Beer, burgers, and buried treasure at Border Brewing Co.’s upcoming Oktoberfest

Photo by Eric Martens

At Border Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest, beer isn’t just poured—it’s unearthed.

The brewery is throwing their annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, September 21 from 1 – 5 p.m. in their own backyard.

Eric Martens, the owner of Border Brewing Co, shares the origins behind their main event. “We bury the beer in the backyard as a nod to old German Oktoberfest tradition. Oktoberfest, the festival and beer style, came from this tradition where beer—Märzen, German for “March”—was brewed in the spring. Then the beer barrels were stored, often in caves, for the hot summer months. When the weather cooled in the fall, they’d bring the beer out.” Thus, Oktoberfest was born. 

Courtesy Border Brewing Co

Border hands out dozens of shovels to staff and customers alike, who take turns digging around the backyard until it is finally found. It’s all about community spirit. The ancient beer is in a stainless steel “firkin”, a type of stainless steel barrel that is unearthed, tapped, and served immediately. No one has any idea how the beer will turn out or how it tastes, which adds to the excitement of the festivities. 

On top of the buried treasure, the brewery will have some surprise beer releases for Oktoberfest, which will be announced closer to the day of the event. Vibetown KC, a local pop-up burger shop, will serve as the main food vendor of the day.

Beer, burgers, and buried treasure—what more could you ask for? Admission is free, but seating is first-come, first-served.