Oktoberfest - A Taste of Germany
Come downtown for September’s 2nd Saturday!
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.
Beer Voucher Vendors:
- Dolphin & Anchor Pub + Aldus Brewing Company
- Fat Bat Brewing
- Lydian Stone Brewing Company
Oktoberfest Tasting Ticket $30 | Your ticket includes:
🥨 German-inspired food and non-alcoholic beverages at select downtown stops
🍺 One (1) beer voucher redeemable at any participating downtown brewery
Please note: Beer 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!
What else is happening downtown on 2nd Saturday?
Church of Satire Comedy Club Grab your pre-show meal or drinks at Fat Bat Brewing, Dolphin & Anchor Pub, or Lydian Stone Brewing Company, and you’ll receive a coupon with a discount code for the Church of Satire Comedy Club—valid for any show scheduled on a 2nd Saturday! Just mention the comedy club when you place your order so they know to give you the coupon afterward.
Cultivated Essentials Co.is a BYOB DIY Candle Studio! No reservation required. Come as you are, choose from over 50 phthalate-free fragrances. 10% Off on 2nd Saturdays!
Hanover Area Artists Guild will also have a story time and kids crafts on 2nd Saturdays from 1pm to 3pm by local authors and illustrators.
Fat Bat Brewing Company will be hosting a vendor pop-up with local artists in their fermenting room from 1pm – 6pm. Enjoy shopping while drinking a beer.
Little Fox Coffee & Books will have storytime with Miss Kelly from 10:30–11:15am.
The Serpent’s Key Shoppe and Sanctuary will host their Pay-What-You-Can Tea Bar with Herbs & Sympathy! Beka and the H&S crew will be serving up the best cups in Hanover—drop what you can in the cauldron, because everyone deserves a hot cup of tea. Every Second Saturday | 10am–6pm
What are 2nd Saturday’s?
Main Street Hanover’s “2nd Saturdays” program, is designed to boost foot traffic and support small businesses in our downtown area. This initiative also fosters collaboration among downtown businesses, encouraging partnerships and joint ventures that enhance our community’s vibrancy.
Every second Saturday of the month, join us for special promotions, events, and activities that showcase the diversity and charm of our local shops and eateries. Whether you’re exploring new boutiques, enjoying live music, or indulging in delicious treats, 2nd Saturdays offer a unique opportunity to experience the best of Downtown Hanover.
Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating our community and supporting local businesses!
Questions? Please contact Main Street Hanover at mainstreethanover@gmail.com. Main Street Hanover 2nd Saturdays are held once per month.
Event Schedule
Explore the activities and timings of upcoming events in Hanover.
Barbecue & Brews Stroll
Folk & Flower Arts Festival
Mocktails on Main Street
Snack Town Spring Fling
Downtown Four-Leaf Clover Scavenger Hunt
Submit Your Event
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 are 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.