Prost! Discover an Oktoberfest Celebration Near You

You don’t need to hop a jet to Munich to revel in the festivities of Oktoberfest. Heck, you don’t even have to like beer!

From the Denver housing market to properties in Austin, Raleigh or Atlanta, wherever you’re at in America there’s a whole lot of fun and entertainment to be had at an Oktoberfest jubilee near you.

We’ve scoured the net and uncovered loads of great times just around the corner from every one of the Taylor Morrison master-planned communities. Scroll down, find your neighborhood and break out your favorite stein!

OktoberfestAZ

Arizona Loves Oktoberfest

It might be too hot in Phoenix to don your Lederhosen but that’s not an excuse for skipping out on one of fall’s most anticipated events.

Funtober.com’s Arizona page showcases dozens of parties to choose from all across the state. Don’t miss the always popular Dachshund run at Oktoberfest at Tempe Lake October 9-11. It’s Free!

Bay Area Bratwurst!

Did you know that Oktoberfest gets underway in mid-September? That’s because residents of the Bay Area really love their German sausage.

Get your dirndl in gear for one full month of activities. And if you’re a glutton for punishment get involved in the bratwurst eating contest at Pyramid’s Walnut Creek Alehouse on October 17th from 4-11pm. (Even if you’re not a competitive eater there will be live music, a costume contest and tons of delicious food & drink.)

OktoberfestSoCa

A Sacramento Tradition

The Sacramento Turn Verein is home to the area’s first, finest, and largest Oktoberfest celebration. Come for the beer, wine & German fare, stay for the live music, dancers and kid-friendly activities. It’s a slice of Munich in the heart of Sacramento.

Check out the event page and head to the Turn Verein October 9th and 10th from 6pm to midnight.

Southern California Gets Down with the Oompah Bands

Finding Oktoberfest fun in SoCal is crazy easy. Just click on your location and choose from a wide selection of top-notch beer swilling events.

Los Angeles and San Diego

But if you’re after the region’s most authentic celebration, set your sights on The Phoenix Club in Anaheim, Orange County where they fly their Oompah Band all the way from Bavaria.

The Phoenix Club has been doing Oktoberfest right for over 50 years and they’ll be serving up wonderful German food with fresh German beer on tap. Events take place every weekend from September 18 – October 31. Sunday Brunch available October 11th, 18th & 25th including free admission to Oktoberfest.

OktoberfestSarasota

Dunkelweizen in Denver

This exhaustive list of Oktoberfest events makes one fact clearly obvious: Coloradans LOVE their brew fests!

Run the Beer Mile in Fort Meyers / Naples

Looking for a unique way to spend your Saturday? Try the Beer Mile in Fort Meyers on October 24th from 5-7 pm.

“Drink a Beer, Run 1/4 Mile. Repeat 3 More Times. Try Not to Fall Down.” That’s what their website has to say!

For a more traditional family-style affair opt for the Cape Coral Oktoberfest October 16-18 & 23-25 at the German-American Social Club. Music, food, kids’ carnival and more.

OktoberfestCentFL

Pretzels in Central Florida

Orlando is home to several exciting Oktoberfest celebrations.

The German American Society of Central Florida holds their annual all-ages event twice, on the first Saturday and the last Saturday of October. Enjoy real Bavarian beer and an authentic Biergarten atmosphere from 2pm.

And finally, the Honorary Consul of Germany in Orlando hosts Downtown Oktoberfest October 21st, from 6-11 pm on Livingston Street between Rosalind Avenue and Ruth Lane in the heart of Downtown Orlando.

A Taste of Bavaria in Sarasota

Buy your tickets now for Mr. Beery’s Oktoberfest on Saturday October 3rd. $30 per guest includes a souvenir 1 liter beer stein filled with any Oktoberfest beer on tap and a plate of authentic German food from Geier’s Sausage Kitchen!

OktoberfestTampa

Tampa Oktoberfest Named Top 5 in the Country!

From October 9th through the 11th at Curtis Hixon Park, you too can experience one of the best Oktoberfest festivals in the United States. Dance, sing and enjoy a cold one!

Double down on your beer swilling fun at Tampa Downs October 23-25. Admission is only five bucks and there’s something for everyone including Stein-Holding, Log Sawing, Keg Tossing and Barrel Rolling.

From Atlanta to the Blue Ridge Mountains

Head out to Helen for a true taste of Bavarian charm. Oktoberfest at the Helen Festhalle runs from September 17ththrough November 1st. Band schedule available here.

Take part in 45 years of tradition and don’t forget to stick around for the Chicken Dance!

OktoberfestChicago

German Traditions in Chicago

Browse this incredible selection of Oktoberfest events or head to the historic Naper Settlement for the region’s most authentic celebration of German heritage.

Live Oompah music and German beer and food will be served under the tent October 2nd and 3rd. Family-friendly activities will be available on Saturday from noon to five.

Cold Beer in North Carolina

Charlotte knows how to rock out when it comes to Oktoberfest. Come to the 17th Annual Charlotte Oktoberfest at the NC Music Factory and discover a modern take on an Old World tradition. Doors open at 12:30 and festival runs till 6 on October 3rd.

In Raleigh you’ll find a much more authentic affair at Triangle Oktoberfest October 3rd and 4th. Festivities run from noon to ten on Saturday and noon to six on Sunday. Enjoy wiener dog races, live music and the Kinderplatz play zone for kids.

OktoberfestSac

Do Oktoberfest BIG in Texas

Everyone knows that Austin loves to party! So get your dancing shoes on and head to AustOberfest on Saturday, October 17th.  Check out this amazing selection of sausage vendors.

In nearby downtown Fredericksburg you’ll find a small town that loves showcasing its German heritage. The Fest takes place on MarktPlatz, October 2-4. Expect the best Oompah in Texas as well as tasty German food and drink, artisans, a children’s area and family fun.

Houston’s a big city and so you’ll have several awesome events to choose from.

The following weekend, October 2-4, King’s sets up the best Biergarten in town. Buy tickets online as event generally sells out ahead of time.

And for the kids, take them to Galveston Oktoberfest October 23rd and 24th.

 

Break out the Pom-Poms – It’s Football Season!

by Cara, Tuesday, September 29, 2015

 

The end of summer means 3 things. The weather gets cooler, the kids are back in school and weekends are filled with pigskin fever. At Taylor Morrison we love football season and we know you do, too. To help get you pumped for watching your favorite gridiron heroes, check out the latest news from teams playing in your neck of the woods.

Oh, and before we forget. Check out these scrumptious game day snack ideas we posted last year during the playoffs. Delish.

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All Eyes on Carson Palmer in Phoenix

Living in Phoenix you’re still reeling from the Cardinals’ tragic downfall following last season’s injury to Carson Palmer’s ACL. But #3 is back and poised to have the best season of his career. Rising star John Brown appears ready to make the leap in his 2nd season at wide receiver while Larry Fitzgerald continues to build his legacy.

If the Cards have any hopes of unseating the NFC West Champion Seahawks they’ll need to get it going on the ground as well and Andre Ellington looks like the man for the job. Pound the rock, play great D, there’s a legitimate shot Arizona could get their second crack at bringing home a Lombardi.

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Football by the Bay

Super Bowl 50 is coming to San Francisco and the Bay Area is buzzing with excitement. While it may be a stretch to see either the Niners or the Raiders playing in the big game, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about the 2015 campaign.

49er fans are waiting on the edge of their seats to see what post Harbaugh football looks like in San Francisco. With a more mature Colin Kaepernick and Carlos Hyde fully embracing his new role as the team’s #1 back, we’ll see plenty of fireworks on offense from the red & gold.

Across the Bay Bridge change is on the horizon for the Raiders. The AFC West will be as tough as ever but David Carr and super rookie Amari Cooper will bring more wins to Oakland than the city has seen in quite some time.

Follow the Hornets in Sacramento

Sacramento State University enjoyed a successful 7-5 record in 2014 and they got off on the right foot in this season’s opener with a convincing 41-20 shellacking of Eastern Oregon. 200 pound QB Daniel Kniffin engineered nearly 500 yards of total offense in the victory.

The going gets tougher next week when the Hornets visit Husky Stadium in Seattle but all signs point to another winning season for Sacramento’s favorite college football team.

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Pac-12 Action in Southern California

College football reigns supreme in Los Angeles with the Trojans and Bruins ruling the roost.

USC is ranked #8 on the AP Poll, returning key starters such as QB Cody Kessler, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster and CB/WR Atoree’ Jackson. Jackson is a unique player, doing double duty on both sides of the ball. He makes game changing plays from the defensive backfield, on special teams or lining up as a wideout. ESPN.com said this squad has the talent to potentially go 15-0 and win the National Championship.

UCLA is equally vaunted, currently boasting a #13 ranking with many analysts predicting a finish in the Top 10. They return most of their dominant defense and only have one true question mark, who will replace Brett Hundley at quarterback?

Down the 5 in San Diego, Bolts fans are ecstatic to hear that Philip Rivers will finish out the rest of his career in aChargers uniform. The jury is still out on RB Melvin Gordon and whether or not he’s got the star power to become an every down back in the NFL, but San Diego seems to find a way to surprise the league and sneak into the playoffs every single season.

Last Chance for Peyton in Denver?

It’s hard to believe it but John Elway has built perhaps the most talented supporting cast to ever line up with Hall-of-Fame quarterback Peyton Manning. As #18 battles the test of time, this could be the end of a championship window for the Broncos.

Every house in Denver will be waiting with baited breath to see if Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware and Malik Jackson are able to put their predicted beating on opposing teams’ quarterbacks.

We’ll also have our eyes on old man Manning’s arm strength!

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Touchdowns in Florida

Before Blake Bortles headed off to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the UCF Knights were a force to be reckoned with. Last season his successor, Justin Holman, struggled with his accuracy and the run game fizzled with the loss of 1,100 yard rusher Storm Johnson.

In 2015 the buzz has returned to Orlando much in part to an improved and often dominant defense. The Knights should easily win 8 games and compete for the division title.

In Tampa the Buccaneers have hinged all future hopes on #1 pick Jameis Winston. He’s got a big target to throw to in 2nd year receiver Mike Evans and will hopefully get run support from Doug Martin, a player looking to shed his “bust” moniker after a disappointing run following a stellar rookie season. It’s still rebuilding time for Lovie Smith but things could get exciting for Bucs fans in a weak NFC South.

And don’t forget. On Saturdays in Tampa it’s Go Bulls time!

More NFC South Action in Atlanta

It’s been a couple of rough and tumble seasons since the Falcons rolled all the way to the NFC Championship in 2012 but QB Matt Ryan has announced his renewed confidence in the team’s offensive line and a healthy Julio Jones is ready to put up monster numbers in the Georgia Dome.

The real question for the Falcons this season will be in the backfield. Devonta Freeman looked to be the man but Tevin Coleman has been named the starter for week one. We know the offense can throw – but can they run?

We’ll find out soon enough.

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Da Bears – Life in Chicago Means Football on Sundays

There are two types of Bears fans – those who still hold out hope for Jay Cutler and those who are ready to move on and roll the QB dice in the draft.

Chicago’s signal caller still shows flashes of brilliance but it’s not hard to do so with stars like Alshon Jeffery lining up on the outside and sure handed Matt Forte rolling out into the flats.

The Bears will score and the Bears will win – the only question is whether they’ll win enough to compete in the always challenging NFC North.

Another Playoff Appearance for Superman in Charlotte?

The Carolina Panthers enter this season with big problems at wide receiver. Rising star Kelvin Benjamin is out with an injury and it’s hard to say who exactly will be Cam Newton’s top target on passing downs.

But Luke Kuechly and the defense are sufficiently overpowering that the Panthers have a real shot at repeating in the NFC South. Now that DeAngelo Williams is with the Steelers it’s up to Jonathan Stewart to prove he’s a reliable every down back.

NC State Could be ACC Dark Horse in Raleigh

There are a lot of reasons to be excited about Wolfpack football in 2015 and it all starts with a fantastic running quarterback named Jacoby Brissett.

NC State will need to find a way to improve their play in the trenches, however, if they harbor any hopes of challenging Florida State, Clemson and Louisville for the crown. Last year their run defense left much to be desired – with luck opposing backs won’t chew up yardage at will.

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You Know Texas Loves Their Football

If you’re in Austin you know nothing is more thrilling than spending your Saturday afternoon at a jam packed Texas Memorial Stadium to watch the Longhorns. 100,000+ screaming fans and one of the most highly regarded and historic football programs of all time.

Texas has been in a bit of a funk (for Longhorns standards) over the past five years but Charlie Strong is looking to bring back a legitimate offensive identity, starting in 2015.

And in Houston it’s all about the stellar Texans defense led by the All-World JJ Watt. But this time round he’ll have plenty of help harassing opposing quarterbacks with a healthy Jadeveon Clowney lined up on the other side. Clowney never got a chance to live up to his hype last year due to an early season injury – this year he’ll be part of a defensive squad out to prove that Houston can win without a premier signal caller lining up under center.

*This blog represents the personal opinion of this independent blogger only and does not necessarily represent the shared views of Taylor Morrison or its affiliated and related entities. The contents are offered for general entertainment purposes only for fellow professional football enthusiasts without guarantee or representation as to its accuracy or completeness. Any teams referenced herein are the registered or unregistered trademarks of the teams indicated. All other National Football League trademarks, tradenames and indicia are owned by the National Football League or its affiliates. This blog is not intended as an official blog sponsored or endorsed by the National Football League, which if of interest is found at http://blogs/nfl.com/.

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