To celebrate Oktoberfest in the Norman community, breweries are hosting the third annual Brewtoberfest this Friday for people of all ages.
Brewtoberfest showcases different beers from around the city and features live music, food, shopping and yard games. The event is hosted by Lazy Circles Brewing, Legally Brewed, Equity Brewing Co., Crossed Cannons Brewery, Beer Is Good Brewing Co. and 405 Brewing Co.
The idea of Brewtoberfest came to 405 Brewing Co.’s co-owners, Trae Carson and Jonathan Stapleton, right before the pandemic.
“As you’re driving into Norman, there’s a sign on the interstate that says we’re the city of festivals,” Carson told OU Daily. “We thought, if we are the city of festivals, why don’t we have an Oktoberfest?”
Carson and Stapleton shared the idea with the other Norman breweries, and the first Brewtoberfest took place in 2021.
The festival was held in Lazy Circles Brewing’s outdoor seating area with the help of Lazy Circles Brewing co-founder, Stephen Swanson. Carson described the event as being packed shoulder to shoulder, well exceeding the breweries’ expectations.
“(Brewtoberfest) turned out to be greater than us,” Swanson told OU Daily. “There were so many people. Based on the reaction, we took it to the City of Norman.”
Last year’s Brewtoberfest was held in Reaves Park, where it will return this weekend. The park atmosphere allows the breweries, food and shopping vendors to set up booths and attendees to mingle around the festivities.
BillyGoat Grub will be at Brewtoberfest serving dishes like lobster mac and cheese, ramen and parmesan truffle fries. Brasco’s Chicken & Waffles will also be at the festival to satisfy attendees’ cravings.
“I think there’s a common misconception that (breweries) are all competitors against each other, and we are really advocates for each other,” Carson said. “We love the people that own and run these other breweries and encourage support of all the breweries of Norman.”
Carson encouraged attendees to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the festival. Lawn games and inflatables will provide entertainment alongside performances by polka band Bohemian Knights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m and bluegrass group The John Arnold Band from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Showcasing different tastes sharing one community, Brewtoberfest begins at 4 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 29, at Reaves Park. The event is free for all ages and the park has free parking available.
This story was edited by Emma Blakley. Sophie Hemker and Nikkie Aisha copy edited this story.
