Can’t make it to Munich’s famed Oktoberfest? Don’t worry—neither can we. Lucky for us, our home state just so happens to have several celebrations every brew-thusiast can enjoy. So crack open a cold one and sip on some seasonal beers at any one of these events.
September
5-7: Summer is coming to a close and that means it’s almost time to say sayonara to barbecue—at least for a little while. Spend Labor Day Weekend sipping brews and savoring the ‘cue at the BBQ & Craft Beer Festival.
Where: Monmouth Park Racetrack, 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport
When: Gates open at 11:30 AM; vendors on-site until 6 PM
Price: $3 entrance fee plus beer and food
12: 102.9 WMGK hosts the 5th Annual Brew Blast on the Battleship. Attendees have the opportunity to taste brews on board the decorated battleship, which is docked near the Camden Waterfront. There will be more than 50 beers available for sampling and live classic rock. Bonus: tickets include a free tour of Battleship New Jersey.
Where: Battleship New Jersey, 62 Battleship Place, Camden
When: 1-5 PM
Price: General admission $45; designated driver $20
Photo courtesy of wagnertc via Flickr/Creative Commons
19: Resorts Casino in Atlantic City is hosting the 3rd Annual Craft Beerfest, featuring more than 75 different brews from around the country, and a few New Jersey names, of course. Live entertainment provided by Woodbridge-based band Seven Stone. Bar bites and beer food will be available for purchase.
Where: Resorts Ballroom, 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
When: 4-8 PM
Price: Tickets from $25
26: With 3 tents, 100 breweries and 200 beers, the Garden State Brewfest is an event brew-thusiasts just can’t miss. All that beer is sure to make your stomach rumble. Good thing there are food trucks for that!
Where: Anchor Golf Center, 21 Route 10 East, Whippany
When: 2-6 PM
Price: General admission $65; designated driver $20
26: With 50 different craft brews to sample, the First Annual Beer on the Pier is shore to please—er, sure to please. Tickets include a 5-ounce keepsake glass for tasting and 2-ounce pours of beer from 25 breweries around the country.
Where: K Street Pier, Belmar Marina
When: 12:30-3:30 PM and 4-7 PM
Price: $35 in advance; $45 at the door; designated driver $10
Photo courtesy of maelick via Flickr/Creative Commons
27: A take on the Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival, the 6th Annual Red Bank Guinness Oyster Festival is a culinary celebration. Oysters and Guinness are obviously the stars of this show, but 25 local restaurants will also be on-site serving up specialty items. The downtown festival will feature a collection of cover bands as well as performances with Irish dancers, pipes and drums. (Rain date: 10/4)
Where: White Street Parking Lot, Red Bank
When: Noon-7 PM
Price: $5 for anyone over 10
October
3: Skylands Stadium is inviting you to ‘tap into the fun’ at the first annual Skylands Beer Fest. More than 40 craft beers will be available for sampling at the home of the Sussex County Miners minor league baseball team. Beer vendors include New Jersey’s own Flying Fish Brewing Company and Ramstein Brewery. Live music, food and games round out the day’s activities.
Where: Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta
When: 12-6 PM
Price: General admission $25 (admission includes 15 drink vouchers); $5 for non-drinkers
3: More than 35 breweries will be in attendance for the third annual Glassboro Craft Beer Festival including four Jersey brewers. According to their website, this number is expected to rise as the festival approaches. A variety of food and craft vendors will set up shop, too. Note: this festival is only for those 21 or older.
Where: Glassboro Marketplace, 201 Rowan Boulevard, Glassboro
When: 2-6 PM
Price: General admission $25; designated driver $5
10: At Big Brew Beer Festival in Morristown, attendees can sample more than 200 craft beers. It’s prime pumpkin time for beer, making this a can’t-miss event. Head on over for great beer, good food and live entertainment.
Where: The Morristown Armory, 430 Western Ave, Morristown
When: Two sessions: 12-4 PM and 5:30-9:30 PM
Price: General admission $55; designated driver $10
Photo courtesy of adambarhan via Flickr/Creative Commons
10: The Central Jersey Beer Festival promises 6 hours of live entertainment and food festivities at the Mercer County Fairgrounds. What about the beer, you say? Have no fear, attendees can sample more than 100 beers from 12:30-4:30 PM.
Where: Mercer County Park Festival, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windor
When: 12-6 PM
Price: General admission $55; cash bar ticket $10
11: Old Bay in New Brunswick, a New Orleans-style hangout with dozens of draft beers, is hosting its 26th Annual Oktoberfest. With admission, guests can choose one of the 24 international craft beers for free. But the night is just getting started. The wide selection of craft brews is joined by a German food buffet and live German music by Alpine Express for a whole night of fun.
Where: The Old Bay, New Brunswick
When: 1-7 PM
Price: General admission $15 cover charge
November
7: The Beer, BBQ and Bacon Showdown is the first ever festival to feature only New Jersey beer. With local brews, gourmet food trucks and top-notch chefs, this festival promises to be a sizzlin’ good time.
Where: Waterloo Village Concert Field, Stanhope
When: 1-5 PM
Price: General admission $55; designated driver $25