Oktoberfest: History, quick facts about Germany beer fest
Oktoberfest started in October 1810 and continues to be celebrated every fall
Ever think Octoberfest is missing something? Thanks to Harpoon Brewery in Boston, for one day in October, something a little extra has been added to the tradition: dogs.
On Sunday, Oct. 6, Harpoon will host its annual Dogtoberfest celebration. Following the brewery’s Octoberfest celebration on Oct. 4 and 5, this event invites beer lovers and their pups to celebrate the German tradition with a dog race, dog contests, food trucks and Harpoon brews.
The event is not just for fun, but is also a fundraiser, and all proceeds will be donated to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) and the Kenary Brain Tumor Research Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Find out everything you need to know before attending the event below.
Harpoon Dogtoberfest Attractions
The festival kicks off with “Fast & Furriest 3-Mile Run. Walk. Wag,” a three-mile race for dogs and their owners. Recently winning the No. 2 spot on USA Today’s list of the 10 best fun runs in the country, this activity is perfect for dogs who love to walk or run.
When race participants return to the “barking” lot, they will be greeted with a vendor row full of shops, photo booths, food trucks and beer for both dogs and owners to enjoy. Alongside draft choices like Harpoon IPA, Juicer Hazy IPA, Rec. League and Flannel Friday, Harpoon will also have a dog-friendly brew made with malted barley mash and peanut butter.
After enjoying a beer or two, dogs can compete in The Fest-minster Dog Show, featuring special announcer Brandon Clay from 101.7 The Bull. This year’s contest categories are high five, trick, look-alike and costume. To compete in any of the contests, register your dog at customer service during the event. All dogs can compete in the costume contest, but the other categories are limited to 10 pups each. Winners receive packs of Harpoon beer and ribbons, among other surprise prizes.
Tickets to Harpoon Dogtoberfest
Regular admission tickets are $25 for ages 21 and older and free for those under 21 who enter with a paying adult. To compete in the Fast & Furriest race, tickets are $15 for those under 21 and $45 for ages 21 and older. Participants of the Fast & Furriest must sign up before Oct. 1, but regular tickets will be available until the start of the event.
When and where is Harpoon Dogtoberfest 2024?
Dogtoberfest will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6 at the Harpoon Brewery, 306 Northern Ave. in Boston.
More: Harpoon Octoberfest 2024 returns to Boston soon. Your guide to what’s happening this year
Rules for dogs at Dogtoberfest
- Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Leashes cannot be retractable or longer than six feet.
- Dogs in heat cannot attend.
- All dogs must be up to date on vaccinations.
- Owners must clean up after their own dogs.
- Dogs participating in the Fast & Furriest race must be at least six months old and comfortable walking or running in a busy environment. It is recommended that leashes attach to a harness rather than a neck collar for the race.
