Oktoberfest Season in the Quad Cities
Fall is the season of leaves, cooler temps, pumpkin spice, fall brews, and Oktoberfests. There are a lot of different versions of this fun classic event in the Quad Cities.
With the Oktoberfest events featuring beer, we can’t overlook the number of great microbreweries in the Quad Cities. The local microbreweries have tapped their own fall beers, so it’s the perfect time to start the QC Ale Trail. It serves as the guide to the 18 local breweries (and counting). The QC Ale Trail rewards you with prizes as you check-in at each local microbrewery you visit. Start your online passport today at www.qcaletrail.com and let it be your guide to exploring the fall flavors of the Quad Cities. Prost!
What’s on tap this fall in the QC:
- You’ll find Oktoberfest at Stompbox Brewing in Davenport, Iowa, for a new take on this Marzen-styled brew fermented lightning-fast with Lutra Kviek Yeast.
- The Festbier at Blue Cat Brewing Co. in Rock Island, Ill., is a Munich Helles with slightly more hop flavor and a golden color.
- The Ryetoberfest at Twin Span Brewing in Bettendorf, Iowa, is a malty, yet crisp, Marzen with a punch of rye and notes of caramel, toast, and spicy earthy rye.
- Great Revivalist Brew Lab in Geneseo, Ill., has two fall brews on tap. Their Oktoberfest Märzen is packed full of Pilsner and Vienna malts, producing a malty German-style Amber Lager. The Pumpkin Eater is as dark as All Hollow’s Eve, sinfully light on the palate with nuances of pumpkin and fall flavors, laced with a delicate finish.
- The Mawktoberfest Marzen at Midwest Ale Works in East Moline, Ill., is a malty, bready, caramelly, and delicious German style amber.
- The Oktoberfest at Five Cities Brewing in Bettendorf, Iowa, is a Marzen-style in the perfect dark amber shade to match your lederhosen.
- The Sweet Potato Ale at Bent River Brewing Company in Moline, Ill., is one of their most highly-anticipated seasonal beers. Sweet Potato Ale (not a pumpkin beer) is a medium-bodied wheat beer that captures the best flavors of fall.
Dogs get in on the fun too at Dogtoberfest. Free doggie bags for the first 150 visitors through the gate on Friday, September 23, from 5-8 p.m. at Crow Creek Dog Park, 4800 Devils Glen Road in Bettendorf. Live auction, raffle baskets, food, and drink for sale. For more information, visit www.bettendorf.org
Cruise the Mississippi on the Oktoberfest cruise on September 29, 2022, with Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen. This band will get toes tapping and everyone out on the dance floor! You can expect a mix of your favorite Oktoberfest polkas and waltzes and a mix of some party favorites, and even the crew joins in. This lunch cruise on the Celebration Belle riverboat departs at 10:30 a.m. from Moline, Illinois. For more information, visit www.celebrationbelle.com
The Bierstube restaurant, 415 15th St. in Moline, Illinois, celebrates its Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 8, 2022. They’ll celebrate from 5 p.m. to midnight with live music, food, drink, games, and prizes. For more information, visit www.bier-stube.com
On Thursday, October 20, 2022, enjoy unlimited pork, beer and seasonal specialty drink samples at Hogtoberfest. This event features local establishments competing for various awards. Guests will also be treated to a silent auction, beer pull, grub grab, live entertainment, giveaways, games, and more. Join in on the fun at the RiverCenter, 136 E. 3rd Street in Davenport, Iowa, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The funds raised at this event will benefit the programs and services Friendly House provides to Quad Cities families. Admission is $40 per person in advance and $50 at the door. For tickets and more information, visit www.friendlyhouse.org
Celebrate the QC’s German roots with the German American Heritage Center and Hauberg Estate on Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 12-9 p.m. for the second annual Oktoberfest Quad Cities at the Hauberg Estate, 1300 24th St., Rock Island, Ill. There will be kids’ activities offered starting at Noon and various games like trivia and pretzel toss offered throughout the day. Food, beer, and souvenir mugs will be available for purchase. The ceremonial keg tapping is at 4:00 p.m., followed by live music with Die Musikmeisters from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Wear your best Oktoberfest finery for a chance to be crowned King & Queen of Oktoberfest QC. Admission is free from 12-4 p.m. and after 4:00 p.m. it is ticketed entry. Tickets are $10 in advance at www.gahc.org or $15 at the door. Kids 12 and under are free.
