OKTOBERFest: Oviedo October Fest will return with rain or glow from September 25th to Center Lake Park at Oviedo Amphitheater. The three-day fest includes authentic German beer, food, music, entertainment, contests and more. Notable performers include Orlando Trachtenberin and King Guys’ Oktoberfest Brass Band. Beer punch cards can be purchased in advance to avoid long lines. The $30 denomination is only effective under beer tents to buy glassware and beer. The Beer Punch Card is valid throughout the 3-day festival. Details: 407-971-5590, facebook.com/oviedorecnparks
Redlight Redlight: Spaß! It means fun in German. And they know the fun in all other languages, in German and at this undoubtedly legendary beer bar, brewery and more recently at the beer bar/brewery/restaurant in Orlando’s Orlando Park Garden District. From noon to 6pm on September 20th, you will be taking part in the annual Oktoberfest party, featuring enthusiastic competition for Chef Jestantaro, live music, Bounce House for DJs and kids, and sweet treats from Sugar Rush Marshmallows and Liter. Available in Overflow Car Parking (1500 Falcon Drive, Orlando). More details: facebook.com/redlightredlight
Sideword Brewing Company: Sidetoberfest will return to this milk district brewery from September 20th to 21st. Special menus of German-inspired dishes, liters, sausage fingers (sideword celebration festival) and goat snacks (Hefeweizen), special menus of live entertainment. More information: sidewardbrewing.com
10 Brewing Company: The annual Oktoberfest is scheduled for next month. Details will be released soon, but on September 20th, we will be tapping Festier, so please show up and arrive in the spirit of the season. More information: ten10brewing.com
Do you want to reach out to me? Find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @Amydroo or the Osfoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun, join Let’s Eat and Orlando Facebook Group.
