Oktoberfest season has arrived in Coastal Delaware, and with so many events on tap, we’re bringing you a two-part guide to the best celebrations.
In Part 1, we’ll cover Crooktoberfest in Lewes, Iron Hill’s Bavarian-inspired bash, and ThompsonFest in Rehoboth Beach, each packed with German food, seasonal beers, and lively entertainment for all of those looking to celebrate the Ocktoberfest traditions locally!
Crooktoberfest
Crooked Hammock Brewery in Lewes is celebrating Oktoberfest the only way it knows how, by stretching the fun out over a whole month.
From September 15th through October 13th, the brewery’s backyard transforms into a festive coastal spin on Oktoberfest with vibrant décor, cookout-style food specials, and fun fall seasonal beers flowing straight from the tanks.
Guests can look forward to live music, family-friendly activities, and plenty of ways to raise a stein.
The Weekly Lineup
Each weekend brings something new to Crooktoberfest in Lewes!
Friday nights feature live music to kick off the weekend, while Saturdays mix in competitions and games, from a stein-hoisting challenge on September 20th to a cornhole tournament on October 4th.
Sundays add a family-friendly twist with brunch and Pretzel Necklace Crafts for kids. Highlights include:
Week One
- Sept. 19: Live Music, 5–8 pm
- Sept. 20: Stein Holding Competition at 5 pm (plus a Kids’ Hoist with root beer)
- Sept. 21: Sunday Brunch & Pretzel Necklace Craft, 10 am–2 pm
Week Two
- Sept. 26–27: Live Music, 5–8 pm
- Sept. 28: Sunday Brunch & Pretzel Necklace Craft, 10 am–2 pm
Week Three
- Oct. 3: Live Music, 5–8 pm
- Oct. 4: Cornhole Tournament, 5–8 pm
- Oct. 5: Sunday Brunch & Pretzel Necklace Craft, 10 am–2 pm
Week Four
- Oct. 10–11: Live Music, 5–8 pm
- Oct. 12: Sunday Brunch & Pretzel Necklace Craft, 10 am–2 pm
Food Specials
The Crooktoberfest menu puts a backyard twist on German classics. Expect comforting bites, backyard staples, and a few surprises that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Guests can dig into the limited-time Bier Me Burger, packed with bold flavors, alongside comforting bites and cookout staples.
Pretzel lovers get an extra perk: Loyalty program members can enjoy 50% off the Humungous Pretzel every Friday, a golden Oktoberfest-sized twist that’s perfect for sharing.
Check out more details about their program here!
Fall Beers on Tap
Crooked Hammock has brewed a special fall lineup just for the season:
- Crooktoberfest – 5.7% Märzen Lager, smooth and malty with a classic amber profile.
- Wünder Pumpkin – 5.7% Pumpkin Festbier, brewed with a traditional Märzen base and a hint of pumpkin.
- Branched Out Apple Lager – 4.2% Lager with apples, offering a crisp, mellow sip.
Guests can also upgrade to a 24 oz souvenir cup for just $4 more than a pint, available while supplies last.
Event Details
- Dates: From September 15th to October 13th
- Reservations are needed
- Location: 36707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes
Crooktoberfest in Lewes is about more than just beer and food, it’s a full month of coastal fun with activities for every age, making it one of the must-visit fall events in Coastal Delaware.
Image Generated by AI
Thompson Fest
Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach is bringing back its annual ThompsonFest from September 18th to 21st, celebrating the best of Oktoberfest with beer, Bavarian-inspired cuisine, and live music.
This four-day fall festival combines traditional German flavors with a coastal twist, making it one of the must-visit Oktoberfest events in Coastal Delaware.
Oktoberfest Beer Dinner – Thursday, September 18th
Kick off ThompsonFest 2025 with an expertly paired 4-course Oktoberfest dinner at Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach. Chef Raul Rodriguez, Pastry Chef Dru Tevis, and Brewmaster Jimmy Valm bring traditional Bavarian flavors with a creative coastal twist for an unforgettable culinary experience.
- Date: Thursday, September 18th
- Time: On-site Dinner 6pm | Carry-Out 5:45pm
- Price: $72 (drinker); $60 (non-drinker)
- Location: 30133 Veterans Way, Rehoboth Beach
Menu & Beer Pairings
- First Course – Pretzel Panzanella
Brussels sprouts, roasted beets, caramelized onions, Fifer apples, and hot bacon vinaigrette
Paired with: Got Waves Kolsch
- Second Course – Bratwurst Strudel
Emmentaler cheese, drunken cranberries, and rahm sauce
Paired with: Sunset Shift IPA
- Third Course – Trout Schnitzel
Rye crusted, served with German potato salad, fennel, caraway-glazed parsnips, and raspberry mustard
Paired with: ThompsonFest Märzen
- Dessert Course – Salted Maple Pumpkin Pie
Brown sugar shortbread crust, cinnamon strudel crunch, apple butter mascarpone, and cinnamon ice cream
Paired with: Booooo!!!! Pumpkin Ale
This Oktoberfest Beer Dinner is the perfect way to start the ThompsonFest weekend, offering guests a true taste of Bavarian cuisine with the quality and creativity Thompson Island Brewing is known for.
ThompsonFest Märzen Can Release – Friday, September 19th
Be among the first to taste ThompsonFest’s seasonal Märzen, available both on draft and in cans. The Brewing Team will also host a special cask tapping for a one-of-a-kind beer experience.
Beer Garden Oktoberfest – Saturday, September 20th | 1–6pm
Celebrate in the outdoor beer garden with live music from the Schützengiggles Oompah Band, classic Oktoberfest dishes, and seasonal brews.
Beer Garden Oktoberfest – Sunday, September 21st | 1–4pm
Wrap up the festival with authentic German music by Musical Memories, and enjoy a menu of Bavarian favorites including giant pretzels with beer cheese, juicy bratwursts, a wood-grilled sausage platter, and pretzel-crusted pork schnitzel.
The 2025 ThompsonFest Stein
On Sunday, September 21st, festival-goers can grab a commemorative 19.5oz ThompsonFest stein while supplies last. Available for $10 with the first fill, refills are only $4, perfect for keeping the Oktoberfest spirit flowing.
ThompsonFest 2025 offers a festive blend of beer, food, music, and coastal fun, making it a standout fall event in Rehoboth Beach.
Image Generated by AI
Celebrate with Beer & Food
That’s just the start of Coastal Delaware’s Oktoberfest fun! Don’t miss Part 2 of our guide for more Oktoberfest celebrations happening here in Coastal Delaware!
Do you plan on attending any of the celebrations? Drop a comment below on which one you are most excited about!
And while you’re here, be sure to follow our blog and share your favorite Oktoberfest traditions in the comments!
Update: All Iron Hill locations are closed, and their Oktoberfest celebration has been canceled.