Harpoon Octoberfest 2024 returns to Boston soon. Your guide to what's happening this year

Beer lovers, rejoice. Harpoon Octoberfest is back in Boston for a 34th year.

In addition to being one of the city's biggest Oktoberfest celebrations, the annual Harpoon Octoberfest is the largest festival hosted by Harpoon, a Boston-based brewery known as the home of "New England's original IPA." Inspired by the German celebration of the same name, Harpoon's Octoberfest brings thousands of beer lovers together to celebrate with live oompah music, local food vendors, lots of flowing taps and themed contests such as pretzel eating.

Here's everything you need to know before attending Harpoon Octoberfest in Boston this year.

Harpoon Octoberfest: Events, Menu, Contests

Harpoon Octoberfest will be stacked with entertainment all weekend long. Over 10 bands and DJs will play live music across the event's two stages on both days, with everything from authentic German band Oberlaendler Hofbrau to a DJ from Boston club Howl at the Moon.

Contests such as keg tapping, pretzel eating and stein hoisting will also be held all weekend long on Stage 2, allowing attendees to watch the excitement or get in the competitive spirit themselves.

Of course, Octoberfest would not be Octoberfest without beer . This year, the Harpoon draft selection includes Harpoon IPA, Rec League, Flannel Friday, Octoberfest and Pumpkin Cider. The event will also have non-Harpoon options from UFO, Dunkin' Spiked and Happy Dad hard seltzers, as well as non-alcoholic ales and sodas.

To accompany the drinks, the following food vendors will be at the event: The Chicken & Rice Guys, Pennypacker's, The Sausage Guy, Revelry, Paisani and The Chubby Chickpea.

Tickets to Harpoon Octoberfest

On Friday, admission costs $35 with one beer ticket or $50 with three beer tickets. On Saturday, admission is $45 with one beer ticket or $60 with three. Additional beer tickets will be available for purchase inside the event.

Oktoberfest in MA: Trivia nights, live music, a 5K, or beer: Oktoberfest events on the South Shore

When and where is Harpoon Octoberfest 2024?

Harpoon Octoberfest runs on Friday, Oct. 4 from 6-11 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 5 from 12-7 p.m.

The event is held at the Harpoon Brewery on 306 Northern Ave. in Boston.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Harpoon Octoberfest 2024 returns to Boston soon. Your guide to what's happening this year