Autumn in the Cream City just isn't complete without at least one Oktoberfest celebration. These jovial celebrations began in Munich, Germany; but they've become a Milwaukee tradition.
Among them is a very special Oktoberfest at Pabst Brewery and Taproom, 1037 W. Juneau Ave., which will commemorate the 175th Anniversary of the iconic brewery.
The free block party will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and will feature live traditional German music from The Brew City Polka Rollers and Bockenplautz; roaming polka tunes with Uncle Kenny and a variety of contests including Klements bratwurst eating, stein holding and a costume competition. There will also be Bavarian pretzels from Great Lakes Galley and Hammerschlagen, the traditional nail-driving game to benefit the Nehemiah Project.
Before Budweiser introduced its iconic Clydesdales, Pabst Brewery raised and bred Percheron horses that they used pull its beer wagons through the city.
For the first time in many years, Pabst will also roll out an ornate, fully-restored 1920s-era horse-drawn Pabst beer wagon, the perfect backdrop for pictures with Pabst enthusiasts of all ages.
"Oktoberfest is the perfect time to experience and embrace the rich history of Pabst Brewing Company and brewing in Milwaukee," says Adam Powers, general manager at the Pabst Taproom.
"In addition to having the ability to taste many of the heritage beers that built the Pabst legacy, including the ever-popular Red, White and Blue and Andeker lagers, attendees will have the first chance to sample Pabst’s special Oktoberfest beer. Brewed with premium Munich malts combined with high quality German hops, we’ve created a smooth full-bodied German lager that epitomizes and honors the legacy of Captain Frederick Pabst."
During the celebration, the Pabst Taproom will also offer a variety of limited quantity 175th Anniversary merchandise including stickers, T-shirts and steins.
"We will have exactly 175 limited-edition collectible Pabst 175th Anniversary 16-ounce steins featuring art reflecting the German heritage of the brewery available on Saturday only," adds Powers. "There was a line around the block to get last year’s holiday commemorative stein, so I expect the anniversary version to go quickly."
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As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
