By Courtney Bell
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the German tradition of drinking beer in October. Austin beer garden Banger’s is throwing a three-weekend-long bash devoted to beer, food, music and games.
From chicken s–t bingo and sausage-eating contests, to stein races and keg tosses, your Oktoberfest drinking and gaming needs can be met at Rainey Street’s beloved beer bar. Sign up by showing up. On Oct. 6, a championship event will be held for the winners of the previous individual events for the chance to win the grand prize of a $500 bar tab to be spent the same day.
And did we mention the specialty German fare served up each day? Chef Ted Prater has prepared a special Oktoberfest menu, including schnitzle sausage, krautwurst, German potato salad and other classics. Spaetzle will be served aplenty. This very traditional German flour dumpling, browned in butter, is a delightful side to any homemade sausage on the Banger’s menu. Don’t miss out on this fan favorite.
From Sept. 21 to Oct. 6, Banger’s will feature local breweries, and each Saturday, Ben Siegel, owner of Banger’s, will tap a Firken keg for everyone to drink for free until it’s gone. As usual, Banger’s will be adorning its outdoor stage with some of Austin’s finest musical talents, including Urban Achievers and Boxcar Preachers.
Full Schedule
Day 1: Sept. 21
Featured Brewery: Live Oak Brewing Company
11 a.m.: Tapping of ceremonial Firkin keg by Ben Siegel. Beer will be given away for free until it’s gone.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Live Music-Off the Grip (three-piece polka band)
11 a.m. to 1 a.m.: Special German menu
2 to 5 p.m.: Horse Boy Foundation, a charity utilizing horses to help children with autism, will bring horses to the beer garden so guests can pose with them and children can finger-paint on the horses.
4 p.m.: Sam Adam’s Stein Hoist
4 to 6 p.m.: Bryce Dishongh of Coat and Tails will offer his dog-portrait services to the public.
8 to 11 p.m.: Live music from Oma and the Oompahs
Day 2: Sept. 22
Featured Brewery: Live Oak Brewing Company
11 a.m. to 11 p.m.: Special German menu and brunch menu
noon to 3 p.m.: Live music from Urban Achievers
1 p.m.: Cornhole tournament
4 p.m.: Chicken s–t bingo
4 to 8 p.m.: Live music from DJ Hans Chino Casino
Day 3: Sept. 23
Featured Brewery: Live Oak Brewery
11 a.m. to 1 a.m.: Special German menu
4 to 11 p.m.: Senior citizens eat for half price
Day 4: Sept. 26
Featured Brewery: Left Hand Brewing Company
11 a.m. to 1 a.m.: Special German menu
7 to 11 p.m.: Live music from The Preservation
Day 5: Sept. 27
Featured Brewery: Left Hand Brewing Company
11 a.m. to 1 a.m.: Special German menu
6 p.m.: Keg roll
6 to 10 p.m.: Live music from Off the Grip
9 p.m.: Lederhosen and dirndl costume contest
Day 6: Sept. 28
Featured Brewery: Left Hand Brewing Company
11 a.m.: Tapping of ceremonial Firkin keg by Ben Siegel. Beer will be given away for free until it’s gone.
11 a.m. to 1 a.m.: Special German menu
noon to 4 p.m.: Live music from Lorelei & Schatzi
2 to 5 p.m.: Horse Boy Foundation, a charity utilizing horses to help children with autism, will bring horses to the beer garden so guests can take pictures with and children can finger-paint on the horses.
4 p.m.: Sausage-eating contest
8 to 11 p.m.: Live music from Jerry Haisler and the Melody 5
Day 7: Sept. 29
Featured Brewery: Left Hand Brewing Company
11 a.m. to 11 p.m.: Special German menu and brunch menu
noon to 3 p.m.: Live music from Urban Achievers
1 p.m.: Ladder ball
4 p.m.: Chicken s–t bingo
4 to 8 p.m.: Live music from DJ Vladimir Fideo
Day 8: Oct. 2
Featured Brewery: Left Hand Brewing Company
11 a.m. to 11 p.m.: Special German menu
9 to 11 p.m.: Live stand-up comedy
Day 9: Oct. 3
Featured Brewery: Hops & Grain
11 a.m. to 11 p.m.: Special German menu
7 to 11 p.m.: Live music from Boxcar Preachers
Day 10: Oct. 4
Featured Brewery: Hops & Grain
11 a.m. to 1 a.m.: Special German menu
6 p.m.: Stein race
6 to 10 p.m.: Live music from Lorlei & Schotzi
Day 11: Oct. 5
Featured Brewery: Hops & Grain
11 a.m.: Tapping of ceremonial Firkin keg by Ben Siegel. Beer will be given away for free until it’s gone.
11 a.m. to 1 a.m.: Special German menu
noon to 4 p.m.: Live music from Off the Grip
4 p.m.: Keg toss
8 to 11p.m.: Live music from Wino Vino
Day 12: Oct. 6
Featured Brewery: Left Hand Brewing Company
11 a.m. to 11 p.m.: Special German menu and brunch menu
noon to 3 p.m.: Live music form Urban Achievers
4 p.m.: Hammerschlagen
4 to 6 p.m.: Bryce Dishongh of Coat and Tails will offer his dog-portrait services to the public.
4 to 8 p.m.: Live music from DJ Hans Chino Casino
6 p.m.: Closing ceremonies, including awards and a gun salute.
