A harvest festival celebrated since the early 1800s, Oktoberfest is traditionally held during the month of September in Germany. Here in the Northwest, we mix it up with some Oktoberfest events starting in September, and others held in October. Regardless of when they are held, Oktoberfest events are as good a reason as any to gather with friends over German-style lagers in the Biergarten.
Here’s where to celebrate Oktoberfest in Bellingham and Whatcom County in 2023. Prost!
September 14 - 17
Sunnyland neighborhood breweries come together to celebrate beer! Enjoy this pub-crawl style event and sample special beers from Kulshan Brewing, Otherlands Beer, Twin Sisters Brewing, Stemma Brewing, Wander Brewing, NorthFork Brewery and the newest Sunnyland brewery, El Sueñito! Each brewery will be releasing special beers for the occasion.
Get a stamp on your punch card for every brewery you visit. Use your full punch card to enter a raffle and win prizes at the end of the weekend!
Gate-Oberfest at 1890 Taphouse
September 16 & 30
Head to 1890 Taphouse in Blaine, WA to celebrate Oktoberfest with games, food, and Oktoberfest-inspired contests! Participate or watch 21+ competitions like Keg Rolling, Keg Throwing, Stein Holding, and Pretzel Eating! Plus live music and more.
September 22, 23, 29, & 30
Celebrate the Bavarian tradition of gathering to drink beer and enjoy delicious sausages... on a boat exploring Bellingham Bay and Chuckanut Bay! Cruises run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and include beer tastings and a Bratwurst Dinner Buffet. Enjoy German Lagers, Harvest Ales and Fresh Hopped IPAs.
September 27
Enjoy a night of brews, bratwurst, and Bavarian fun at Depot Market Square in Downtown Bellingham!
Oktoberfest at Boundary Bay Brewery
Grab your lederhosen, dirndls and steins ready, because Oktoberfest is coming to Boundary Bay Brewery! Head to the beer garden on Saturday, Oktober 7th for an all-ages and dog-friendly celebration of not just Oktoberfest, but of the brewery's 28th Anniversary as well! The beer garden will be open from 12-8 with German-inspired food, crafts, contests, and games, with prizes up for grabs!
Oktoberfest is free to attend, but the first 50 people to RSVP will receive an exclusive upgrade during the event!! *More details to come!
Deming Log Show Oktoberfest 2023
October 13 & 14
Just a couple miles from Bellingham, WA, check out Deming Oktoberfest at the Deming Log Show Grounds! Come and enjoy music, dancing, and FREE camping all weekend long.
The event is 21+ and offers FREE beer steins, FREE RV and tent camping, lots of different beer on tap along with cider and wine. Food, coffee, and water will also be available.
Proceeds from Deming Oktoberfest go to the Busted Up Loggers fund.
