Beer events abound during Oktoberfest

Several beer-related events are being planned in the Mat-Su over the next month. Here’s a sampling of a few coming up in the next few weeks:

Beer tasting

Oct. 1, Grape Tap

The Grape Tap in downtown Wasilla will host a beer tasting with food pairings on Thursday, Oct. 1 starting at 6 p.m. Enjoy seven different beers and an appetizer plate with matching tastes for $25 per person over age 21. Call 376-8466 to reserve a spot.

Beer Meets Chocolate

Oct. 8, Arkose Brewery

Arkose Brewery and JB Chocolatier of Palmer have been collaborating on this event ever since Arkose opened its doors, and this anniversary tasting on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. is not to be missed. A custom chocolate adorned with the Arkose logo was specially designed for the brewery’s fourth anniversary this year. Participants receive four 8-ounce pours of hand-crafted ales, four hand-crafted chocolates and an anniversary glass for $25. There will be additional door prizes throughout the evening to include Arkose’s new stainless steel growler. To sign up, call 746-2337.

Beer Meets Canvas

Oct. 10, Arkose Brewery

Arkose Brewery will host a “Sip. Relax. Create.” while enjoying a tasty brew at the monthly “Beer Meets Canvas” event on Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. For this anniversary event — Arkose turns four this year — $30 covers one beer, all art supplies needed, and a free anniversary glass to take home. There will also be door prizes. Call 746-2337 for reservations.

Ox-toberfest

Oct. 17, Musk Ox Farm

The Musk Ox Farm and Alaska Farmland Trust will be hosting the first ever Ox-toberfest on Saturday, Oct. 17, starting at 5 p.m. This “farm-to-table” event will serve up Alaska-grown fare including brats, cabbage for sauerkraut, potatoes in German potato salad, mustard and even Alaska-grown wheat buns. There will also be German-style wine from K & L as well as locally brewed beer from Arkose Brewery, Bleeding Heart Brewery and more.

Dust off your lederhosen and your best polka for an evening under the stars (or beer tent) with Alaska Blaskapelle and your favorite herd of musk oxen. Adult tickets are $25, and tickets for children age 5 to 17 are $15 (no alcohol for attendees under 21). Purchase tickets in person at The Musk Ox Farm, the Alaska Farmland Trust office, or online at muskoxfarm.org.

Mighty Matanuska Brewfest

Oct. 17, Raven Hall

The 2015 Mighty Matanuska Brewfest is on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds.

Tasting of brews from around Alaska and beyond begins at 6 p.m. Vote for your favorite to be the 2016 state fair’s official beer. Attendees will have time to question brewers in a quieter atmosphere until 8 p.m. when dancing to live music by Element 47 begins. Beer-friendly food will be available to purchase.

Brewfest admission is $40 per person, per day and includes 15, 4-ounce samples of beer. Designated driver tickets are $10 and include a complimentary non-alcohol beverage. Convenience fees apply.

All attendees, including DDs, must be 21 or older with a valid ID to attend.