Oktoberfest Events in Boise, Idaho
In fall 2023, my family and I visited Germany specifically to experience the real Oktoberfest in Munich for the first time and to celebrate a milestone birthday for my dad. We had SO much fun on the trip, and while I recommend everyone visit the real Oktoberfest at least once in your life, there are many local Oktoberfest events to be found, too—including right here in Boise!
In addition to our trip to the real Oktoberfest, we also attended two other Oktoberfest events in Boise: Payette Brewing (which occurred before our trip) and Prost (which happened after we got back). Of course, we had to wear our traditional clothing to really look the part!
Oktoberfest stateside is a little (or maybe a lot) different than the real thing in Munich, which spans at least two weeks of days spent in traditional clothing (trachten), drinking in beer tents, singing songs off-key at the top of your lungs, standing on tables, and having fun on the rides in the traveling carnival. Oktoberfest in the states is a lot mellower comparatively but still a great time to get together with friends and family and dress up and enjoy German beer and dishes.
In this post, I rounded up all the Oktoberfest events happening in Boise, Idaho, along with a couple of other options in cities outside of Boise (but still in the Treasure Valley). This post will be updated as soon as future dates are announced and if new events are added!
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Oktoberfest Events in Boise, Idaho
Barbarian Brewing
Friday, September 27 • 6 to 11 pm
Barbarian Brewing is hosting its own Oktoberfest coinciding with its 9-year anniversary at the taproom in Garden City! It’s located just off the connector near the Boise River. Enjoy live music from three local bands, treats from local food trucks (including one of my favorites, Tony Cannoli), and purchase your own Oktoberfest mug while supplies last. Learn more.
Bert’s Brewing
Friday, September 13—Saturday, September 14, 2024 • 4 to 10 pm Friday, 12 to 10 pm Saturday
Bert’s Brewing is a nearly-one-year-old brewery located in Garden City! They are hosting their own “OktoBERTfest” in mid-September. Come see their gorgeous tasting room and hang out on the patio in the lovely September weather. Dress up, take part in a stein holding competition, try log sawing, and enjoy live polka music. Learn more.
Das Alpenhaus Delicatessen
Friday, September 20—Saturday, September 21, 2024 • 3 to 10 pm
Das Alpenhaus is the only authentic German deli and market in Boise! Located on the Boise bench, it’s the best place to pick up your favorite European goodies and alcoholic beverages. They also serve hot lunches daily and rotating Friday dinner specials. Their annual Oktoberfest is not to be missed! Learn more.
Idaho Botanical Garden
2024 Date: TBD? (Previous event: Oct 21, 2023)
The Idaho Botanical Garden, nestled among the foothills in east Boise, hosts Harvest Days every Saturday in October with different themes and activities. In 2023, one of the Harvest Days included an Oktoberfest celebration open to the whole family! No word on a 2024 date but keep an eye out here.
Lost Grove Brewing
2024 Date: TBD? (Previous event: Sep 29, 2023)
Dress up for an evening of German beer, treats, and music at the annual Lost-tober Fest hosted by Lost Grove Brewing! This fun local brewery has multiple locations, but this event happens at the spot between Ann Morrison Park and Boise State University. Their 2024 date has not been announced, but if it happens again it is likely to be on Friday, September 27.
Oktoberfest Bar Crawl
Saturday, Sep 28, 2024 • 4 pm
Want to dress up in your tradition Oktoberfest outfit and bar hop around downtown Boise? The Oktoberfest bar crawl may be just the thing you’re looking for! This is a ticketed event. Learn more.
Old Boise Oktoberfest
NO event in 2024 • returning in 2025 (Previous event: Sep 23, 2023)
Due to downtown construction projects and limited city resources, this Oktoberfest event will not happen in 2024, but stay tuned for 2025!
This popular day-long Oktoberfest celebration happens at the corner of 6th and Main in Old Boise (a historic intersection in downtown Boise). Enjoy music, brats, and plenty of authentic German beer! This is a ticketed event. Learn more.
Payette Brewing
Friday, September 20—Sunday, September 22, 2024 • 5 to 10 pm Friday, 2 to 10 pm Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm Sunday
Payette Brewing’s Oktoberfest event is the largest in Boise, spanning three days. It takes over the entire property (tap room, bier garden, AND parking lot) off of River Street downtown and features beer, German-inspired food, activities, games, and live music. The event is free to attend and open to all ages. It kicks off the same weekend the celebration starts in Munich! Plan for a long walk to Payette or alternate transportation because parking is limited in the immediate vicinity. Learn more.
Prost!
Friday, October 4—Saturday, October 5, 2024 • 11:30 am to 2 am
Prost! serves imported German beers in the glasses the breweries intended. It’s a local favorite in downtown Boise (and by local I mean my family—my dad especially!). They also offer yummy German fare. Their Oktoberfest starts at lunchtime and goes through 2 am the next day for over 14 hours of fun!
Looking for even more Oktoberfest events in the Treasure Valley? Check out these options!
Oktoberfest at the Nampa Civic Center
Friday, September 27, 2024 — 5 pm to 10 pm
German beer, fare, activities, music, and more! This is a ticketed event. Learn more.
Oktoberfest in downtown Meridian
Saturday, October 5, 2024 — 10 am to 10 pm
Features local beer vendors. Thousands of people attend this event, which is now in its third year! Learn more.