Celebrate the Spirit of Oktoberfest in Asheville

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

Hillman Beer will host its Oktoberfest event on Saturday, September 30 at its Asheville brewery location. The annual celebration includes special beer releases, food, commemorative steins for sale and live music from Das Oompapas from 3 to 6 p.m. 

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 4th annual Oktoberfest Half Marathon and 5K, Saturday, September 30. Participants will receive a complimentary beer post-race at Hi-Wire Brewing in the River Arts District. 

Returning from a one-year hiatus, Asheville's Oktoberfest, put on by the Asheville Downtown Association, will take place at Pack Square on Oct. 7 from 2 to 6 p.m. 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 Saturday, October 14, featuring a full-day concert from three musical acts alongside a tasting experience from a diverse lineup of over 50 of the best breweries in the county.  

On October 21, The Whale in West Asheville will be pouring some of the world's finest brews at its Oktoberfest event. Also, on Oct. 21, Asheville Brewing Company and Industry Nine, an internationally renowned cycling component manufacturer, will host its 10th annual i9pa release party at Rabbit Rabbit to benefit Pisgah Area Sorba starting at 5 p.m

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 the Bold Rock taproom that features a German-inspired featured menu, live music, décor and a costume contest. Carolina Cider Fest will take place on Oct. 21 at McCormick Field in downtown Asheville, and will feature an assortment of hard cider, mead, apple wine and seltzers along with food and music. On Saturday, October 28, Urban Orchard will celebrate its 10th anniversary and the spirit of Halloween with DJs, a large costume party and the coveted “Fire Flights" - a flight of six ciders that contain hot peppers from Smoking’ J’s Hot Pepper Farm.  

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, is 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, just 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, Bhramari Brewhouse 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.

Oktoberfest photo courtesy of the Asheville Downtown Association.