Celebrate Oktoberfest in Kenmore

By Jennifer Coleman | Photos courtesy of FindKenmore.org

Beer lovers rejoice! The community of Kenmore, Washington is buzzing with excitement as they prepare to host their very first annual Oktoberfest, happening September 19-22. This iconic regional celebration is making its way to Kenmore, thanks to an incredible partnership between the City of Kenmore, local businesses, non-profits, restaurants, and breweries.

Located just 13 miles northeast of Seattle, Kenmore's Oktoberfest promises four days of non-stop Bavarian fun, starting with the ceremonial tapping of the firkin (a small keg favored among craft brewers who produce small batches of beer) and continuing with a jam-packed schedule of activities for everyone to enjoy. From downtown Kenmore to Brew Row and up to Saint Edward State Park, the festivities will have the entire town buzzing with energy.

The recently established Brew Row includes 192 Brewing Company, Copperworks Distilling, and Postdoc Brewing which are all located along the Burke-Gilman trail at 73^rd Ave NE and within walking distance of each other. It’s the perfect place to do a pub-crawl and sample the local favorite watering holes. Another local favorite brewery, Stoup Brewing, can be found just a half mile away from the Brew Row. Located in the heart of Kenmore on the town square, Stoup Brewing offers craft beer, excellent food and a pet friendly patio.

192 Brewing Company has a rotating selection of craft beer in their taproom and a great outdoor seating area that is perfect for the whole family. Copperworks Distilling next door has a cocktail bar and tasting room, along with outdoor seating that is family and pet friendly, too. At Postdoc, you can count on a satisfying Pacific Northwest lineup as well as a variety of sour and barrel aged beers. 

Oktoberfest Passport Adventure: Don't miss out on the Oktoberfest passport! Starting September 15, you can pick one up at participating businesses or Kenmore City Hall. The passport is your guide to the event, filled with special offers and coupons. Plus, if you return your completed passport to City Hall by October 1, you’ll receive a small gift and a chance to win a prize in the raffle!

Suzanne Greathouse of the Kenmore Heritage Society summed it up perfectly: “What started as a simple idea among a few members of the Kenmore Business Alliance quickly blossomed into a vision for a vibrant community Oktoberfest event. This kind of cooperation not only builds stronger communities but also creates lasting bonds and memories. It shows us that when we come together with shared goals and a willingness to support one another, we can turn even the simplest ideas into extraordinary experiences.”