4 Places to Celebrate Oktoberfest in and Around Bradenton and Sarasota

Oktoberfest offers the perfect chance to eat, drink, and be merry this autumn. If you’re looking for some exciting festivals in the Bradenton and Sarasota area, these four celebrations are sure to do the trick.

1. Mr. Beery’s Oktoberfest
2645 Mall Dr, Sarasota
5.5 miles from Springs at Bee Ridge

Mr. Beery’s will host its annual Oktoberfest on October 1 at 4 p.m. Event tickets include a one-liter keepsake glass beer stein, your first fill of Oktoberfest beer from the tap, and a full plate of German food from Geier’s Sausage Kitchen. You can participate in a stein hoisting contest, costume contest, and other festivities, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. Tickets are $35, and there’s only a limited number available so be sure to purchase yours in advance.

2. Sixth Annual Oktoberfest Tampa
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa
47 miles from Springs at Braden River

Oktoberfest Tampa is a three-day tradition, taking place October 7, 8, and 9 this year. You can enjoy games like the barrel roll, stein hoisting, grain sack toss, brat toss, chicken dance, and more. Don’t forget to fill up on German specialties including the beloved chicken schnitzel, traditional bratwurst and sauerkraut, hearty sauerbraten, and hot, fresh pretzels. Naturally, you’ll find plenty of German beers and wines to complete your feast.

3. Jazz Club of Sarasota Oktoberfest
Downtown Sarasota
14.5 miles from Springs at Bee Ridge

The Jazz Club of Sarasota will host an Oktoberfest Trolley and Pub Crawl October 26. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the event. The trolley runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m., stopping at popular locations like the Starlite Room, Gator Club, Blue Rooster, and Mandeville Beergarden. If you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional Oktoberfest celebration, this evening of drinks and music is a perfect choice.

4. German American Society of Pinellas
8098 66th St N, Pinellas Park
41 miles from Springs at Palma Sola

The German American Society of Pinellas is hosting Oktoberfest over multiple weekends. You can enjoy the festivities September 30 and October 1 or October 7 and 8. You’ll find ample entertainment including German bands, folk dancers, beer stein holding contests, and special events like a keg tapping ceremony and parade of flags. Indulge in a broad menu of German favorites including potato pancakes, bratwurst, schnitzel, German potato salad, apple strudel, black forest cake, and more. Admission is just $8 per person.

What’s your favorite Oktoberfest event near the Bradenton and Sarasota area? Share it with us in the comments below.