O’zapft is! (It is tapped!)
It’s what the mayor of Munich will exclaim when the first Oktoberfest beer keg is tapped on Sept. 20, and likely what they’ll say up at Hollerbach’s German Restaurant in Sanford, too, because the season of Oktoberfest is upon us all, and there’s much in the way of gemütlichkeit, a feeling of warmth and happiness, that flows right along with the beer.
Best German: 2025 Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards
Oktoberfest, despite the name, is generally celebrated in September (we’ll explore that factoid in a few weeks when both Hollerbach’s and the German American Society of Central Florida throw their annual festivals in October, but for now, here’s a roster of local spots where you can get your das fest on around the metro, sooner rather than later.
À La Cart: The music, the food specials and of course: the beer. Oktoberfest returns to À La Cart in Orlando’s Milk District on Sept. 20, running through Sept. 28, and this year, all of the featured beers come from Von Trapp Brewing out of Stowe, Vermont (and if you’re thinking “The Sound of Music,” yes, those Von Trapps) As a special promotion, À La Cart has partnered with them to offer one lucky winner a two-night stay at the famous Von Trapp Family Lodge. More info: alacartorlando.com
A host of German food specials will be on hand during Ivanhoe Park Lager House’s Oktoberfest celebration on Sept. 20. (Photo courtesy Ivanhoe Park Lager House)
Gravity Taproom: This North Quarter tavern’s Oktoberfest Kickoff Party happens from 4-8 p.m. on Sept. 20. It will include live music, giveaways, contests, a cask tapping and an Oktoberfest-inspired food special that’ll pair beautifully with a crisp Märzen. More info: gravitytaproom.com/events/oktoberfest-kickoff-party
Hollerbach’s German Restaurant: Their official Oktoberfest runs next month (keep an eye on this space for details), but at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 20, they’ll be tapping their ceremonial keg as a kick-off to the season with special guest ceremonial tap meister Matt Morgan, Longwood City Commissioner and former WWE wrestler. They’ll be celebrating all day long, pre-tap, so come early. More info: hollerbachs.com
Kolsch wheel service is always available at Ivanhoe Park Lager House, but is especially fun during the Oktoberfest season. (Courtesy Ivanhoe Park Lager House)
Ivanhoe Park Lager House: There are always good times during Oktoberfest season at Ivanhoe Park Lager House. First up, Beerfest on Sept. 20, featuring loads of German-style pours and a special German food menu that’s available during the festival season. If you’ve never experienced Kolsch wheel service, the tradition (which features constant refills of IPLH’s house-made Lake Hopp’r Kolsch; place your coaster on top of your glass when you’ve had enough) is always on the menu here, but highlighted during Oktoberfest season as it’s a great way to enjoy this tradition. Full 1-liter beer glasses are available and on Sept. 20, guests can test their endurance during the stein-holding contest. Prizes include a bar tab and cool brewery swag! Additionally, Ivanhoe Park Lager House will be hosting a wine/German beer pairing dinner on Oct. 7. More info: ivanhoeparkbrewing.com
Orlando’s Schnitz & Giggles is Oktoberfest on wheels
Oviedo Oktoberfest: Free to attend, Oviedo Oktoberfest returns, running from Sept. 25-27, rain or shine, at the Oviedo Amphitheater at Center Lake Park. Three-day fest will feature authentic German beer, food, music, entertainment, contests and more. Featured performers include Orlando Trachtenverein and King Guys Oktoberfest Brass Band. Beer punch cards are available for purchase in advance to avoid long lines. $30 denominations are valid for the purchase of glassware and beer, only under the Beer Tent. Beer punch cards are valid for the entire three-day festival. More info: 407-971-5590, facebook.com/OviedoRecNParks
Redlight Redlight: Spaß! It means fun in German. And they know fun in German and just about every other language at this arguably legendary beer bar, brewery and, more recently, beer bar/brewery/restaurant in Orlando’s Audubon Park Garden District. Join them on Sept. 20 from noon to 6 p.m. for their annual Oktoberfest party featuring German fare by chef Jes Tantalo, live music and a DJ, a bounce house for your kids, sweet treats from Sugar Rush Marshmallows and a liter-joisting competition. Overflow parking available at Audubon Park School (1500 Falcon Drive in Orlando). More info: facebook.com/redlightredlight
Traditional trachten (clothing) is encouraged at Sidetoberfest, this year taking place Sept. 20-21 at Sideward Brewing in Orlando’s Milk District neighborhood. (Courtesy Sideward Brewing)
Sideward Brewing Company: Sidetoberfest returns to this Milk District brewery on Sept. 20-21: two whole days of enjoying the biergarten, a special menu of German-inspired fare, litres and litres of Sausage Fingers (Sideward’s celebratory festbier) and Goat Snacks (hefeweizen) along with live entertainment. More info: sidewardbrewing.com
Ten 10 Brewing Company: Their annual Oktoberfest will be planned for next month, details coming soon, but on Sept. 20, they’ll be tapping their Festbier, so be sure to show up and get in the spirit of the season. More info: ten10brewing.com
Want to reach out? Find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/09/11/september-oktoberfest-orlando-events/
