When it comes to fall in Asheville, the autumn colors are brilliant and the beer is brewing. Raise a glass in the spirit of Oktoberfest throughout the season. You’ll find the fall season rich with beer festivals.
Asheville has more breweries per capita than any other city in the United States. There are more than 50 breweries in the Asheville area. So, you’ll easily be able to get your fill of seasonal suds this fall in Beer City USA.
Asheville Fall Oktoberfest Beer Festivals
- The 6th Annual Oktoberfest at Lookout Brewing will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Lookout Brewing Company in Black Mountain. Expect live music from Das Oompapa’s Band from 4 to 7 p.m., a special release of Festbier, food specials throughout the day, custom Lookout steins, and plenty of festive dress. Prost!
- Hillman Beer will host its Oktoberfest event on Sept. 28 at its Asheville brewery location. The annual celebration includes special beer releases, food, commemorative steins for sale and live music from Das Oompapas.
- If you want to add a little exercise to your Oktoberfest celebrations then grab your lederhosen and lace up your running shoes for Asheville's annual Oktoberfest Half Marathon and 5K, Saturday, September 27. Participants will receive a complimentary beer post-race at Hi-Wire Brewing in the River Arts District.
- Asheville's Oktoberfest, put on by the Asheville Downtown Association, will take place at Pack Square on Oct. 4. The event will feature 20+ breweries and craft beverage makers as well as games hosted by Asheville Sports and Social Club, local food vendors, and live music!
- Burial Brewing Co. will host its annual Burnpile beer festival on Oct. 4, featuring a full-day concert alongside a tasting experience from a diverse lineup of over 50 of the best breweries in the county. Details for the 2025 event are pending.
- Clawtoberfest at Highland Brewing Company runs on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. This free event is one of Highland’s biggest of the year, where guests are encouraged to dress in Bavarian style and even prepare for the pretzel-eating competition.
- Oktoberfest at Foothills Grange takes place Saturday, Sept. 13 through Sunday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Foothills Grange in Black Mountain. Guests can enjoy house-made bratwurst, fresh pretzels with beer cheese, a selection of Oktoberfest beers from local breweries, and live music—all with free entry.
- Oktoberfest at White Labs happens on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at White Labs Brewing Co. Admission is free, and visitors can test their skills (and lederhosen) in a lively game of musical kegs.
Asheville Fall Cideries & Festivals
The North Carolina mountains is home to one of the largest apple-growing regions in the state, which makes the prime place for apple-picking and locally-made ciders. Get a taste of Western North Carolina's cider community at Noble Cider or Botanist and Barrel!
Asheville Fall Seasonal Beer Offerings
Beyond the festivities, many Asheville-area breweries create their specialty Oktoberfest brew. Among the fan favorites include Highland Brewing’s lightly colored, but toasty, Clawhammer Oktoberfest beer. In nearby Black Mountain, Pisgah Brewing offers their own Oktoberfest beer consisting of light hints of toasty malt and subtle sweetness. 12 Bones Brewing's most requested beer, Works Every Time Peanut Butter Porter, will be back on the menu and is made with seven different malts and is peanut-free.
D.I.Y.: Craft Your Own Beer Adventure
With so many great breweries to choose from in Asheville, you can craft a do-it-yourself beer adventure any time.
Asheville’s South Slope District, a few blocks south of downtown, makes it easy to experience many breweries on a self-guided walking tour. Burial Beer Co., Green Man Brewing, Catawba Brewing, Twin Leaf Brewery and the Wicked Weed Funkatorium are all within steps of one another. Hi-Wire Brewing, Wicked Weed, Asheville Brewing Company and Ben’s Tune Up are also within an easy walk.
And, if you are looking for a unique experience, try the music and beers at the caboose that houses Whistle Hop Brewing in Fairview. Not far away in Fairview is Turgua Brewing Co., a unique, inspirational Farmhouse brewery and winery focused on sustainable production.
