When September rolls around, small towns across North Carolina find their own ways to welcome the changing season. In Graham, that means gathering with friends, raising a stein, and celebrating Bavarian-style at Grahamtoberfest. Hosted in the lively beer garden of Forgotten Road Ales (FRA) on East Harden Street, this six-hour festival brings the community together with music, food, contests, and, of course, plenty of good beer. This year’s event takes place Saturday, September 20, from 2 to 8 p.m., promising a fall afternoon brimming with energy and tradition.
A Taste of Bavaria in the Carolinas
The roots of Oktoberfest stretch back to 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (later King Ludwig I) married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. To celebrate, the citizens of Munich were invited to days of festivities, including horse races, food, and copious amounts of beer. The party was such a hit it became an annual event, evolving into the world’s largest folk festival. Today, millions flock to Munich each fall to clink steins of Märzen beer, savor pretzels and sausages, and cheer on lively competitions.
Grahamtoberfest channels that same spirit—minus the long flight to Germany. Here, Alamance County locals and visitors alike can dress in traditional lederhosen or dirndls and join neighbors in a celebration that blends Bavarian roots with North Carolina charm.
What’s on Tap
Forgotten Road Ales has brewed a special batch of their annual Märzen, Mactoberfest, a smooth, malty beer that pays homage to the German style. For those who prefer something different, the taps will feature a full selection to satisfy every palate, plus non-beer options so everyone can join the toast. Festival-goers can even snag a Grahamtoberfest stein—the perfect souvenir for an afternoon spent raising glasses in good company.
Of course, no Oktoberfest-inspired celebration is complete without hearty food. Local food trucks will be on site, dishing out festival favorites to pair with your pint. And if you’ve got an appetite for adventure, sign up for the Brats Eating Contest at 4 p.m.—a lighthearted competition that’s sure to draw a crowd. Later, test your strength in the Stein Hold Competition at 6:30 p.m., where steady arms and Bavarian grit just might earn you bragging rights.
Live Music and Local Flavor
The soundtrack of Grahamtoberfest comes courtesy of The Rundown, performing live from 3 to 8 p.m. Their energy will keep the beer garden buzzing as festival-goers mingle among local vendors, explore artisan offerings, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes small-town gatherings so memorable.
Good times in Graham!
At its heart, Grahamtoberfest is about more than beer and brats, it’s a celebration of community. In true Oktoberfest fashion, the emphasis is on laughter, shared tables, and festive spirit. Whether you’re competing in contests, tapping your foot to the music, or simply savoring a Märzen with friends, you’re taking part in a tradition that spans continents and centuries, now rooted right here in Alamance County.
So pull out your lederhosen, grab your friends, and head to Forgotten Road Ales on September 20. Prost to fall, prost to Graham, and prost to memories made over a frothy stein!
