Prost to Fall Fun!
As the leaves begin their spectacular transformation and autumn’s crisp air settles over the Finger Lakes, there’s no better time to raise a stein and celebrate the season! The ROC/FLX Craft Beverage Trail is bringing you an incredible lineup of Oktoberfest festivities that’ll have you saying “Prost!” from Rochester to Naples.
Whether you’re a local looking for weekend adventures or planning a perfect fall getaway to our region, these authentic Oktoberfest celebrations offer the perfect blend of traditional German culture, exceptional craft beer, and that warm community spirit our trail is famous for.
September Celebrations
Kick Off the Season with Rohrbach Brewing Company
The festivities begin early this year with not one, but TWO fantastic Rohrbach events! Mark your calendars for September 10th from 4-8pm at their Buffalo Road Beer Garden location. This free celebration promises authentic Oktoberfest beer flowing alongside delicious German-inspired food, while live German music from Marianna Gonzalez (5-7pm) sets the perfect festive atmosphere. Test your mettle in their stein holding competition, enjoy classic yard games, and soak up that genuine Oktoberfest spirit in their beautiful outdoor setting.
But wait, there’s more! Rohrbach’s is also bringing the Oktoberfest magic to Rochester’s beloved Public Market celebration. This family-friendly event perfectly captures the heart of German autumn traditions with food, beer, live music, cultural performances, and games that welcome celebration-seekers of all ages. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience authentic Oktoberfest culture right in the heart of our community.
View Rohrbach Events
Weekend-Long Festivities at Sager-Stoneyard
Keep the celebration rolling with Sager-Stoneyard’s Oktoberfest Weekend on September 19-20, starting at 4pm! This two-day extravaganza perfectly kicks off the fall season with classic German-style beers paired with their special DoughBoyz Oktoberfest Pizza—a delicious fusion that’ll have your taste buds dancing. The authentic atmosphere reaches its peak on Friday night (6-9pm) when the Finger Lakes Alpine Band takes center stage with genuine Oom-Pah style music that’ll transport you straight to Bavaria. Best of all? No tickets required, just show up ready to celebrate!
View Sager-Stoneyard Event
October Adventures
Official Competition at Peacemaker Brewing Company
Ready to take your stein holding skills to the next level? Head to Peacemaker Brewing Company on October 4th at 1pm for their official U.S. SteinHolding Association tournament! This isn’t just fun and games—it’s your chance to compete in an officially sanctioned event. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or first-time participant, the atmosphere promises to be electric with friendly competition and fantastic craft beer.
View Peacemaker Brewing Event
Oktoberfest Weekend at Brew & Brats
Raise a stein and join the fun as Brew and Brats at Arbor Hill hosts their annual Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th from 1–7pm each day. The weekend is packed with festive food, drink specials, and lively music, including performances from the Finger Lakes Alpine Band and Brad Ordway. Test your strength in the stein-holding competitions, enjoy a special menu crafted just for the occasion, and soak in the spirit of fall in the Finger Lakes. Mark your calendar—this is one Oktoberfest you won’t want to miss!
View Brew and Brats Event
Fall Finale at Engine 14 Brewery
Cap off the Oktoberfest season with Engine 14 Brewery’s spectacular celebration on Saturday, October 11th from 12pm-10pm in beautiful Naples. Their 3rd annual beer pong tournament kicks off at 3:30pm, bringing out everyone’s competitive spirit, while Lucky Number on West Ave. takes the stage from 6-9pm with live music that’ll keep the energy high all evening long. Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes, this celebration offers the perfect excuse for a scenic fall drive through our gorgeous wine country.
View Engine 14 Brewery Event
Why Our Oktoberfest Trail is Special
What makes the ROC/FLX Craft Beverage Trail’s Oktoberfest celebrations truly special is the perfect marriage of authentic German traditions with our region’s renowned craft beverage expertise. Each location brings its own unique personality to the festivities while maintaining that warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines our corner of New York.
From family-friendly public market celebrations to competitive stein holding tournaments, from intimate beer garden gatherings to energetic brewery bash blow-outs, there’s an Oktoberfest celebration perfectly suited to your style. And with events spanning from early September through mid-October, you can make this a month-long celebration of fall, friendship, and fantastic local craft beer.
So grab your friends, dust off your lederhosen (or just wear your favorite fall flannel), and join us for an unforgettable Oktoberfest season. From the shores of the Finger Lakes to the heart of Rochester, adventure and authentic German celebration await!
Prost to fall, friends, and fantastic craft beer along the ROC/FLX trail!
For more information about individual events, check with each brewery directly or visit our website for the latest updates and additional trail adventures.
