NEWS
The shadowy star of our barrel aging program is back. Fan favorite Barrel Aged Blackout Stout returns in 2025, as brand new Barrel Aged Mocha Blackout Stout debuts!
Next time the power goes out, light a candle and pull this special brew from your cellar. Aged in bourbon barrels, our bold, roasty Barrel Aged Blackout Stout imparts flickers of vanilla and cocoa with every illuminating sip. New this year, a Mocha variant of the beloved Imperial Stout also makes its way to GLBC’s markets alongside our classic legacy barrel aged offering. The flavorful 11% ABV Barrel Aged Mocha Blackout Stout is a sweet and roasty riff on the original.
Both arrive at the GLBC gift shop on Friday, November 21. Find them for a limited time in cans and draft throughout our distribution footprint following the gift shop release. To locate Barrel Aged Blackout Stout and other GLBC beers in your area, visit our Beer Finder.
RELEASE DETAILS
GLBC Gift Shop: Friday, November 21, 2025
Distribution Markets: Beginning late November
Packages: 4-Pack 16 oz. Cans, Limited
BARREL AGED BLACKOUT STOUT HIGHLIGHTS
ABV: 12.5%
Aged: 8 months in bourbon barrels
Pairs With: Ribeye steak, rich chocolate desserts, and pungent cheeses
BARREL AGED MOCHA BLACKOUT STOUT HIGHLIGHTS
ABV: 11%
Aged: 8 months in bourbon barrels
Pairs With: Braised beef, creamy cheeses, and tiramisu
Want the latest buzz? Subscribe to our newsletter, Much Abrew, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X for updates on all of our year-round, seasonal, and limited release beers. Keep up to date with brewpub releases and events at our Brewpub Instagram, and with private event opportunities and Tasting Room happenings at our Event Space Instagram.
Questions? Email GLBCinfo@greatlakesbrewing.com for more information.
Nothing inspires a spirited holiday shopping spree like a few spiced, warming sips of Christmas Ale. Crack one open and follow me, the friendly ghost of Christmas giving, through a delightfully festive gift guide for the beer-loving folks on your list. You’ll find most items in our online store, but make sure you pay our onsite gift shop a visit for even more locally made and brewpub-exclusive items.
For the Holiday Host
So you RSVPd to the ugly sweater party, and you don’t want to show up empty-handed. We’ve got you covered with something way better than itchy wool and sequins. Wow your host with a gift basket packed with boutique and beer-friendly items. Our bamboo cutting board says there’s no place like [your] home for the holidays, and a couple Ohio-shaped wood coasters will keep their counters ring-free all evening long. To say thank you at the end of the night? A heartfelt toast with a pair of wintry pint glasses. Because you can’t have holiday cheer without a holiday cheers.
For the Christmas Ale Superfan
Are they first in line at First Pour? Do they wax poetic about seasonal spices and traveling through wintry weather to get their hands on their beloved holiday ale? Well then it’s time you help them look the part. Our special collaboration tee and hoodie from Homage are soft and cozy as the season’s first pint. Pair a Christmas Ale long sleeve tee with plaid pajama pants and a scarf for a photo-ready Christmas morning fit. And every Christmas Ale fan needs a special holiday vessel, like our nostalgic can-shaped glass. Serve that up with a 4-Pack of Barrel Aged Christmas Ale to make spirits even brighter.
For Pops
Your TSO ticket plug fell through and pop’s favorite football team is on a bye. Time to pivot with some dad-approved swag. Treat the old man to 18 holes and a green-ready GLBC kit with a golf towel, Nike polo, golf balls, and a GV Art + Design 73 Kolsch beverage sleeve to keep his brewski cold at the turn. If your dad’s more into the pit than the fairway, hook him up with some GLBC BBQ sauces and a fancy paddle opener he can wave at you when you try to tell him it’s time to flip. And don’t forget a classic dad hat to keep him cool and shaded on days when it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.
For Mom
Show some love for the gal who raised you with a hand-crafted and extra cozy collection. Our beer-infused soap by Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve pairs perfectly with her favorite 6-Pack for a relaxing spa day at home (she’s earned it), and she’ll be warm, cute, and comfy in an embroidered GLBC crewneck and a knit hat (we have so many to choose from!) Gift her some Cleveland Jam or better yet wake up early and add it to a Christmas morning breakfast spread to say thanks for checking off your wildly demanding wish lists for so many years. It’s the least you can do.
For Pet Parents
It’s a fact: all furry friends are on the nice list. Spoil your pup with a fresh leash and collar, and a bag of locally-made Brewhaus Dog Bones brewer’s grain biscuits. Up the cute factor by adding a silicone dog bowl for them, and a matching pawprint pint glass for yourself. For your active pooch or kitty, we recommend fueling their zoomies with our PrideBites cat and dog toys, designed to look just like their favorite person’s favorite brew. You’ll be greeted with Christmas morning tail wags and purrs in no time.
For First Team All-CLE
Make Christmas morning a wine and gold winner for your roster and help them rep their hometown hoops and hops. Our Cavs-inspired longsleeve is the perfect way to crossover from pregame pints to in-game action. And as the official craft beer of the Cleveland Cavaliers, you know we had to rep with a special brew, so complement their new gameday fit with a 6-Pack of Easy Buckets Pale Ale!
For the “woof woof” set in your squad, grab our GV Art + Design Joe Thomas tee, or keep it neutral with our Browns-inspired tee. And why not gift them a new lucky glass to help turn the season around? Our football-patterned pints are always half-full, win or lose—and especially lucky when filled with Cleveland’s Light Beer. Just saying.
For Your Mysterious Secret Santa Co-Worker
For your white elephant, yankee swap, secret santa, $10 limit friendsgiving exchange, or for someone who’s just plain hard to buy for, GLBC gift cards are always a hit. And if you want to give them something fun and small to open with that magical little card, we have a delightful mix of stocking stuffers like our Christmas Ale lip balm, beverage sleeves, bottle openers, and even mystery grab bags (gift shop exclusive)! It’s the little things.
Whether you’re shopping online or at our onsite gift shop, we’re sure you’ll find something for everyone on your list.
Words by Marissa DeSantis
Photos by Great Lakes Marketing Team
GREAT LAKES BREWING CO. ENTERS FLORIDA
NOVEMBER LAUNCH BRINGS CHRISTMAS ALE, MORE TO UNTAPPED MARKET
CLEVELAND, Nov. 11, 2025 – Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) announces its distribution entry into Florida with Cavalier Distributing.
The brewery begins its market launch this week, in conjunction with the release of seasonal juggernaut Christmas Ale in cans and draft. The launch will also include the brewery’s Holiday Pack, a variety 12-Pack which includes 6 Cans of Christmas Ale and 6 Cans of rotating Cookie Exchange Milk Stout: Berry Jam Thumbprint flavor. Additional brands may be announced in the coming months after a soft entry into the state.
The launch will primarily serve the regions of Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Naples, Orlando, Palm Beach, Sarasota, Tallahassee, and Tampa as the brewery explores opportunities in the market. Currently, North Carolina is the southernmost state within the brewery’s 17-state distribution footprint, but an active fanbase and buyer interest have inspired the strategic entry.
“Consumers and retailers have been very vocal about wanting Great Lakes beers in the Sunshine State for decades,” said Chris Brown, GLBC Co-CEO. “We know there are many former Ohio residents in Florida, and dipping our toe in that market with one of our most beloved and nostalgic brands in Christmas Ale is a perfect opportunity to give the people what they want for the holidays.”
The brewery has partnered with Cavalier Distributing for the launch. “We have years of partnership and experience with Cavalier in the Indiana market,” said Brown. “With their Florida presence, it’s been a perfect fit to extend our footprint with a distributor who understands both the Great Lakes brand and the Florida market.”
Customers can expect to find Christmas Ale, the #1 selling holiday beer in the Great Lakes region, throughout Florida this holiday season, along with the Holiday Pack. Packages can be located using the brewery’s Beer Finder tool which will populate in the coming weeks. Can’t locate it? Ask your favorite retailer to stock Great Lakes Christmas Ale!
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About Great Lakes Brewing Co.:
Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) is Ohio’s original craft brewery, founded in 1988 by brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway in Cleveland, Ohio. GLBC is independent and employee-owned, and serves 17 states and Washington, D.C. with its award-winning portfolio of fresh, flavorful, and innovative crafted beverages including Vibacious® Double IPA, Midwest IPA, Dortmunder Gold® Lager, and a robust selection of seasonal and limited release offerings. Learn more at greatlakesbrewing.com.
November 10, 1975. A date when the gales of November came early. A date that will never be forgotten by the people of the Great Lakes. A date on which one of our region’s greatest tragedies occurred: the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Our robust, complex, bittersweet porter is a tribute to the legendary freighter’s fallen crew. Far from profiting off a catastrophic event, Edmund Fitzgerald Porter honors the 29 men who perished that fateful day. And for Great Lakes Co-Owners Pat and Dan Conway, the connection runs deep: “We know John McCarthy, son of First Mate on the Fitz, Jack McCarthy. John and his wife Darice are close friends with our sister Therese and her husband Fran,” says Pat.
The tragic story of the Edmund Fitzgerald’s mysterious sinking of is second only to that of the Titanic. The 729 foot long, 13,632 gross ton ship – the largest on the Great Lakes for over a decade – launched in June 1958 and was placed under permanent charter to the Oglebay Norton Company of Cleveland, OH. Her normal course of travel ran from the westernmost parts of Lake Superior to the steel mills of Detroit and Toledo. For 17 years, this grand freighter made her presence known throughout the region we call home, employing many and contributing to the economic prosperity of Great Lakes cities.
It’s no surprise this famous ship piqued the curiosity and admiration of many. And so it’s also no surprise the sudden sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald hit hard for many throughout the Great Lakes. The shocking, baffling nature of this tragedy struck Pat in a particular way where he couldn’t help but think of the dark, stormy conditions of Lake Superior that day while formulating his now legendary Robust Porter.
“The name resonated to us because the Fitz was the pride of the Cleveland-based Oglebay Norton fleet. Plus, since ‘Great Lakes’ is the name of the brewery, the nautical connection seemed to fit like a hand in a glove,” says Pat. “Additionally, the dark, rich colors and flavors of our porter seem to match the image of iron ore that the Fitz transported through the Great Lakes. Porter has an industrial feel about it, with the style itself named for the English “porters” who worked the docks drank voluminous amounts of this mahogany ale.”
The freighter’s course along Lake Superior that fateful voyage was met with a rapidly intensifying November storm off the great plains – a storm of “biblical proportions,” according to Pat. Blizzard-like conditions persisted into the afternoon of November 10, 1975, obscuring the Edmund Fitzgerald from its travel partner, the Arthur M. Anderson, and producing sustained winds of nearly 60 knots and seas nearly 25 feet above level. These conditions grew so dire even radar and radio communications between the two ships were interrupted. Shortly after 7PM, despite her reports that all was well considering the conditions, the Fitzgerald’s signal was lost completely – indeed, not long after she reported the famous words, “We are holding our own.” It was at this moment she was lost to the depths of Lake Superior, with all 29 crew members with her.
“We asked John years ago if he wouldn’t mind us using the name Edmund Fitzgerald for our new porter,” says Pat, “and John said ‘my Dad would be honored.’” It’s this legacy of the Great Lakes’ finest freighter and the people whose lives she touched that we commemorate with great respect when we brew Edmund Fitzgerald Porter.
Join us at the brewpub for The Last Voyage: Remembering the Edmund Fitzgerald on Monday, November 10 and Tuesday, November 11 from 5:30-7PM to honor the 29 men who perished during this tragedy. Learn the history of the vessel in a brief educational presentation, followed by a toast and moment of silence honoring the crew. One dollar per pint of Edmund Fitzgerald Porter purchased on November 10-11 donated to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise, MI. Special Edmund Fitzgerald Porter infusions will be available while supplies last. Reserve your spot here.
Words by Michael Williams, Brand Development Manager
Photos by Great Lakes Brewing Co. Marketing Team
Christmas Ale First Pour is a quintessential Cleveland event. Every October going back to the 90s, our cozy Ohio City brewpub sees a line around the block, teeming with a spirited group of early holiday revelers. When doors open, toasts are given, and taps finally start flowing, every corner of our building shimmers with Christmas Ale spirit. It’s a big day.
There’s nothing quite like that first taste of our iconic honey, cinnamon, and ginger infused brew. Though, as a GLBC insider who’s witnessed over a dozen of these (and even DJd a handful!), it’s understandably intimidating to a first timer—or a long timer! So, to make the most of your first or fifteenth First Pour, here’s my list of pro tips.
Arrive Early
Doors open at 11, but there will be a line! Regulars even pack camping chairs. We don’t take reservations for First Pour, so if you’re counting on a table for lunch, it’s best to grab your morning breakfast and coffee (I recommend the cozy West Side Market Café just around the corner) and claim your spot in line.
Early arrival is also the best way to get dibs on a special Christmas Ale frycake from our pals at Brewnuts. They start slinging when doors open, and when they’re out, they’re out!
No PTO? Don’t sweat it. The day’s natural ebbs and flows make it easy to pop in during the afternoon or evening, and there will be plenty of Christmas Ale to go around. In fact, we pour a pint about every eight seconds on First Pour Day! We also have a 3-hour table limit to accommodate more guests.
Park Your Sleigh & Be Safe!
We know parking in the city can be tricky, so we prepared you a parking guide. And we all know how easy it is to get a little too jolly after a few Christmas Ales, so please look out for your crew and have a safe travel plan. We have some delicious N/A drinks on our menu, and water coolers on our patio to help you stay hydrated and refreshed.
While we’re on the topic of taking care, I’ve gotta shout out our brewpub staff. This is the big dance for them, and they’re hustling to make your experience the best it can be. Remember to be kind and show your appreciation!
Sip & Shop
We don’t sell packaged Christmas Ale in our gift shop on First Pour day (unless you preordered your keg), but it is the first chance to shop our new limited Holiday Collection and our Homage collaboration! Best of all, you can sip while you shop! Get a head start on stocking stuffing or add extra flair to your fit. If you like receiving as much as giving, you can enter for a chance to win a giant Christmas Ale merch pack when our Merry Christmas Ale sweepstakes launches on October 16!
Christmas Ale? Yes, And…
Do we pour a lot of Christmas Ale on First Pour day? YES. But we also have Cookie Exchange Milk Stout (with new Berry Jam Thumbprint flavor), Barrel Aged Christmas Ale, Cold Rush Premium Light Lager, Midwest IPA, and a slew of other seasonal and pub exclusive treats and specialty cocktails. So even if you’re not a Christmas Ale fan (who raised you?), we’ve got you covered. There’s room for everyone on the nice list when it comes to GLBC beer, so why not try something new alongside your favorite holiday brew? It’s freshest right from the source!
Explore Our Space
Our historic brewpub is full of interesting nooks. My personal favorite is our basement beer cellar, which transforms into the Secret Cellar Christmas Bar later in the season. If our taproom is packed, give the cellar a shot. Or slide into our open-air beer garden to enjoy Christmas tunes. Moonlighting as DJ Misfit Toy, I’ve spun holiday vinyl at many First Pours, and I can tell you the folks on the dancefloor are always having more fun than anybody else. Let the Christmas Ale spirit move you and cut a rug.
Spread the Joy
First Pour FOMO? Fear not! We host Christmas Ale First Pour events in many of our markets, so find a Christmas Ale event near you. Keep your eyes on our website and social media channels for fun holiday events throughout the season.
Finally, we’re all about Brewing Good, and you can help us do that by bringing an unwrapped toy to First Pour, and to our brewpub through October 19. In partnership with Scott’s Haul, our toy drive will benefit Providence House to make the season a little brighter for folks in need.
Show us how you celebrate the season by tagging us and using #ChristmasAle and #MerryChristmasAle. It really warms our hearts to see how you include our beers in your traditions and celebrations.
Got more questions about First Pour? Leave us a message or a comment on Facebook or @glbc_cleveland on Instagram or X.
Words by Marissa DeSantis AKA DJ Misfit Toy
Photos by Marissa DeSantis, Scott Esterly, Wil Lindsey, and Lily Switka
Get ready for Christmas Ale First Pour and a whole holiday haul of seasonal favorites!
The Holiday Classic Returns
Christmas Ale returns with its signature ginger, cinnamon, and honey flavor profile. Christmas Ale continues to be a top performer in GLBC’s portfolio, despite being available for only 10 weeks each year. Christmas Ale returns in draft, bottles, and cans, including new 19.2 oz. cans, beginning October 20. Customers can find packages to-go prior to market release exclusively in the GLBC gift shop beginning Friday, October 17.
Christmas Ale First Pour October 16
The unofficial kickoff to Cleveland’s holiday season is set for Thursday, October 16. Christmas Ale First Pour takes place at the GLBC brewpub starting at 11AM, with the ceremonial keg tapping at 11:30AM. This special Cleveland tradition sees a line wrapped around the block, with guests traveling from near and far to partake in the first taste of the season.
First Pour Event Highlights:
– Fresh Christmas Ale on tap (Doors: 11AM; Tapping: 11:30AM)
– Music by Austin Walkin’ Cane (11AM), DJ Red-I (2:30PM), and Apostle Jones (6PM)
– Treats from Brewnuts (while supplies last)
– Toy Drive for Providence House, presented by Scott’s Haul
– Christmas Ale food specials
– Photo opps, carolers, limited holiday merch, and more!
– Christmas Ale to-go keg pre-orders available. Reserve your keg here.
Christmas Ale First Pour VIP Contest:
Fans can once again enter for the chance to be a First Pour VIP, which includes a private brewery tour, lunch for two, an ultimate Christmas Ale prize pack, and a coveted spot behind the bar for the ceremonial tapping. Following First Pour, GLBC will launch their annual Merry Christmas Ale contest, awarding prizes to fans throughout the season. Full details at greatlakesbrewing.com/merrychristmasale
Even More Seasonal Flavors:
In addition to the holiday classic Christmas Ale, the 10% ABV Barrel Aged Christmas Ale arrives alongside the original in 16 oz. can 4-Packs for a limited time throughout our footprint. Cookie Exchange Milk Stout returns with Christmas Ale this October in 6-Packs and draft with a new rotating cookie-inspired flavor: Berry Jam Thumbprint. Cookie Exchange Milk Stout and Christmas Ale can both be found in the returning Holiday Pack, which features six cans of each.
More Barrel Aged Treats Under the Tree:
Barrel Aged Blackout Stout returns in November for a limited time in 16 oz. can 4-Packs. New this year, a Mocha variant of the beloved Imperial Stout also makes its way to GLBC’s markets alongside our classic legacy barrel aged offering. The flavorful 11% ABV Barrel Aged Mocha Blackout Stout is a sweet and roasty riff on the original.
Release Details:
October 16: Christmas Ale First Pour
October 17: Christmas Ale, Barrel Aged Christmas Ale, and Cookie Exchange Milk Stout, and Holiday Pack available to-go exclusively in the GLBC gift shop; gift shop opens at 10AM.
October 20: Christmas Ale, Barrel Aged Christmas Ale, Cookie Exchange Milk Stout, and Holiday Pack Market Release
November: Barrel Aged Blackout Stout and Barrel Aged Mocha Blackout Stout Market Release
Malley’s Chocolates Announces Partnership with Great Lakes Brewing Company and Heinen’s Grocery Store
Three Cleveland Icons Unite for an Indulgent Innovation: Introducing Toffee Amber Lager
Three of Cleveland’s most beloved institutions — Malley’s Chocolates, Great Lakes Brewing Company (GLBC) and Heinen’s Grocery Store — are proud to unveil their first-ever local collaboration: Toffee Amber Lager, a rich, indulgent beer inspired by Malley’s iconic Bordeaux chocolate. This limited-edition brew brings together craftsmanship, community and Cleveland pride in every sip.
Hitting shelves on October 2, Toffee Amber Lager will be available on draft and in 6-pack 12 oz. cans ($12.99 SRP) exclusively at Heinen’s, and in limited quantities at Great Lakes’ Ohio City brewpub and gift shop. A limited number of cases will be produced, making this a must-try for fans of local flavor and innovation.
Taste of Tradition
This 6.1%-ABV Amber Lager boasts a layered flavor profile crafted to evoke the beloved richness of Malley’s Bordeaux. Expect strong notes of toffee, supported by gentle chocolate undertones and a subtle almond-nut aroma from caramelized malts. The result is a brew that’s elegant, smooth and unmistakably Cleveland.
“This beer is more than a beverage, it’s a toast to generations of Cleveland tradition and continued innovation,” said Mike Malley, Chief Strategic Officer, Malley’s Chocolates. “It pairs the indulgence of our signature Bordeaux with the craftsmanship of Great Lakes Brewing Company and Heinen’s deep community connection. But more than that, it’s what happens when three hometown favorites come together to create something bold and fun.”
While many beer-and-chocolate collaborations tend to go the route of heavy stouts or peanut butter flavors, the team behind Toffee Amber Lager wanted to take a different approach. With toffee gaining popularity in seasonal products, it felt like the perfect way to put a fresh twist on a familiar combination.
“When three long-standing brands all start imagining the same concept, you know it’s going to be something meaningful,” said Vicki Campana, Director of Marketing, Great Lakes Brewing Company. “We’ve had successful collaborations over the years, and this one feels uniquely special, driven by the kind of local love you only find in Cleveland.”
Available in select Heinen’s locations, the beer will be featured both on draft and in 6-packs. The partners are also exploring creative opportunities to merchandise Malley’s Bordeaux alongside the beer, offering an indulgent pairing experience for shoppers.
“With more than 220 years of combined history, each of our businesses has deep roots and loyal fans,” said Kim Heinen. “Coming together felt like a natural way to show that even after all these years, we’re still finding exciting and meaningful ways to do what we do best, together.”
About Malley’s Chocolates
Founded in 1935, Malley’s Chocolates is a third-generation business based in Cleveland, Ohio. Known for its handcrafted, high-quality chocolates, Malley’s operates 18 retail stores and a state-of-the-art chocolate-making facility. With 90 years of history, Malley’s remains dedicated to bringing moments of sweetness to the community.
About Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Ohio’s original craft brewery, founded in 1988 by brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway in Cleveland, Ohio. GLBC is independent and employee-owned and serves 16 states and Washington, D.C. with its award-winning portfolio of fresh, flavorful, and innovative crafted beverages including Cold Rush Premium Light Lager, Midwest IPA, Dortmunder Gold® Lager, and a robust selection of seasonal and limited release offerings. Learn more at greatlakesbrewing.com
About Heinen’s Grocery Store
Founded in 1929 by local butcher Joe Heinen in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Heinen’s operates 19 locations in Northeast Ohio and 5 in the Chicago suburbs. Still family-owned and led by the third and fourth generations, Heinen’s remains committed to providing unrivaled quality food and exceptional customer service.
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Cleveland Oktoberfest returns to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds for its 20th anniversary with two weekends of great brews, bratwurst, bands, and more. Great Lakes Brewing Co. is once again the Official Craft Beer Sponsor of this iconic Cleveland cultural event, so read on to learn what you can expect from both action-packed weekends of Cleveland Oktoberfest.
Das Bier!
It wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without a stein or two full of the good stuff. Of course, we’re bringing our critically lauded Oktoberfest so you can have a real Munich-inspired experience. The best part about sipping an Oktoberfest at Oktoberfest is that it’s guaranteed to pair perfectly with the scrumptious German-inspired foods served throughout the event: Bavarian pretzels, schnitzel, bratwurst, pierogi… yeah, you’re gonna need a bigger plate.
Late summer events in Cleveland can get a little sticky, so we recommend cooling off with a pour of the Northeast Ohio exclusive Cold Rush Premium Light Lager, Cleveland’s light beer and an ideal match for a long day of fun in the sun. And to put some Midwest in your fest, grab Midwest IPA and the limited release Midwest Hazy Mimosa IPA (try that with a fruited Danish for an extra sweet treat!)
The original Oktoberfest in Munich marked a marriage celebration of Bavarian royals, but in Cleveland, it marks the start of football season. Okay, not historically, but the timing is perfect, and so is a lineman-sized stein full of 73 Kolsch, our Northeast Ohio exclusive ale brewed in collaboration with Cleveland football legend Joe Thomas.
You’ll find these beers on tap throughout the entire festival, with additional selections including Strawberry Pineapple Wheat, and more offered in the Great Lakes Bier Garten where you can enjoy free live entertainment and sample a variety of craft brews from our fellow Cleveland breweries.
How do you count to three in German beer styles? Oans (Oktoberfest), Zwoa (Dortmunder Gold Lager), Drei (73 Kolsch), G’suffa! We’ll “prost” to that.
What’s the deal with the Glockenspiel?
Stop at one of our beer trucks and you’re likely to have a prime view of the Glockenspiel, a giant wooden cottage (the largest of its kind in the U.S.) with a colorful cuckoo clock and big bubbling steins. Keep your eye on the clock, as every hour the Glockenspiel erupts with eclectic live cultural performances and a quirky bird puppet. Best of all? You’ll have the chance to catch prizes and swag from festival sponsors and entertainers during the performances—including your pals at GLBC! In fact, we highly recommend stopping by around 7PM on Friday, August 29 for a chance to catch some Great Lakes swag and meet some very special guests.
Run (or walk) for your brew!
Once again, we are proud to sponsor the Great Lakes 5K Bier Run & One Mile Walk, taking place Monday, September 1. This annual race benefits University Hospital Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. Have a little fun with it and run or walk in costume to collect an extra admission ticket! All 21+ runners will receive free admission to Oktoberfest, one drink ticket, and a commemorative GLBC x Oktoberfest race t-shirt. Good swag, good cause—what are you waiting for? Register for the race here.
Wiener dogs, wiener schnitzel… an all-around winning weekend
What else is there to do? Catch the Midwest-famous and highly competitive (read: adorable) wiener dog races, shop for locally made treasures at the Art & Craft Markets and imported goods at the Bavarian Shopping Village, and oom-pah-pah your heart out to the sounds of a wide variety of live music and cultural performances. There’s plenty to do with your whole crew, young and old, both weekends.
Cleveland Oktoberfest runs August 29 – September 1, and September 5-6 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. Don’t miss out on this spectacular annual tradition. Get your Cleveland Oktoberfest tickets here. Make sure you tag your Oktoberfest moments @glbc_cleveland on X and Instagram!
Words by Marissa DeSantis
Photos by Marissa DeSantis and Lily Switka