Three Ways to Celebrate Oktoberfest in RI

Here in America we like to celebrate foreign cultures by way of their drinking habits. On St. Patrick’s Day we’re all Irish and love Guinness. On Boxing Day everybody’s Canadian and loves box wine. Then there’s Oktoberfest, which is an entire month of lederhosen and big, big mugs of beer. Okay, some of these things are broad generalizations, if not flat out lies (we apologize if box wine and Boxing Day aren’t as closely related as we think they are) but it is true that throughout Rhode Island folks will be channeling their inner Bavarian this month.

The 23rd International Oktoberfest will be filling steins at India Point Park this year on Saturday October 17 and Sunday October 18. The 21+ event will featured a Biergarten, German eats, polka, bellringers and yoddelers. India Point Park, Providence.  

Redlefsen’s in Bristol will be rolling out the barrel on September 30 and will be celebrating every Wednesday and Thursday through the end of October. Each evening will feature seatings at 6pm and 8pm and lots of singing, eating and drinking. Reservations are encouraged. Singing loud is encouraged more. 444 Thames Street, Bristol.  

In Charlestown, The Rathskeller isn’t holding Oktoberfest celebrations necessarily, but they are throwing a fest in October. Their third annual Fall Fest will be going on the weekend of October 2 and will feature live music and a backyard buffet throughout the weekend, plus a cornhole tournament and an inflatable obstacle course for kids. On Sunday, October 4, the Twin Peaks Preservation Stroll, a charity 5K, starts at the Rathskeller at 10am with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. 489a Old Coach Road, Charlestown.