45+ Craft Beer Vendors, Local Food, Free Entertainment, and More at Northside Oktoberfest
Iowa City, Iowa — (September 23, 2024) – Get ready for the return of your favorite fall tradition! This Saturday, September 28th, Northside Oktoberfest is back, coinciding with National Drink Beer Day. Join us as we transform the streets of Iowa City’s Northside neighborhood with the iconic Iowa City BrewFest, Outdoor Bier Hall, and family-friendly SodaFest with the Iowa Children’s Museum. This year marks 28 years of celebrating craft beer, delicious food, live entertainment, and fun activities in the heart of the Northside.
Iowa City BrewFest, sponsored by Fly CID, is the crown jewel of Northside Oktoberfest, offering a premium sampling experience. While Northside Oktoberfest is free to attend and walk through, only those with a BrewFest ticket can sample from over 45 breweries and wineries. Tickets are available online for $72 and include unlimited samples from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a commemorative tasting glass, and a $10 voucher for food or shopping at Northside businesses. Attendees can enjoy access to free entertainment with live music, beer games, and contests throughout the festival. BrewFest tickets are limited to 700 attendees, ensuring an exclusive experience. Tickets can be purchased online or at the event.
“It’s amazing how our neighborhood and the beer industry have worked hand-in-hand over the years,” said Doug Alberhasky, owner of John’s Grocery and founder of Iowa City BrewFest. “People are so enthralled with the history of our neighborhood, and it’s incredible to see that the more things change, the more they stay the same. As a seventh-generation Iowan, I’m grateful for the opportunity to preserve this history and share it with future generations. We’ve been hosting BrewFest in the Northside since 2011, and over these 13 years, it’s been remarkable to see so many beer lovers come together to celebrate our neighborhood’s rich history. Can’t wait to see everyone for the 28th annual Northside Oktoberfest and Iowa City BrewFest this Saturday. Prost!”
For a more relaxed experience, check out the Outdoor Bier Hall on North Linn Street, now in its fourth year. With a General Admission ticket, available online or at the event, attendees can take wine and beer purchased from Northside bars and restaurants to enjoy in the street from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sponsored by metronet and New Pioneer Co-op, the Bier Hall is a great spot to enjoy authentic food, cold drinks, and great company. Each ticket includes a souvenir mug and a free beer pour, making it the ultimate Oktoberfest experience! Save $5 by pre-purchasing your ticket—prices increase to $15 at the door.
The festival also features free live music and traditional Northside Oktoberfest contests. The day begins at 11:00 a.m. with The Swampland Jewels in the BrewFest area, followed by the Iowa Brass Ensemble Quintet at noon on Market Street. At 3:00 p.m., enjoy an interactive comedic performance and Maypole Dance with students from the Northside’s Iowa Conservatory Performing and Visual Arts School. The Brick Street Ramblers will close out the stage at 4:15 p.m. If you’re feeling competitive, register for the Masskrugstemmen Stein Holding Competition and Brat-Eating Contest, or wear your best lederhosen and dirndl outfits to win the title of ‘Best Dressed.’ Winners will receive a prize for their accomplishments. Contest spots are limited and can be reserved online in advance.
Families can enjoy the festival too! SodaFest runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Pagliai’s Pizza parking lot with free activities hosted by the Iowa Children’s Museum. For just $5, kids can get a custom soda mug and enjoy unlimited soda samples. Free activities like pumpkin decorating, inflatables, a DJ station, and creative play with Blue Blocks will keep the little ones entertained. Wristbands for unlimited soda can be purchased on-site.
Whether you’re sampling craft beers, enjoying live music, or exploring SodaFest with the family, Northside Oktoberfest has something for everyone. Come celebrate with us this Saturday!
