TAMPA BAY, Fla. — Despite the pandemic, the Tampa Bay area continues to boast one of the most vibrant and active craft beer communities in the nation. Bay News 9’s Brews Dispatch checks in regularly to find out what’s happening with our local breweries, behind the bar and behind the scenes. Got any related news? let us know.

For this installment of Spectrum Bay News 9’s regular rundown of local craft beer news, we’re highlighting 10 of the Oktoberfest-themed events happening around the Bay area—many of them this weekend. You don’t have to be German to enjoy ‘em, and with the plethora of great hometown brews available, you don’t have to drink a German beer to feel like you’re part of the fun, either.


What You Need To Know

  • Socially distanced Oktoberfest events are happening across the Bay area this weekend

  • Most breweries are offering special Oktoberfest brews

  • Many events are family-friendly and occur all weekend

ROVTOBERFEST This Tampa spot boasts an extremely loyal local following, a European pub vibe and killer beers made in house. For one night only, Rovtoberfest will feature Bavarian food to go with its brews by the stein—including brats, schnitzel, streusel and more—as well as a polka band. Friday, September 25, 7 p.m.-11 p.m.  

OKTOBERFEST AT THE LANDING Head out to Valrico for German-inspired food and beer in a fun atmosphere away from the bustle and cool of downtown. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, and things reach a fever pitch on Saturday with events like the traditional Stein Hoist, giveaways and more. Through Sunday, September 27.  

OKTOBERFEST 2020 Relative newbie to the local craft scene Gulfport Brewery + Eatery is doing its first Oktoberfest celebration up right. It’s going on now through the weekend, and is sure to provide plenty of prost with a variety of in-house and other Bay area brews. Through Sunday, September 27.  

OKTOBERFEST WEEKEND AT CALEDONIA BREWING This Dunedin brewery is going all in this weekend with a release of its Oktoberfest-themed Is It Fall Yet? seasonal brew, along with contemporary takes on brats, sauerkraut and pretzels at associated food spot Side Piece. Through Sunday, September 27. 

NWB OKTOBERFEST 2020 New World Brewery was an Ybor City hotspot among beer fiends and live music fans for more than two decades; the crew recently reopened at a new spot just north of Sulphur Springs, and they’re doing it up German-style this weekend with games, brats and beer from breweries like 81Bay, Bell’s, Sierra Nevada and Weihenstephan. Saturday, September 26, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. 

ST. PETE’TOBERFEST The small, homey downtown St. Petersburg brewery and taproom is releasing a special beer for the occasion, and they’ll be grilling up brats to go with it, as well. Saturday, September 26, beginning at noon.  

WHEEL HAUS 4TH ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST Down toward the west end of Central Avenue in the ‘Burg, eclectic skateboard-themed restaurant and beer bar The Wheelhouse goes Teutonic with a name change and a slate of German-inspired brews and food. Bavarian attire “is encouraged,” so make sure you can still fit into your lederhosen after all that quarantine snacking. September 26-October 3.  

OKTOBERFEST AT PINELLAS ALE WORKS This popular doggo-themed brewery in St. Pete’s Grand Central District always has something going on. This year’s Oktoberfest celebration features the return of their Festbier, along with a brand-new Pumpkin Oktoberfest that’s perfect for the season. Sunday, September 27, noon-8 p.m.  

OKTOBERFEST WITH DUELING PIANOS  3 Daughters Brewing in St. Pete has always been something of a playground for adults, with its massive entertainment space and multiple games. To celebrate the traditional Bavarian beer festival, they’re bringing in family-friendly entertainment courtesy of New York, New York’s dueling pianos show, as well as pretzels and other themed food items. This is a ticketed event, so grab yours. Sunday, September 27, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.  

GERMAN BEERS AT CUENI Dunedin’s Cueni Brewing is offering a special line of beers brewed in-house for the Oktoberfest season, including a German pilsner; Cuetoberfest, a marzen; and Skyway to Helles, a Helles lager. Supplies are limited, so get ‘em while you can.