By Jennifer Coleman
Beer lovers rejoice! The community of Kenmore, Washington is buzzing with excitement as they prepare to host their very first annual Oktoberfest, happening September 19-22. This iconic regional celebration is making its way to Kenmore, thanks to an incredible partnership between the City of Kenmore, local businesses, non-profits, restaurants, and breweries.
Located just 13 miles northeast of Seattle, Kenmore’s Oktoberfest promises four days of non-stop Bavarian fun, starting with the ceremonial tapping of the firkin (a small keg favored among craft brewers who produce small batches of beer) and continuing with a jam-packed schedule of activities for everyone to enjoy. From downtown Kenmore to Brew Row and up to Saint Edward State Park, the festivities will have the entire town buzzing with energy.
Find your way to hoppiness at 192 Brewing Company with a variety of brews starting with pale ales, wheat, peppery rye and more.
Don’t miss the soft pretzel, lightly buttered and salted, served with a side of stone ground mustard made in-house.
The recently established Brew Row includes 192 Brewing Company, Copperworks Distilling, and Postdoc Brewing which are all located along the Burke-Gilman trail at 73rd Ave NE and within walking distance of each other. It’s the perfect place to do a pub-crawl and sample the local favorite watering holes. Another local favorite brewery, Stoup Brewing, can be found just a half mile away from the Brew Row. Located in the heart of Kenmore on the town square, Stoup Brewing offers craft beer, excellent food and a pet friendly patio.
192 Brewing Company has a rotating selection of craft beer in their taproom and a great outdoor seating area that is perfect for the whole family. Copperworks Distilling next door has a cocktail bar and tasting room, along with outdoor seating that is family and pet friendly, too. At Postdoc, you can count on a satisfying Pacific Northwest lineup as well as a variety of sour and barrel aged beers.
Neighborhood beer garden at Postdoc Brewing.
There’s plenty of space to enjoy a cold brew at Postdoc taproom.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store for Kenmore’s inaugural Oktoberfest:
Cheer on the wiener dogs as they race! Hosted by The Lodge at St. Edwards State Park.
Get ready for some family friendly games.
Volunteers make it all possible.
Epic Musical Acts: Get ready to groove to live performances by local and regional bands that will keep the party going all weekend long.
PNW’s Best Beer and Food: Treat your taste buds to the finest brews and mouthwatering local cuisine that our region has to offer.
Family-Friendly Activities & After-Hours Fun: Kick off the day with a 5k Fun Run, enjoy family-friendly games, and cheer on the wiener dog races. When night falls, the party continues with lively after-hours events and special overnight accommodations.
Fall Seasonal Market & Root Beer Garden: Wrap up the weekend at a cozy fall-themed market featuring local vendors, a root beer garden, live music, and activities for the kids.
Oktoberfest Passport Adventure: Don’t miss out on the Oktoberfest passport! Starting September 15, you can pick one up at participating businesses or Kenmore City Hall. The passport is your guide to the event, filled with special offers and coupons. Plus, if you return your completed passport to City Hall by October 1, you’ll receive a small gift and a chance to win a prize in the raffle!
Suzanne Greathouse of the Kenmore Heritage Society summed it up perfectly: “What started as a simple idea among a few members of the Kenmore Business Alliance quickly blossomed into a vision for a vibrant community Oktoberfest event. This kind of cooperation not only builds stronger communities but also creates lasting bonds and memories. It shows us that when we come together with shared goals and a willingness to support one another, we can turn even the simplest ideas into extraordinary experiences.”
The Lodge at St. Edward Park is offering an exclusive opportunity to keep you close to the Oktoberfest action – 20% off best available rate all weekend which includes a commemorative stein in room along with some Oktoberfest beer selections available in room. This stay & play package includes transportation to and from the events and the Lodge.
So, dust off your lederhosen, raise your stein, and join the fun in Kenmore, toasting “Prost!” to the fall season and all the joy that Oktoberfest brings!