WESTPORT – Grab your friends and family to celebrate fall in downtown Westport on Oct. 3 as Westoberfest Craft Beer & Family Fall Festival returns for its ninth year.

Family fun at Westoberfest - Contributed photo
Family fun at Westoberfest – Contributed photo

The celebration takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. at Sigrid Schultz Plaza and along Elm Street, bringing together craft beverages, live music, food, art and shopping for a family fall day. Admission is free.

Guests can come for the music, enjoy family activities, grab a bite, or explore Elm Street. Those aged 21 and older who want to sample more than 50 local and regional beers from over 20 breweries can purchase a separate beer tasting pass.

One of the highlights of Westoberfest 2026 is a first-time collaboration among three local art organizations: MoCA\CT, One River School of Art + Design, and Whimsy Works Atelier, bringing hands-on creativity to the family area:

  • MoCA\CT will invite families to design tote bags using colorful stamps, patterns and doodles. 
  • One River School of Art + Design will offer a fall-inspired mandala activity.
  • Whimsy Works Atelier will bring parent-child creative play. 
Contributed photo

The family area, sponsored by Gault Family Companies, will also feature carnival games from Chris and Pete Amusements, pumpkin decorating, and more. 

The annual stein-holding competition, hosted by CBS News Weather Anchor and Westport resident Lonnie Quinn, will once again challenge participants to show off their strength and stamina. 

The breweries, cider and pre-made cocktail makers expected to be pouring at the fest include:

  • Athletic Brewing Company
  • Barn Brew Co.
  • Berlinetta Brewing Co.
  • Captain Zig Brewing
  • Counter Weight Brewing Co.
  • Devil’s Purse Brewing Co.
  • Drink Mechanics
  • Dudleytown Brewing Company
  • High Limb Cider
  • Kent Falls Brewing Co.
  • Mount Holly Beer
  • New England Brewing Company (NEBCO)
  • New Park Brewing
  • Nod Hill Brewery
  • Other Half Brewing Co.
  • Sly Bandit Brewing Company
  • Spacecat Brewing Company
  • Twelvenote Brew Co.
  • Watson Farmhouse Brewery
  • Woodstock Libations

One Bad Oyster will take the stage with its ska-surf sound. Food and treats will be served by Blind Rhino, Freshko by Krisia, Fryborg, LemoNate’s, Lovely Chocolate by Talita Dupin, Paradise Island Food, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. Elm Street will also feature a shopping and services vendor area. New England Pumpkins will bring fall spirit by providing seasonal décor for the entry and stage areas. 

Westoberfest is produced by the Westport Downtown Association, in collaboration with The Grapevine and Castle Wine & Spirits. The Grapevine curates the craft beer selection, while Castle Wine & Spirits contributes its wine expertise. Beer tasting participants receive an age-verified 21+ wristband, tasting punch card, collectible Westoberfest tasting glass, and koozie. 

The Westport Downtown Association thanks its corporate sponsors: Concierge Physicians of Westport, Lux Bond & Green, All American Waste, Gault Family Companies, BMW of Bridgeport, and Fabrikant. Westoberfest is a rain-or-shine event. For beer tasting passes, vendor listings, and event updates, visit westportdowntown.com/westoberfest.