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Hofbrauhaus Cleveland plans OktoberFEAST

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 6:19 GMT by Cleveland.com
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Cleveland’s Hofbrauhaus Sets the Stage for a Tenth‑Anniversary Oktoberfest Celebration

Cleveland’s most iconic German tavern, Hofbrauhaus Cleveland, is poised to kick off its 2025 Oktoberfest with a splash of Bavarian flair that promises to outshine the city’s most celebrated festivals. The storied restaurant, which first opened its doors in 1994 and has since become a linchpin of the city’s Brewery District, announced this week that it will be hosting a 10th‑anniversary Oktoberfest from September 18th to 20th—an event that will feature a full lineup of authentic German fare, a rotating selection of craft beers, and a host of community‑focused giveaways.

A Tradition Rooted in German Hospitality

Hofbrauhaus Cleveland has built a reputation on its commitment to German culture. From the stone‑wall décor and the hand‑painted murals that depict 19th‑century Bavarian taverns, to the menu that leans heavily on classic German staples—sausages, pretzels, sauerkraut, and, of course, the legendary pork knuckle—every element feels as if the restaurant has stepped out of a traditional beer hall. In its inaugural Oktoberfest last year, the tavern pulled in more than 8,000 visitors, a number that exceeded the restaurant’s usual foot traffic and set a new benchmark for the event.

“We’ve always felt like the heart of German hospitality in Cleveland,” says long‑time manager Klaus Müller. “The 10th anniversary is a milestone that we want to celebrate with our community and with our loyal patrons.”

Müller, who has worked in the hospitality industry for over 25 years, explained that this year’s event will be more expansive than any previous iteration. “We’re looking at a three‑day festival with live German music, a special tasting menu, and an open‑air beer garden that will host the first ever ‘Cleveland Beer Tower’—a giant, 20‑foot beer stein—complete with a photo booth for guests to take pictures in traditional Bavarian attire.”

A Menu that Brings Bavaria to the Buckeye City

The Oktoberfest menu is a showcase of German culinary classics reimagined for Cleveland’s discerning palate. Head Chef Ingrid Schmidt will guide a culinary team in crafting dishes such as:

• Schnitzel mit Bratkartoffeln – tender veal schnitzel served with a side of caramelized potatoes.
• Bratwurst mit Sauerkraut – homemade sausages paired with tangy, slow‑cooked cabbage.
• Schweinehaxe – a pork knuckle that is slow‑roasted until the crackling skin is crispy and the meat inside is melt‑in‑your‑mouth tender.
• Käsespätzle – homemade egg noodles tossed in melted Swiss cheese and topped with caramelized onions.

For vegetarian diners, the kitchen will offer a Kohlrabi‑Fischstäbchen (kohlrabi “fish sticks”) and a Bavarian Beetroot Soup. Desserts will feature the traditional German chocolate cake, Schokoladenkuchen, as well as a Bavarian Apple Pie with a side of vanilla ice cream.

“Food is a big part of the celebration,” said Schmidt. “We want people to taste the flavors they might have only experienced in Europe and bring that experience back home.”

Beer: The Heart of the Celebration

No Oktoberfest is complete without beer, and Hofbrauhaus Cleveland is partnering with several local breweries to bring an eclectic assortment of brews to the festival. While the tavern’s own Hofbrau Hauslager and Hofbrau Pils will be on tap throughout the weekend, guests will also have the opportunity to sample specialty brews like:

• Brauwerk’s “Goldener Herbst” – a light amber lager infused with honey.
• Cleveland Brew Co.’s “Autumn Harvest” – a barley wine with spicy malts.
• Microbrewery Hops & Grain’s “Spiced Oktober” – a rye‑based ale with a hint of coriander.

For beer lovers who prefer non‑alcoholic options, a new line of low‑alcohol German lagers will be available, ensuring that everyone can partake in the spirit of the celebration.

“Beer is about community,” said head brewer Matthias Engel. “We’ve designed a tasting flight that will let people experience the depth and nuance of German brewing traditions without compromising on flavor.”

A Festive Atmosphere for All Ages

The event will feature a mix of live music and entertainment. A German folk band, Bavarian Beats, will play traditional tunes on the first evening, while a local jazz trio will provide a more laid‑back sound on the second day. In addition, the tavern’s resident magician, Hans “The Great” Müller, will perform a “German Hat Trick” trick that will leave audiences spellbound.

To accommodate families, the event will have a designated kids’ corner, featuring a giant inflatable castle, a face‑painting station, and a mini‑brewery tour for the younger crowd. Children will also receive a free “Hofbrau Kids Pack” that includes a child‑friendly menu, a small toy, and a personalized beer‑style mug.

Community Partnerships and Charitable Giving

True to its spirit of community, Hofbrauhaus Cleveland will donate a portion of ticket sales to the Cleveland Food Bank, which supplies groceries to thousands of families in the region. Additionally, the event will host a “Friedrich’s Fund” raffle, with the proceeds going to a local charity that provides meals to the homeless.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Food Bank and help the city’s underserved,” said Müller. “This Oktoberfest is more than a celebration; it’s a chance to give back to Cleveland.”

The tavern also announced a new partnership with the Cleveland Museum of Art for a pop‑up “Beer & Brush” art exhibit, which will display works inspired by German folklore and displayed alongside the festival’s beverages.

Tickets and How to Join

Ticket information was shared via the tavern’s official website (link provided in the original article). Guests can purchase a single‑day pass for $45, or a 3‑day festival bundle for $120. Early‑bird specials are available for the first 200 guests. All tickets include entry to the beer garden, access to live music, and a complimentary pretzel.

The official event page also lists the full schedule of events and a FAQ section detailing how the festival will adhere to local health and safety guidelines.

A Festive Forecast

When asked what attendees should expect, Chef Schmidt shared, “Expect a sensory explosion—music, food, and beer. It’s a celebration of culture, community, and the joy of sharing a good laugh and a cold stein with friends.”

With a history of delivering authentic German experiences, Hofbrauhaus Cleveland’s 10th‑anniversary Oktoberfest promises to be a memorable highlight of the 2025 season. Whether you’re a diehard beer aficionado, a family looking for a fun outing, or simply someone who wants to immerse themselves in Bavarian culture, the festival offers a window into the heart of Germany—right in the heart of Cleveland’s Brewery District. Mark your calendar for September 18‑20, and join in the toasting, the dancing, and the celebration of a decade of heritage and hospitality.