Oktoberfest beer season is kicking into high gear. From Karl Strauss keeping a 37-year tradition alive to Lone Tree Brewing throwing a bus-fueled Bavarian bash, plus Neshaminy Creek’s fresh take on a fan-favorite hop bomb, this week’s releases are packed with crisp lagers, bold IPAs, and plenty of excuses to raise a stein.
Karl Strauss brings Oktoberfest back for its 37th year
Karl Strauss Brewing Co., San Diego’s first post-Prohibition brewery, is tapping into tradition with the release of its 37th annual Oktoberfest Märzen Lager, launching September 2 at all nine Southern California brewpubs. Available on draft and in six-packs, this crisp, golden-amber Märzen blends Vienna and Munich malts with Perle hops from Germany’s Hallertau region for toasted malt flavors, nutty undertones, and a clean finish.
Club Karl members get early-access pours (Aug. 30–Sept. 1), with $10 steins and $5 refills before the public release. After September 2, prices bump slightly, but the stein-and-fill promo also covers Karl Strauss classics like Red Trolley Ale, Tower X West Coast IPA, and Boat Shoes Hazy IPA.
“This classic Oktoberfest Märzen Lager, which was the very first brewed in San Diego back in 1989, is being shared with people for the 37th year in a row,” says brewmaster Paul Segura.
Want to pair it properly? Karl Strauss Executive Chef Corey Rapp recommends the Beer Brat Smashburger, loaded with bratwurst, beef, IPA mushrooms, Havarti, and mustard aioli on a pretzel bun — available exclusively during Oktoberfest season.
Neshaminy Creek shrinks its hop bomb, not the flavor
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co. is giving fans more flexibility with its flagship Imperial IPA, The Shape of Hops to Come (8.5% ABV), now available in 12oz 4/6-packs alongside its iconic 16oz cans. The bold, resinous hop blast of Citra, Ekuanot, and Simcoe stays intact — just in a slightly smaller pour.
“The Shape of Hops to Come is the beer that really defined us as a brewery,” says CEO Kyle Park. “Now with the 12oz option, we’re giving fans the same bold, high-ABV West Coast-style Imperial IPA they know and love but in a size that’s just right for kicking back anywhere.”
The 12oz cans start rolling out August 29 across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and NCBC’s three taprooms. Look for the new “LOUD FLAVOR – LOWER VOLUME” tagline on shelves.
Lone Tree Brewing goes all-in on Oktoberfest
Lone Tree Brewing Co. has dropped its 2025 Oktoberfest Märzen Lager (5.5% ABV) statewide, brewed with European malts and German Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops for rich, toasty malt flavors and a crisp, dry finish. Find it in 12oz 6-packs and on tap at both Lone Tree tasting rooms and select Colorado retailers.
But the celebrations go deeper than a single beer. On Sept. 6, Lone Tree’s Parker location kicks off Bustoberfest: Oktoberfest Bus Loop Edition with festival beers, polka bands, food trucks, and a bus route connecting five breweries. On Sept. 13, the main taproom hosts an all-day Oktoberfest blowout, featuring the release of Lone Tree’s 2025 Festbier, stein-hoisting competitions, live music, and BBQ from Big Belly Bros.
