Oktoberfest is coming. Plan now for fall food and beer events in the Lower Hudson
September may have just begun but the month is already filling up fast with a host of food and beer events. After all, it's never too early to start thinking Oktoberfest.
Many places, from Nyack to Haverstraw and White Plains to Peekskill, are hosting food (and beer) events, with many starting this month. Of course there are other culinary-themed shindigs as well, including an apple pie contest (yours truly is a judge) and a sampling of ethnic flavors. Mark your Google calendars and get ready to eat! The following spots promise plenty of fun, food and a celebratory mood.
Sept. 17: Oktoberfest, Peekskill Brewery, Peekskill
The second annual Oktoberfest celebration features live polka music by the Brass Rascals, German food specials and a stein holding competition (for those 21 and older). There's even an Oktoberfest Mug Mile hosted by Brewery Running starting at 11 a.m. 47 S. Water St., 914-734-2337, peekskillbrewery.com
Sept. 23: Community Block Party, Pleasantville
Eat the street, more or less, at the Pleasantville Community Block Party on Washington and Wheeler Avenues. Events on Washington Avenue will run from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and events on Wheeler Avenue from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Rain date is Sept. 30. pleasantville-ny.gov
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Sept. 24: Haverstraw Food Crawl, Haverstraw
The flavors of Haverstraw come alive — rain or shine — with downtown's 9th annual “Flavors of Haverstraw Food Crawl.” The Crawl begins in the Webster Bank lot at 38 New Main St. and features small plates from more than 20 restaurants. Tastings are $5 to $10 per plate. There will also be free live music, craft beer (on Broadway and Main) and a magician and clown for youngsters. haverstrawriverwidearts.org/taste-haverstraw
Sept. 30: Blocktoberfest, Nyack
Food, games and, of course, beer are on the menu along with games, raffles, and music on Franklin Street between Main and Burd in Nyack from noon to 5 p.m. The Local will offer 18 taps, including Paulaner and eight American craft lagers. 4 S Franklin St., thelocalnyack.com
Sept. 30: Oktoberfest, Soul Brewing, Pleasantville
Soul Brewing's third annual Oktoberfest Celebration will offer special Oktoberfest foods, a live band line up, and the official launch of the brewery's annual Pleasantbräu Oktoberfest Lager. 41 Wheeler Ave., soulbrewingco.com
More: Jeanne Muchnick's big fall dining preview for Westchester. What's new? What's coming?
Oct. 8: Oktoberfest, White Plains
Throw on your Lederhosen for this annual festival serving up a host of seasonal food from Walter’s Hot Dogs and Sundance Kitchen. For those 21 and older, German beers will be available, plus beers from White Plains’ own brewery, Wolf & Warrior. The event, which goes from 1 to 6 p.m., includes live music with Melina & the Oompahs along with a DJ playing a mix of American and German hits. German-themed fun and games are also on tap, including, but not limited to, a Stein-holding and alpine horn blowing contest, sausage toss, and a German spelling bee. Life-sized yard games (Connect Four, cornhole, etc.) will also be on hand. For families, there will be face painting, hands-on crafts and a balloon artist early in the event. Mamaroneck Avenue between East Post Road and Maple Avenue. Limited advance $11 tickets for wristbands as well as $15 day-of the event. Purchase of outside beer is cash only. wpbid.com/oktoberfest
Oct. 14: Apple Pie Contest, Pleasantville Farmer's Market, Pleasantville
Who's ready for pie? The Pleasantville Farmers Market, which has had apple pie contests since 1998, will host its annual contest, with award winners announced at 11 a.m. If you want to bake one, go to pleasantvillefarmersmarket.org/apple-pie-contest/ for rules and an entry form. Early registration is encouraged but entries are accepted until 9:45 a.m. on contest day. All pies are sliced and sold after the awards are presented with proceeds supporting the service award program for Pleasantville Farmers Market student interns. New categories this year include traditional two-crust apple pie, decorative two-crust, and apple crisp. This year, Lohud Food and Dining Reporter Jeanne Muchnick will be a judge, along with a mix of culinary experts and local luminaries including Village Mayor Peter Scherer and Doris Sharp, crossing guard and pie aficionado. 10 Memorial Plaza, 914-205-4545, pleasantvillefarmersmarket.org
Oct. 14: Peekskill Brewery Block Party
More Peekskill fun is planned from noon to 6 p.m. for the 15th anniversary block party, featuring live music, food trucks, artisans, kids activities and, yes, more beer. South Water Street and the commuter lot. 47 S. Water St., 914- 734-2337, peekskillbrewery.com
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @lohud_food or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Westchester, Rockland NY fall events include Oktoberfest, food crawl
