Frohe Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest, the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, is the world’s largest beer festival, taking place in late September or early October every year. Six million thirsty visitors converge on this capital city, guzzling down over 2,000,000 gallons of beer as they’ve been doing since 1810.

The popularity of this multi-day celebration has inspired similar events all around the world - with the largest events being held in Kitchener, Ontario, which was formerly known as Berlin, (go figure), Blumenau, Brazil, and Cincinnati, Ohio of all places.

Wisconsin, as you might imagine, with our rich German heritage, hosts Oktoberfests in every corner of the state from La Crosse to New Glarus, Chippewa Falls, Cedarburg, Lake Geneva, and Germantown (again, go figure) to name some of the largest. Each one as good as the next, and all are worthy of a visit.

But if you can’t make it to one of these celebrations, don’t fret. In fact, don’t even bother trying, because we now have our own Oktoberfest right here in Rome, Wisconsin.

So, put on your lederhosen or dirndl, and join us on Saturday, September 20th at Up North Brewing Company, in the Rome Town Center, for the second annual Oktoberfest.

The party starts at 11:00 am and the beer will pour until 9:00 pm. And when I say beer, I mean the best authentic German-style beer you’ll find anywhere this side of München.

Here’s an insider’s tip; your best bet is to start the day with a half-liter Up North mug for just $10 with the first pour on the house. And then use the mug as your ticket to 10% off refills for the rest of the day. But come early, because there are only 275 mugs to go around, and once they’re gone, they’re gone!

The Brew Crew at Up North knows that sometimes it’s a little confusing when trying to decide which beer you’ll want to try first. Afterall, these beers are uniquely hand-crafted at the brewery, so you may never have heard of them before. 

So, here’s another insider’s tip; Brandon, Up North’s brewmaster, highly recommends you try their Northtoberfest, brewed specially for this event. Inspired by tradition and authenticity, this Märzen-style beer is an elegant, full-bodied beer that is a deep orange, almost red, “malty delight,” as he describes it.  

“There’s no secret ingredients here. It’s simply 100% German Munich Malt and Hallertau hops. It’s 100% authentic. 100% awesome.” 

And will I 100% have another? Absolutely.

After all, you can’t go wrong with another mug of Northtoberfest, or any of their other popular flagship and seasonal offerings. Pace yourself, but feel free to ask the kellnerin (that’s fancy Germanspeak for waitress) to pour you some samples.

Beer is obviously the hero at any Oktoberfest celebration, but you’re bound to get hungry at some point. So be sure to grab a burger or a brat being served by the local American Legion Post, or swing on by The Daily Special Food Truck to try their special German-themed menu. 

And what would Oktoberfest be without hot, salty pretzels? So, yeah, they're here. Made by Rome’s own Slice of Heaven Bakery, you know they’ll be amazing. But like the mugs, there’s only a limited quantity. So again, plan accordingly.

Music? We can’t forget the music. Setting the tone and adding to the cheer will be the Brueggen Family and their stylings of authentic polka music from 12:00 - 4:00 pm. 

So, join the fun. Sit, sip, and savor. Enjoy the music, and if the spirit moves you, get up and dance, at the Up North Brewing Company’s annual Oktoberfest. 

Up North Brewing Company is located at 304 Matterhorn Trail, Nekoosa, WI 54457.

Please drink responsibly.

Written by: Lydell Capritta