The history of Oktoberfest goes back more than 200 years. It began in Munich, Germany, in 1810, as a five-day public royal wedding celebration. The event was so popular that it was repeated annually, and included carnival rides and beer tents. 

Oktoberfest is celebrated across the United States, especially in places where there is a strong German heritage. There are Oktoberfest events in: Cincinnati, Denver; Helen, Georgia,  Washington State, Michigan, and Texas. Many of the events are authentic German culture celebrations. 

In West Columbia, there are two venues to let your old German spirit rise with Oktoberfest celebrations. 

Savage Craft Ale Works at 415 Center Street will present a big Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, Oct. 4. The Hops to Harvest Oktoberfest 2025 at Savage Craft is from 11:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. 

The Savage Craft Oktoberfest celebration features live music, a mechanical bull, a local vendors market, and Bavarian food. There will also be a Bratwurst Eating Competition at 4 p.m., and a Stein Holding  Competition at the Main Stage at 6:30 p.m. with Male and Female categories and Prizes.

“We are blocking off a portion of Center Street, where we’ll have our local vendors market,” said Victoria Porter, Savage Craft manager. “Historically, our Oktoberfest celebration has drawn large crowds. It’s family friendly and great for everyone else. It’s our effort to help West Columbia raise a toast to the time-honored tradition of Oktoberfest. We’re a craft beer brewery and Oktoberfest is a significant time of the year for us. We want everyone around to come and share the day with us.”

Savage Craft Oktoberfest live music features Cody Webb, Chris Reid and the Bad Kids, and Hijack. The performances begin at 1 p.m. and last until 10 p.m.

There will be a petting zoo from noon until 3 p.m. and face painting; a balloon artist; and a  bouncy castle.

The German Festival Menu will include: Schnitzels; Pretzels; German Brat; and Handel’s Ice Cream.  

Also, it’s Pumpkin season and Savage Jack, a sip of fall in a glass, is available at Savage Craft on draft and by the can. Every bar at Oktoberfest this Saturday will be serving up Savage Jack. Get a limited edition stein, raise a toast, and celebrate pumpkin season.

Savage Craft Oktoberfest

• When: Saturday, October 4, from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
• Where: Savage Craft Ale Works, 430 Center St., West Columbia, SC.
• What to Expect: Live music all day, a mechanical bull, a farmers market, face painting, and classic Oktoberfest food and beer.

WECO Bottle and Biergarten
WECO Bottle and Biergarten, 626 Meeting Street, West Columbia, is hosting their Oktoberfest at 4 p.m. on Oct. 10, and lasting until 8 p.m. on Oct. 12. There will be several local food trucks in the WECO Biergarten. 

“The annual WECO Bottle and Biergarten “Oktoberfest also features German beers on tap and all around good vibes. We made it through the Summer and its time for a fall celebration,” said Phillip Blair, WECO Bottle and Biergarten owner. “We’ll be doing a few cool giveaways as well. Our Oktoberfest focuses on having a big German beer selection and relaxation.”

WECO Bottle and Biergarten  will have the new Erdinger Oktoberfest cans of brew cooling down.

WECO Oktoberfest

• When: October 10-12, 2025.
• Where: WECO Bottle & Biergarten, 626 Meeting Street, West Columbia, SC.
• What to Expect: The event is held in the biergarten and will feature local food trucks.

FOOD TRUCK LINEUP

FRIDAY

• Wurst Wagen 3 p.m. – until sold out
• Los Chicanos 3-8
• Dog Gone Good 3-8

SATURDAY

• Wurst Wagen 11 a.m. – until sold out
• La Dolce Vita Pizza 11-8
• Dog Gone Good 12-8

SUNDAY

• Wurst Wagen 11 a.m. – until sold out
• Los Chicanos 11-8

If you’re looking for a place to mark Oktoberfest in West Columbia, Savage Craft and WECO Bottle and Biergarten will have lots to enjoy on two consecutive weekends. So get out to one of these venues and soak in some of the rich Bavarian culture with your friends and neighbors. 

Parking information (This is for this weekend only):

• Brookland Public Parking Garage, 310 Court Ave.
• Interactive Art Park, 425 Meeting St. (FREE Valet Drop off, Friday, 4-10 PM, and Saturday, 11 PM-11:30 PM)
• Carraway Park at the Riverwalk, 212 Hudson St.
• Capitol Square Parking Lot, 420 Meeting St.
• River District Baptist Church, 400 State St.
• The Warehouse, 312 State St.
• First Community Bank, 506 Meeting St. (After 5:30 p.m. ONLY on Friday)