Raise your glass or, in this case, your stein, to the return of Red Rocks Oktoberfest organized by Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks. The traditional German celebration happens Oct. 22 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Posse Grounds Park. The highlight of the festival is the 10 (and counting) breweries that will be serving up frosty mugs of craft beer. Breweries from Sedona, Flagstaff, Cottonwood, Williams, Tempe, Chandler, Prescott and Lake Havasu City will all be represented. Partygoers will compete in games like the stein-holding contest and enjoy music by Flagstaff band Polka Katzen (4-6 p.m.) and Sedona-based The Naughty Bits! (6-9 p.m.). Sop up all that beer with Oktoberfest specialties such as beer-roasted bratwurst, potato salad, sauerkraut and German-style pretzels.
Red Rocks Oktoberfest began in 2013 and was held at the creek-side park at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa until it outgrew the location and moved to Posse Grounds last year. The 2015 festival took place earlier in the month, which conflicted with other area celebrations. Organizers have pushed the event back to its original end-of-October date and reconfigured the layout. Gone is the large tent from 2015. Instead, there will be a smaller tent where the bands will perform. Beer and food vendors along with games such as cornhole will be located under the stars. There’s no reason to park at Posse Grounds (or drink and drive): Shuttles will pick up and drop off partygoers at locations in Uptown and West Sedona.
Oktoberfest raises funds for the Rotary Club’s programs benefiting area youth. Event organizer Rick Wesselhoff says he gets phone calls for weeks after Oktoberfest from revelers who frequently call it the best party of the year. “I think we have a need for fun events that attract a younger crowd and appeal to locals and visitors alike,” says Rick. “And the beer is always great. This is a craft-beer festival – you won’t be drinking any cruddy beers.” – Erika Ayn Finch. Photo by Bob Coates.
SEDONA CALENDAR: Events, activities, shows, happenings
