Fall guide: From beer to apple cider

Two weekend fall classics to enjoy

By J.M. Simpson on September 13, 2024

The arrival of fall means a new season for events in the South Sound. Moving on from the water-related themes of summer, autumn brings with it cooler weather and beautiful colors. Fall also means Oktoberfest and family events. We preview two of these we think you will enjoy.

The Tacoma Oktoberfest Bar Crawl

Prost!

In German it means cheers! and it's a good word to utter during this annual fall classic held Saturday, Sept. 28 from 4 to 11 p.m. in the City of Destiny's downtown area.

This is not your ordinary bar crawl - no, it's a jubilant expression of German tradition and fellowship. From one notable beer hall to another, participants will celebrate Oktoberfest with Bavarian flags, live oompah bands mixed together with good food, excitement and curiosity.

Every stop on your crawl is handpicked to provide an authentic Oktoberfest experience complete with specialty beers along with traditional foods like pretzels and sausages that will keep the festivities going all night long.

But the spirit of the experience does not end there. This is a celebration of fun and friendship, where all are welcome to be a part of. Whether one's a beer connoisseur (this writer is) or simply seeking good company and fellowship, raise a stein and toast to new acquaintances and old friends.

What to know:

Date & Time: Saturday, Sept. 28, 4 to 11 p.m.

Cost: Free

To get a ticket: Search Tacoma Oktoberfest Bar Crawl at https://www.evenbrite.com.  

Location: Multiple venues in downtown Tacoma

 What's included with your Bar Crawl ticket:

Event guidelines: As you prepare for this adventure, remember to drink responsibility. 

For more information, visit https://pubcrawls.com/faq.

Prost!

The Steilacoom Apple Squeeze

Poet Jane Hirshfield must have had the Town of Steilacoom in mind when she wrote, "The heat of autumn is different from the heat of summer. One ripens apples, the other turns them to cider."

Then bring on those apples! They make the transition into autumn more enjoyable - particularly when made into sweet cider. And here in the Pacific Northwest, there is an ample supply of apples ready for squeezing.

For the 51st year, the Town of Steilacoom, Washington will host its famous Apple Squeeze on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in front of The Bair at the Bair Drug and Hardware store located at 1617 Lafayette Street.

"This event is the ultimate free family fun festival," said the town's mayor, Dick Muri. "And the emphasis is on ‘family.'"

The Apple Squeeze is held on Lafayette Street, on the by the Town Hall (Main Street) all the way down to the Steilacoom Tribal Museum. Parking will mainly be on side streets, up the hill from Lafayette, and in the nearby Safety and Community Center building. Muri estimated that 2,000 people will attend.

"The historic Steilacoom Apple Squeeze is important because it allows citizens and visitors to visit our historic town and have an enjoyable experience," Muri concluded.

"And besides, the cider is great!"

For more information, Muri will take calls on his cell phone (253) 439-9797 (best to contact via text) or email at Dick@DickMuri.com.