“Prost!” Wacoans because it’s Oktoberfest! Although this festival may be celebrated in Germany, local businesses are throwing their own celebrations throughout September and October. So drink beer, eat pretzels and explore Waco this Oktoberfest season. Check out all the ways to cheers with friends below.
Barnett’s Whiskey House
For Barnett’s, Oktoberfest is from September 16 through October 3. Barnett’s, located at 420 Franklin Ave., is teaming up with Helberg on Franklin to serve up BBQ toppings for Bloody Mary’s, bratwursts and decadent pretzel burgers, served on a pretzel bun with sauerkraut and caramelized onions. Of course, you can’t celebrate this holiday without beer, so Barnett’s crafted a specialty stein! Customers are given the stein after completing their punch card; all you have to do is drink five beers throughout their Oktoberfest celebration.
Not only does Barnett’s have a stellar menu and beer line up, but they also have activities to keep customers entertained all week long. Compete in the stein holding contest or take a whack at the traditional game of Hammerschlagen. Not sure what that is? It’s okay, I didn’t either. Hammerschlagen is where opponents try to be the first to drive their nail completely into a wooden log. Opponents gather around in a circle and each take turns driving the nail with one singular hit. To win, you must be the first to have your nail be completely flush with the log. Barnett’s also has karaoke Wednesday through Sunday and football watch parties on game days.
Kickstart Oktoberfest this weekend with Barnett’s! For more information on hours and drink specials visit their Facebook page.
Dancing Bear Pub
The Dancing Bear Pub, 1117 Speight Ave., is also celebrating Oktoberfest this Saturday, but they’re coining it as OktoBEARfest. From 5—10 p.m. enjoy beer, food from Taste of Chicago and live music! You can also purchase a branded stein and three beer tickets for the price of $25!
Southern Roots Brewing
Head over to Southern Roots Brewing, 219 N 8th St., for their three-day Oktoberfest! From September 28—30 you can indulge in traditional German food and locally crafted beer. In addition to Southern Roots’ normal menu, they are preparing brats with sauerkraut and salted Bavarian pretzels with creamy beer cheese.
The lineup of events is as follows: Thursday is College Night, Friday is Kolsch Service Night and Saturday is an all-day Oktoberfest Celebration. Kolsch is a style of German Beer typically served in a stange, a tall thin glass. While you celebrate with Southern Roots, you can play board games, a round of shuffleboard or just hang out on their back patio. For hours and updates on their Oktoberfest, visit their Facebook.
Pivovar with LuLu Belle’s Market
Though Pivovar is a traditional Czech restaurant, they want to celebrate Oktoberfest too! Their celebration is October 19—21 and they are teaming up with LuLuBelle’s Market to create a packed and exciting weekend.
LuLuBelle’s Market features local vendor so shoppers can rest easy knowing they’re supporting local. The market will be held between Pivovar, 320 S 8th St., and Magnolia Market, 601 Webster Ave. The market is open all weekend long from 9 a.m.—6 p.m.
After shopping the market, stroll over to Pivovar for some sausage and schnitzel, and of course, beer. Take a seat at the wooden tables and benches in their biergarten and enjoy a cold beer while soaking in the scenic views of Downtown Waco and enjoying live music from Kyle Sinkule, Walt & Glynis Harfmann, Vaneks of West and Czech And Then Some. Performance times to be determined. To stay updated on this celebration visit LuLuBelle’s website.
