Cheers to Beer

Last updated: August 30, 2021

Next month, more than five million people will attend Oktoberfest, the world’s largest folk festival in Munich. But if you’re not able to make it to Germany, don’t worry! You can get a taste of the annual Wiesn right here in Mercer County. 

Oktoberfest in the Park

Oktoberfest in the Park is Mercer County’s official bier fest. Carrying on the tradition of the long-running Bramwell Oktoberfest, the fourth annual Oktoberfest in the Park is scheduled for September 28 from 3–7 p.m. at Lotito City Park in Bluefield.

The event will feature the spirit of Oktoberfest with unlimited samples of German and craft beer and cider, food trucks (pretzels and brats, anyone?) and live music from Space Monkey and The Sauerkraut Band. Tickets are available now for $25 and proceeds benefit the Bluefield Beautification Commission.  

Bluefield Trails & Ales Challenge 

If you want to get a workout in before heading to Oktoberfest in the Park, sign up for the Bluefield Trails & Ales Challenge! This new event, also held at Lotito City Park, will take place from 12–3 p.m. on September 28. Participants can choose between a mountain bike race (USA Cycling sanctioned) or a 5K trail run.

Racers will receive a discount on the Oktoberfest in the Park admission tickets. Register online by 11 p.m. on September 26 to save $5 on the 5K trail run or $10 on the mountain bike race. 

Sophisticated Hound Brewing Company

Sophisticated Hound Brewing Company’s owner Matt Barnette credits the former Bramwell Oktoberfest for sparking his interest in brewing. After attending the festival with his wife, Barnette studied up on the art of homebrewing, began making his own batches and vending at local festivals. Soon, he started distributing to area restaurants — and the rest, they say, is history. In 2018 Barnette opened Mercer County’s first microbrewery and taproom in Princeton’s Mercer Street Grassroots District. Stop by for some housemade sips or snacks while in town to round out the weekend.  

Prost!