This event is different from Oktoberfest because it aims to be about more than just beer + celebrates the holiday German American Day on Oct. 6. | Photo by Athenaeum Foundation
It’s almost the most brew-tiful time of the year: Oktoberfest (Saturday, Sept. 21 to Sunday, Oct. 2).
This folk festival originated in Munich, Germany in 1810 and has continued to grow into the world’s largest Volksfest — read: people festival — filled with beer, traditional Bavarian music, performances, parades, and German outfits.
Don’t worry, you won’t need to hop on a plane to join the festivities. We gathered some local celebrations for a pitcher-perfect Oktoberfest:
The ultimate test of your arm day routine: Guggman Haus’ stein holding competition.
Guggman Oktoberfest | Thursday, Sept. 19-Sunday, Sept. 22 | Guggman Haus Brewing Co. | Join Guggman for its four-day celebration with German beer releases, live music, and competitive games across the Taproom, Festhall, and Beer Garden.
Mashcraft Oktoberfest Party | Friday, Sept. 20 | 6-9 p.m. | Mashcraft on Delaware | Celebrate Oktoberfest with live music from Polka Bob, authentic German food, and German-style beers on tap. Bonus: Greenwood and Fishers locations are also hosting their own Oktoberfest events on Friday, Sept. 13 and Saturday, Oct. 12 respectively.
Oktoberfest at The Quarter | Friday, Sept. 20-Saturday, Sept. 21 | Times vary | The Quarter | Broad Ripple’s 21+ tent party includes food and drink specials (we see you, $2.50 German beers during happy hour), a stein holding competition, a costume contest, and pretzel throwing.
Traditional Oktoberfest garb includes dirndls and lederhosen.
Oktoberfest in the Paddock | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 3-10 p.m. | Hotel Indy | Savor a selection of craft beers from local breweries, all while enjoying lively music + a special menu that includes German-style mac ‘n cheese and black forest cake.
14th Annual Indianapolis Oktoberfest | Friday, Sept. 27 | 5-10 p.m. | Monument Circle | Walk the north half of Monument Circle for brats + pretzels from street vendors, or settle into the biergarten for drinks.
16th Annual GermanFest | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 12 p.m. | Athenaeum | This all-ages celebration will be filled with food, drinks, music, and fest favorites: A brat eating contest + a dachshund dash.
Asked
In what year did the first Oktoberfest in Munich take place?
All American Horse Classic | Monday, Sept. 9-Saturday, Sept. 14 | Times vary | Indiana State Fairgrounds | Free | Take part in this 50+ year Hoosier tradition with beautiful horses galore.
Tuesday, Sept. 10
2024 State Of Sports | Tuesday, Sept. 10 | 3 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | $250 | Join this annual fundraiser to support Indiana Sports Corp + its mission to positively impact the community through sports.
Wednesday, Sept. 11
Chasin’ Butterflies | Wednesday, Sept. 11 | 6-8 p.m. | Eskenazi Hall | Free | This short film explores the life + work of a self-taught contemporary artist from rural Alabama.
Yoga in the Gallery | Wednesday, Sept. 11 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Garfield Park Arts Center | Free | Find your center with a relaxing yoga session among beautiful art pieces.
Thursday, Sept. 12
The Red Clay Strays | Thursday, Sept. 12 | 7:30 p.m. | Old National Centre | $31.50+ | Sing along to the music of this country rock band from Alabama.
Friday, Sept. 13
Camptown’s Glamp-Out 3.0 | Friday, Sept. 13 | 4:30-8:30 p.m. | The Heirloom | $75+ | Embark on a glamping adventure to support purposeful adventures in the outdoors for Indy youth.
Carmel on Canvas | Friday, Sept. 13-Saturday, Sept. 14 | Times vary | Locations vary | Enjoy two days of plein air painting at this annual event in the Carmel Arts and Design District, Carmel Midtown, Carmel City Center, and Carmel Central Park, featuring 161 acres of green space.*
🍔 How to grab lunch for $10 or less in the Bottleworks District
Clancy’s Hamburgers serves old soda fountain classics like the root beer float. | Photo provided by Clancy’s Hamburgers
When Carl Fogelsong started serving Clancy’s Hamburgers in 1965, Indy’s population was under half a million and the Pacers didn’t even exist.
A lot has changed since then — except for Clancy’s. They continue to serve classic pairings made with high-quality ingredients at affordable prices.
Speaking of classic pairings, Clancy’s is now located in the historic Bottleworks District — once the site of the largest Coca-Cola bottling plant worldwide. What’s more classic than a hamburger and a Coke?
To honor this dynamic duo, we’ve picked some of our favorite combinations. Here’s what we’re planning on ordering for $10 and under:
The grilled cheese + a cup of chili
The Mass Ave. dog and cheese fries
The Shake of the Month + golden crinkle fries
Pro tip: Dip your fries in September’s shake of the month, S’mores.
Speed limits are about to get a little more... complicated. I-465 on the southeast side will soon see the implementation of variable speed limits that will change depending on “real-time conditions” such as traffic, incidents on the interstate, work zones, and weather. (WTHR)
Development
The 13-story Shinola hotel + music venue proposal we told you about a few weeks ago is a step closer to becoming a reality. The Indiana Historic Preservation Commission approved demolition of the former CSX building downtown to make room for the new construction. (WTHR)
Opening
While we wait for the Shinola music venue, concert lovers may want to check out Turntable. The new music venue from the managers of The Vogue took over the former Crackers Comedy Club space. It has a capacity of 400 standing + will host 90 events yearly. (IBJ)
Environment
Lucas Oil Stadium is seeing green. In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint by more than 50% this season, it’s selling all drinks in reusable souvenir cups that fans can take home + growing its own vegetables in gardens on several patio spaces. (WTHR)
Health
The Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital has received a $100,000 gift from Hyundai to support its pediatric oncology department. Over 26 years, the company has donated $250 million to childhood cancer research + programs. (WTHR)
Edu
Speaking of $100,000 gifts, Butler University granted that same amount to Indianapolis Public Schools to create a new counseling program designed to address the social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs of students. It’s also aimed at closing equity + opportunity gaps. (WTHR)
Sports
What do the Fighting Irish need to do to finish undefeated this season? Get the list of dos and dont’s from Locked On’s Tyler Wojciak.
Plan Ahead
BLINK is set to light up the Cincy Region from Thursday, Oct. 17 to Sunday, Oct. 20. This year’s dazzling event features everything from a cherished sunset parade to a create-your-own adventure through a walkable, immersive illuminated experience spanning 30+ city blocks. Here’s what to know before you go.*
Job
We’re looking for a Sales Executive in our sister market, SEAtoday, to identify and secure new advertising partnerships and grow existing client relationships on the SEAtoday team. Apply to join.
Community
👟 Now walk it out
The latest Indianapolis Cultural Trail expansion news
Fancy a fall walk on the Trail? This year, you’ll have two new routes you can take. | Photo by @kelsee422
Here’s a riddle for you: What grows longer as you walk on it?
Answer: The Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which (in case you forgot) is currently working on a couple different expansion projects. Here’s the breakdown:
Indiana Avenue expansion: This leg begins at the Walker Legacy Center and continues north to 10th Street, then heads west to the 16 Tech Innovation district. The segment officially opened in June.
White River expansion: This leg will add an additional mile of trail along South Street, Kentucky Avenue, Henry Street, and the Henry Street bridge. Construction on the bridge began last week and is estimated to wrap in 2026.
South Street expansion: This leg extends from New Jersey Street to Capitol Avenue, improving access to Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana Convention Center, and CityWay. Last week, the Colts announced a $100,000 gift to be used for this portion, which will open this fall.
The Buy
The Buy 9.09.24 (Affiliate)
A wireless travel charger compatible with practically any device. It’s capable of charging your smartphone, smartwatch, or headphones — meaning no more dead devices on the go.
One upcoming event at Turntable that I’m super excited about is Emo Night Karaoke on Saturday, Dec. 7 — when you can take the mic with a live band. If you need me this week, I’ll be preparing my setlist.
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