The weather is getting cooler and the days shorter. Luckily, we have plenty to celebrate to keep our spirits high as we head into fall, starting with Oktoberfest! Oktoberfest is a grand celebration of all things German that dates back to the 1800s. It’s no wonder we have so many great Oktoberfests in Skagit County, with all the excellent breweries in our own backyard to provide the libations. Here are the details for the 2019 Oktoberfest events in Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Bow and Anacortes.
Farmtoberfest
September 14: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Farmstrong Brewing Company
100 Stewart Road, Mount Vernon
Happening just before the actual start of the Munich Oktoberfest, which is September 21, Farmtoberfest is Farmstrong Brewing Company’s fourth anniversary bash and promises to be one heck of a party! To start, they are releasing two special beers for the occasion, the 2019 Pro-Am winner Hoppy Saion and their Farmtoberfest brew.
This Oktoberfest in Mount Vernon will also have exclusive merch for sale, including limited edition steins, both in a half and full liter. Pre-sale for the steins is happening now at the Farmstrong Brewing Company taproom. You can’t have an Oktoberfest without plenty of games, and Farmtoberfest will definitely have those. Expect stein-hoisting competitions, lederhosen/dirndl competitions and of course, Hammer-Schlagen. Hammer-Schlagen is a particular nail driving competition with its own set of rules. It’s just as fun to watch as it is to compete in this crazy game. Double Barrel BBQ will be providing an Oktoberfest-themed menu and there will be cake for dessert.
Farmtoberfest schedule highlights:
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Free Balloon Art from Sizzle
12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Double Barrel Oktoberfest Menu + Farmstrong Special Beer Releases
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Stein-hoisting Preliminaries
3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.: Lederhosen / Dirndl Competition
3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Hammer-Schlagen
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Stein-hoisting Finals
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Toasts and Cake
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Live Music from Mama Dirty Skirt
For more information, visit the Farmstrong Brewing Company Facebook page.
3rd Annual Sedro-Woolley Brewfest
September 21: 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Ferry Street and Woodworth Metcalf Street, Sedro-Woolley
Kick of the official start to the Munich Oktoberfest at the 3rd Annual Sedro-Woolley Brewfest. This Oktoberfest in Sedro-Woolley benefits the Helping Hands Food Bank. The streets between Ferry Street and Woodworth Metcalf will be closed down for this giant party! The Sedro-Woolley Brewfest boosts lots of food options and clean bathrooms. Just a few of the breweries attending are North Sound Brewing Company, Dirty Bucket Brewing Company, Skatgit River Brewery, Cardinal Craft Brewing and for cider lovers, the Bellingham Cider Company. There will be raffles and merchandise sales, all of which goes toward the goal of raising $50,000 for the Food Bank.
This event is 21-years-old and over. Your ticket gets you five, eight-ounce tastings. More tastings are available for purchase. Early bird pricing is $35 plus $4 convenience fee. Tickets can be purchased on the EventBrite website.
Camptoberfest
October 4: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Camp Kirby
4734 Samish Point Road, Bow
Camp Kirby is having an adult-only bash in honor of Oktoberfest called Camptoberfest. Put on your lederhosen and then head to their bier garten for a night of fun! They will have beer, cider, brats, music, gift baskets, door prizes and more. There will be lots of German food and flavors! Suggested donation is $20 for all the beer you can handle! Make is a weekend by staying the night at Camp Kirby. For more information visit the Camp Kirby website.
Bier on the Pier
October 4: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
October 5: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Port Warehouse Event Center
100 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes
It’s the 10th anniversary of Bier on the Pier and they are celebrating right at the end of traditional Oktoberfest (based on the Munich calendar). They are pulling out all the taps for this event, with more than 40 breweries, cideries and food vendors for you to feast at, along with the gorgeous views of the Guemes channel.
Peoples Bank is the barrel sponsor for this year, and you are sure to find something that fits your palate, with brews ranging from “spicy and peppery to the citrusy and piney hops of the Pacific Northwest.” Discovery Bay Breweing, Anacortes Brewery, Pelican Brewing Company, LaConner Brewring Company and Farmstrong Brewing Company are just a few breweries that will be in attendance. For those who are more of the cider-kind-of-folk, there will be eight cideries coming for you to try. There will also be drinks provided by Kyla Hard Kombucha.
Food vendors such as Corn Dogs of the World, Java JoJOs on the Go, Vivi’s Kitchen and Poutine Your Mouth will keep you full. Live music will be provided by local bands: Miller Campbell, Randy Weeks, and Gin Gypsy.
Make it a weekend by staying in Anacortes and exploring the unique downtown area before and after Oktoberfest both days.
This is a 21-years-old and over event. No children, instants or pets allowed. Tickets started at $25 for Friday, $35 for Saturday and $50 for both days. Designated Drivers get in for $7. Purchase tickets at the EventBrite website.
Skagit Valley College Oktoberfest
October 10: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Skagit Valley College Mount Vernon Campus, Cardinal Center
2405 E College Way, Mount Vernon
The Skagit Valley College Oktoberfest is back for its fourth year and promises to be a fun afternoon full of great food and local craft beer! The Skagit Valley College Professional/Technical Programs and the Skagit Valley College Foundation are sponsoring the event. This family friendly event will be catered with German-themed food provided by the Skagit Valley College Culinary Arts Student chefs. Be ready for hors d’oeuvres that will make you want to do the Chicken Dance! Then, for those 21-years-old and over, there will be Cardinal Craft Brews on tap to wash them down with. Admission is free, with $2 tasting tickets being sold at the door.
