2nd Saturday September - Oktoberfest Bites & Brews Stroll
Raise your steins and bring your appetites, Oktoberfest – A Taste of Germany is coming to downtown Hanover!
Hanover, Pennsylvania, named after its German sister city, has deep roots in German culture and tradition. Join us for this festive stroll through downtown, where local eateries and venues will be serving up delicious German-inspired dishes at each stop. From bratwurst and schnitzel to strudel and spaetzle, experience the flavors that echo the town’s rich heritage.
As you stroll, enjoy the lively atmosphere and be sure to visit downtown breweries offering authentic and seasonal beer selections for purchase, perfect for pairing with your bites.
Discover how German immigrants shaped Hanover’s early prosperity through farming and milling, and celebrate that legacy with an afternoon of food, fun, and festivity.
Live Music Performances: Enjoy the sounds of the Blaskapelle Shippensburg German Band filling the air with music, creating a lively and festive atmosphere throughout the day.
Below is a list of 2025 business, 2026 businesses will be included closer to the date:
- Blessing Restaurant & Pizzeria – A classic “mini slice” of comfort with Fresh Pizza, served hot and cheesy just for the stroll.
- Cultivated Essentials Co. – Warm up with their Birnenkompott: a spiced German pear compote infused with cinnamon, vanilla, and citrus zest.
- Crystal Cove at Pearl Island – Sip on a refreshing German Bowle wine punch, a festive blend of white wine, fresh fruit, and a hint of bubbly.
- Dawg Gone Bees – Enjoy traditional German Honey Cookies, rich with sweet, spiced notes and local honey and mead samples.
- Dolphin & Anchor Pub + Aldus Brewing Company – Roasted Almonds with just the right touch of sweetness and crunch, perfect for pairing with a cold brew.
- Hanover Market House – Discover Grilled German bratwurst with toppings of sauerkraut and stone-ground mustard. They will also have beer samples from Sign of the Horse Brewery.
- Little Fox Coffee & Books – Delight in Mini Pretzel Bites paired with housemade Butterbeer Sauce and Pumpkin Sauce for dipping.
- Lydian Stone Brewing at Greer’s Burger Garage – Treat yourself to rich and decadent German Chocolate Cupcakes.
- SnackTown Skate Snow & Surf – (Treat info pending)
- The Cake Bar – Indulge in their take on a classic with Mini Black Forest Cake Cups, layered with chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream.
- The Golf Loft – Satisfy your cravings with Soft Pretzels and Beer Cheese, plus a sweet finish of Apple Strudel Bites.
- Wren & Bluebird Boutique – Shop in style while enjoying warm, chewy Soft Pretzels, an Oktoberfest staple.
Oktoberfest Food Stroll Ticket $30 | Your ticket includes:
- German-inspired food and non-alcoholic beverages at select downtown stops
- Oktoberfest wristband, festive necklace, and themed party accessories
- A map of all destinations
Optional Add On: $10 Beer Flight Voucher ($15 value)
Participating downtown breweries where flight vouchers can be redeemed include Dolphin & Anchor BrewPub by Aldus Brewing, Lydian Stone Brewing located on the second floor of Greer’s Burger Garage, Fat Bat Brewing Co., and Dawg Gone Bees, Hanover’s local meadery. Each location offers a unique craft beverage experience, giving attendees the opportunity to explore a variety of locally crafted beers and meads throughout downtown Hanover.
Please note: Beer flight vouchers may only be redeemed by individuals 21 years or older with a valid photo ID.
This is a family-friendly event—children are welcome to attend when accompanied by a guardian. Come enjoy a taste of Germany, explore local businesses, and raise a glass to community cheer, Prost!
Beer Stein Hoisting Competition
Think you’ve got the strength to outlast the competition? Put your endurance to the test in our Beer Stein Hoisting Competition! Contestants will compete to see who can hold a full 1-liter beer stein with a straight arm for the longest time. Last person standing wins!
Competition Details:
- Check-In: Begins at 2:00 PM
- Competition Starts: 2:30 PM (promptly)
- Registration Fee: $25 per person
- Eligibility: Participants must be 21 years of age or older with valid ID.
Prizes:
🥇 1st Place: $50 Cash + Beer Merchandise
🥈 2nd Place: $30 Cash + Beer Merchandise
🥉 3rd Place: $20 Cash + Beer Merchandise
Whether you’re competing for bragging rights, the prizes, or just a great time, this crowd-favorite event is sure to be a highlight of the day. Space is limited, so register early and see if you have what it takes to become this year’s Beer Stein Hoisting Champion!
What else is happening downtown on 2nd Saturday?
Little Fox Coffee & Books will have storytime with Miss Kelly from 10:30–11:15am.
The Neas House will have Open House Tours every second Saturday 12pm – 4pm (with a few exceptions).
Event Schedule
Explore the activities and timings of upcoming events in Hanover.
Restaurant Week
Snack Town Fall Fest 2026
2nd Saturday September - Oktoberfest Bites & Brews Stroll
Oktoberfest - A Taste of Germany
2nd Saturday October - Trick Or Treat
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Submit your event to be added to the Discover Hanover Events Calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about dietary options, reservation policies, and hours of operation.
Visitors often inquire about the Hanover Historic District, which is known for its over 2600 mid-19th to mid-20th-century buildings.
In Hanover, Pennsylvania, history enthusiasts can enjoy a journey through time with visits to the Hanover Area Historical Society Museum, which showcases the town’s rich past; the Warehime-Myers Mansion, a beautifully preserved example of early 20th-century architecture; and the Neas House, one of the oldest surviving structures in Hanover, offering a glimpse into the life of the 18th-century Pennsylvania German settlers. These historical landmarks provide a captivating window into Hanover’s heritage and are a must-visit for those looking to experience the town’s historical charm.
In addition to Codorus State Park and Hickory Falls, Hanover is also known for the Snack Town Street Fair, a vibrant festival celebrating the town’s snack food heritage with craft vendors, food, and entertainment, created in partnership between the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce and Utz Brands.
Hanover provides a rich historical experience with tours like the Civil War Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour and the Spirits of Jennie Wade Ghost Night Tour in nearby Gettysburg.
Hanover, Pennsylvania, is renowned as the Snack Food Capital of the World, home to iconic brands like Utz Quality Foods and Snyder’s of Hanover, which is part of the Campbell Snacks portfolio.
Dolphin & Anchor Pub: Located in the heart of Hanover, they offer traditional beer styles with a twist.
Fat Bat Brewing Company: A local brewery started by a beer-loving brother and sister team, known for their craft beer selections.
Sign of the Horse Brewery: A contemporary brewery catering to craft brew enthusiasts with a range of house taps.
Lydian Stone Brewing Company: A nano brewery offering a variety of craft beers, from the light or malty to the hoppy or stouts; and, plenty of conversation.
The Borough office at 33 Frederick St, Hanover has everything you will need to find your way around Hanover.