September means Oktoberfest! Yes, that’s right, the popular Bavarian festival is traditionally celebrated in September — not October —and originally commemorated the royal wedding of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.
Today though, Oktoberfest is celebrated all over the world, often highlighting traditional German food, music, dancing and, of course, beer.
With Oktoberfest right around the corner, we’ve created this guide to the seasonal festivities in Tucson so you can get your fill.
People enjoy the changing leaves on top of Ski Valley, 10300 Ski Run Road, Mount Lemmon, Ariz., Oct. 31, 2024.
Oktoberfest at Mt. Lemmon Lodge
12833 N. Sabino Canyon Parkway
Starting Friday, Sept. 19, you can celebrate Oktoberfest at Mt. Lemmon Lodge.
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the end of October, the lodge is turning it up with festive music and iconic Oktoberfest dishes, all open to the public.
“The cafe will be serving bratwurst, sauerkraut and pretzels,” said Theresa Callahan, the events manager for Mt. Lemmon Lodge. “We have a selection of Oktoberfest beers, and we are setting up an Oktoberfest themed photo op.”
Each weekend, they will also be offering a paint and sip experience for $45.
“Oktoberfest is kind of a big ticket for the mountain, and it's part of the tradition that they celebrate. So now that the lodge is here — we're two years old this past August — we wanted to be able to collaborate and join in on all the festivities that are hosted here,” Callahan said.
The events are free to attend, but bring money for food and drinks.
You can visit the event page for more information.
People gather as they enjoy the weather, food and drink at the annual Mt Lemmon Ski Valley Oktoberfest.
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley Oktoberfest
Of course we can’t talk about Oktoberfest without mentioning Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley’s annual festival.
Ski Valley hosts one of the Tucson area's longest-running Oktoberfest traditions, and 2025 marks its 49th year of Oktoberfest celebrations.
Graham Davies, manager of Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, and the son of the ski area’s founder, said the event initially started as a way for the family to generate revenue in a slow part of the year, but has since grown into something more for the community.
“It just took off as a tradition,” Davies said. “It’s changed from kind of a drinking, Oktoberfest theme thing to more of a family event.”
It’s that community experience that has people coming back year after year.
The cooler weather on the mountain makes it the perfect escape from the Tucson heat, and being surrounded by nature is part of the draw, Davies said.
“To be in a forest with old growth trees that truly resembles a German forest, and be there in 45 minutes, is pretty amazing to say the least,” he said.
As in years past, you can enjoy German beer, authentic Oktoberfest food, live German-style music, dancing, and games, all while taking in the stunning views and fall colors.
“We have a German band, obviously German beer, and everybody just hangs out on the ski slope,” Davies said. “There's entertainment for kids, kids' games, that kind of stuff.”
Make a day of it and take a walk along one of Mt. Lemmon’s beautiful hiking trails, or hop on the Sky Ride chairlift and admire the scenery.
Festivities will take place every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting Sept. 20 and running through Oct. 12.
The event is free to attend, but bring money for food and drinks. Onsite parking is $10, but they also run shuttles from upper lots to bring you down to Ski Valley.
You can visit the event page for more information.
Oktoberfest 2025 - Crooked Tooth Brewing Co.
Crooked Tooth Brewing is also kicking off Oktoberfest celebrations this weekend.
On Saturday, Sept 20., from 12-11 p.m., you can sample classic German bratwurst, sauerkraut and Bavarian-style pretzels, and sip on their Oktoberfest Marzen-style beer.
The event is free to attend, and will feature live music, a newly-designed collectible ceramic mug by Colleen Conlin (@crookedtreeceramics), 1-Liter stein pours, and not-so-traditional Oktoberfest contests and games.
You can visit the event page for more information.
You can find Haus of Brats food truck at a few Oktoberfest events this year.
Sahuarita Oktoberfest
Sahuarita residents have their own opportunity to engage in Oktoberfest celebrations, closer to home.
Friday, Sept. 26, join the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance at Sahuarita Lake Park from 5-8:30 p.m. for Sahuarita Oktoberfest.
Spend the evening celebrating local flavor and community spirit, with live performances, a German-style Beer Garden, authentic food, and interactive experiences for all ages.
Dine on classic Oktoberfest favorites like bratwurst, currywurst, frankfurters, fresh-baked soft pretzels, schnitzel, strudels, and much more, all prepared by local vendors.
The Desert Rose Mobile will be pouring Oktoberfest-themed custom drinks like its Black Forest Floats and Apple Strudel Fizz.
Jam out to "Retro Polka 7" and their German-inspired tunes, or get creative with free arts and crafts for kids. You can also browse custom woodworking keepsakes, weaving and glass art creations, decorate Oktoberfest gingerbread cookies, or compete for glory in pumpkin bowling, pretzel toss, the Sahuarita sausage toss, and the first annual stein holding challenge.
The event is free to attend, but bring money for food and drinks.
You can visit the event page for more information.
Oktoberfest with Tucson Foodie and Corbett’s
If you’re looking to get your hands on some great Oktoberfest food, Tucson Foodie and Corbett’s are hosting an Oktoberfest celebration from 6 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, showcasing authentic German food, local craft beer from 14 participating breweries, and traditional Oktoberfest games and music.
You’ll find all kinds of delicious German cuisine including schnitzel, bratwurst (and vegan brats too!), sauerkraut, German potato and red cabbage salads, pretzels and apple strudel.
Chow down on all your favorite dishes, and enjoy music from the Musik Meisters, part of the Bouncing Czechs, as well as a live DJ. Or, join Oktoberfest traditions like the stein-holding contest, bratwurst toss, polka limbo and a best-dressed competition highlighting dirndl and lederhosen attire.
Tickets to the Oktoberfest event are $25 each.
You can visit the event page for more information.
Members of the Tucson International Folk Dance club dance to the music being played by Bouncing Czechs an Oktoberfest at Trail Dust Town.
Oktoberfest at Trail Dust Town
Join in on the seasonal fun at Trail Dust Town’s 11th Annual Oktoberfest, Saturday, Oct. 4, from 3-9 p.m.
Sip on local craft beer, meet brewers from 7 participating breweries, and eat your fill of bratwurst, soft pretzels, beer cheese and apple strudel.
In addition to traditional food and drink, you can dance the night away to live music, experience amusement rides and immerse yourself in a night of Western fun.
There is no admission cost; however, the various food, beverage and entertainment options all require event tickets. There are 2 different ticket bundles available:
Small — $20 for 7 tickets
Large — $50 for 18 tickets
You can visit the event page for more information.
Oktoberfest MSA Annex
Celebrate Oktoberfest Tucson-style at MSA Annex, Oct. 11 from 12-8 p.m.
Shop curated local vendors, and take in the ambiance of accordion music and the experimental rock sounds of krautrock, which has its roots in West Germany.
And of course, don’t miss special-release beer, handcrafted sausage and pretzels, and much more.
The event is free to attend, but bring money for food and drinks.
Note: This event has been postponed until Oct. 19
You can visit the event page for more information.
