Beethoven Maennerchor Oktoberfest October 1-2, October 8-9
You don’t have to be German to know that beer, food, and music are synonymous with a good party. What began as a Bavarian marriage celebration has catapulted into an international annual happening. For nearly 200 years, Oktoberfest has been generating masses to celebrate the legendary German festival — with a bratwurst in one hand and an obatzda in the other. So, schuhplattler your way to the Beethoven Halle & Garten to kick off the fall season with traditional German dancing, mouthwatering delicacies, and beer — lots of it. Lederhosen not required. Suggested donation of $5; $3 in advance; members, children, military – free, 5pm-midnight, 422 Pereida St, (210) 222-1521, beethovenmaennerchor.com.
TasTE of San Antonio October 3
It’s no secret that San Antonio is chock full of a vast assortment of good eats. From authentic Mexican goodies like abuelita used to make to the finest wineries in Texas, San Antonio’s culinary connoisseurs never miss a beat. Bud Light and San Antonio Restaurant Assoc. present the 33rd Annual all-day event promising a full stomach and perhaps a slight buzz. Lunch is on these guys with taste samplings from area restaurants, catering companies, and Texas wine and beverage distributors. Learn from the pros with demonstrations from industry-related artisan booths, or immerse yourself in free food while jamming to some live music. A percentage of all sales will be devoted to culinary arts education scholarships and area high school programs. Maybe that will help you shake off gluttony-related guilt at the end of the night. 12-6 pm, $40 admission (children under 5 free), The Pearl Stable 312 Pearl Pkwy, (210) 734-7663, tasteofsanantonio.com.
24th Annual Gruene Music & Wine Fest October 7-10
Gruene is rich in Texas pride and it shows through the music they play and promote. The Gruene Music & Wine Fest merges the love for Texas and Americana music with wine tasting in honor of Texas Wine Month. This nifty concept has been proving beneficial to The United Way of Comal, the primary charity reaping the benefits of the successful three-day celebration from the start. The festival begins with a new event straight out of left field: jazz music to sip New World and German wines by Thursday. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday consists of catering by Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, Craft Market, and - you guessed it - Texas tunes, wine, and beer. Ticket prices and times vary for each event, 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, 78130, (830) 606-1281, gruenemusicandwinefest.org.
International Accordion Festival October 15-17
Join musicians from all over the world for a three-day celebration of this city’s infatuation with the accordion. This year marks the festival’s 10th anniversary of outstanding performances, workshops, open mic sessions, accordion jams, and dancing. Naturally, the event will be held at La Villita along the San Antonio Riverwalk, featuring artists such as Solas, Geno Delafrose & French Rockin’ Boogie, Riders in the Sky, Socalled, Jesse Lege, Joel Savoy & The Caleb Klauder Country Band, 1001 Nights Orchestra, Orgullo Vallenato, Copper Box, Los Pistoleros de Texas, Mark Halata & Texavia, Debra Peters & The Love Saints, Pinata Protest, and Grammy-Award winning Los Palominos. Free, S. Alamo St. at E. Nueva, (210) 852-0109, internationalaccordionfestival.org.
Wurstfest October 29 - November 7
Maybe it’s the anticipation of dated haunted houses and sugary treats infused with corn syrup, or the possible lingering intoxication from Oktoberfest that has the Alamo City acting up by the end of the month. Whatever the case is, nothing brings out the “wurst” in the locals like the event that takes place in the final days of October, leading us to a sausage-filled introduction to November. Put down the chorizo and sample a diverse assortment of German fare at Landa Park in New Braunfels. Wurst of any kind, cooked any way you like it, is right around every corner. Besides the obviously outrageous amount of sausage dishes available at the ten-day festival, live music, carnival attractions, and beer bring the Texas Hill Country to life. Opens 5 pm weekdays & 11 am weekends, 120 Landa Street, New Braunfels, 78130, wurstfest.com.
El Dia De Los Muertos November 2
The dead bring the city to life with elaborate altares, flores, calaveras, and pan de muerto during this culturally folkloric celebration. Papel picado will soon flood the streets as a welcome to the spirits of loved ones who have deceased. Mexican delicacies, food, drinks, and art are prepared in commemoration of a time when they were once among the living. Various events will take place throughout the city to rejoice in the spirits’ long trip back to their loved ones. This year, contemporary festivities link up with traditional rituals for a party fit for the living as well as the dead. View magnificent altares dedicated to those who have passed at Las Altares Del Mercado. Admission and times vary for each event, (210) 207-6708
