Fall in New Jersey means cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and, of course, Oktoberfest celebrations! And if you’re looking for a way to spend a Saturday afternoon enjoying great food, local craft beverages, live music, and a little friendly competition, Red Bank has you covered.
On Saturday, October 10, Red Bank Oktoberfest returns to Edmund Wilson Plaza on the west side of downtown Red Bank from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event brings together some of New Jersey’s favorite breweries, distilleries, wineries, food vendors, and local makers for an afternoon that celebrates everything we love about fall.
And here’s something worth raising a glass to: admission is completely free!
A Taste of New Jersey, One Sip at a Time
One of the highlights of Red Bank Oktoberfest is the opportunity to sample beverages from an impressive lineup of local and regional producers. New Jersey’s craft beverage scene has grown tremendously over the years, and events like this offer a great opportunity to discover new favorites while supporting the small businesses behind them.
Participating breweries and distilleries include Kane Brewing, Carton Brewing, Asbury Park Brewery, Bradley Brew Project, Five Dimes Brewery, Twin Lights Brewing, Garden State Distillery, 3BR Distillery, and many more.
Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, prefer a glass of wine, or enjoy trying something a little different, there will be plenty to explore.
For guests 21 and older who want to participate in the tastings, sampling packages are available:
- Unlimited Sampling: $45 in advance or $60 on the day of the event.
- 12-Sample Package: $25 in advance or $40 on the day of the event.
With advance pricing offering a pretty significant savings, it’s worth planning ahead if you intend to sample.
Beyond the Beer
While Oktoberfest might bring beer steins and pretzels to mind, Red Bank’s celebration offers much more than what’s being poured.
Visitors can enjoy live music, a variety of food offerings, and a craft vendor market featuring independent makers. There will even be feats of strength for those feeling particularly competitive!
Families are welcome, too. A dedicated kids zone makes this an event where parents can bring the little ones along and enjoy an afternoon together.
And because there’s no admission fee, you don’t need to purchase a tasting package to enjoy the festivities. Come for the music, browse the vendors, grab something delicious to eat, and soak up the atmosphere.
Make a Day of It in Downtown Red Bank
One of the things we love about events like Oktoberfest is that they introduce people to communities they might not otherwise visit.
Red Bank has long been known for its vibrant downtown, with independently owned boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and specialty shops that give the town its personality. Oktoberfest is a perfect excuse to explore a little beyond the festival itself.
Arrive early, grab a coffee, wander through the shops, or make dinner reservations at one of the many restaurants downtown after the festivities wrap up.
When you attend a community event and spend a little time exploring the surrounding businesses, you’re doing more than enjoying a day out. You’re helping support the local economy and the people who make these downtowns special.
Plan Your Visit
Red Bank Oktoberfest 2026 will take place at Edmund Wilson Plaza in Red Bank on Saturday, October 10, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. A rain date is set for October 17. Admission is free—drink ticket packages available for adults 21 and over.
For event details and advance sampling packages, click here
Whether you’re going for the craft beer, the live music, the shopping, or simply an excuse to enjoy a beautiful fall afternoon, Red Bank Oktoberfest sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday.
So grab a few friends, raise a glass to New Jersey’s local makers, and enjoy a little Oktoberfest fun. Prost!
Antonietta LaVecchia has been a small business advocate for over two decades and has made it a mission to get communities to shop small and support local.