Crooked Hammock Brings Monthlong Bavarian Backyard Party at 5th Annual Crooktoberfest

Delaware’s favorite brewpub hosts two stein-holding competitions, adding a Family Fun Fest and Cornhole Tournaments to the monthlong celebration

LEWES, Del. & MIDDLETOWN, Del. (August 9, 2026) — Raise your steins and gather the kinder: Crooktoberfest is back at Crooked Hammock Brewery for a German-inspired takeover from Monday, September 14 through Sunday, October 11.

Featuring four weeks of festival food, exclusive beers, live entertainment, plus feats of strength (including two stein-holding competitions this year!), Crooktoberfest is the official indicator that fall has arrived across Delaware. Better yet, admission is always free.

Festivalgoers can enjoy immersive Oktoberfest décor, limited-time food and beverage offerings, weekend entertainment and signature backyard events designed to celebrate community and shared experiences while embracing Crooked Hammock’s chill vibes and laid-back style.

"This isn't your traditional Oktoberfest," says Crooked Hammock owner Rich Garrahan. "Crooktoberfest is all about creating memorable experiences together in our backyard — jump in a hammock and share a humongous pretzel. Prost!"

Food and Drink: Giant Pretzels, Pork Shanks and Festbier

Started in 2023 as a spin on Oktoberfest, Crooktoberfest brings a German-inspired menu to the masses. Guests can indulge on the following items for a limited time:

• Snackenwagen: A giant Bavarian pretzel served with fresh fruit, assorted cheeses & cured meats, blueberry pretzel mustard and IPA beer cheese.

• The Shiz-nitzel: Crispy panko-breaded chicken topped with apple-jalapeño slaw, fresh vegetables and garlic mayo on a pretzel bun.

• Bier Me Burger: Double smash patties topped with IPA beer cheese, beer-battered onion rings, smoked bacon and garlic mayo on a pretzel bun.

• Steinhouse Pork Shanks: Slow-cooked pork shanks served over mustard-kielbasa cabbage with caramelized onion jus and pretzel croutons.

Guests can create-their-own food and beer pairings. Brewmaster Larry Horwitz has dialed in the toasty malts on a traditional Crooktoberfest Märzen, set to release on September 14, 2026 — this festival beer is best consumed fresh, from the source, in a brimming stein being held whilst a brass band blares festive tunes! Wunderpumpkin Lager, a seasonal German festbier that adds a touch of pumpkin to the traditional marzen recipe, releases on September 14, 2026.

Music and Mayhem: The Live Entertainment Lineup

Each week brings something new and interesting to the brewery. Both locations will offer live music. Be sure to check Crooked Hammock’s website for details.

Other programming includes Trivia Tuesdays, plus cornhole tournaments every Thursday and a special Crooktoberfest Sunday Brunch. Families can enjoy a Pretzel Necklace Craft Table at Sunday brunch, giving all children (ages 3-12) the opportunity to make and eat their own edible pretzel necklaces.

Feats of Strength: Stein Holding and Little Kids Root Beer Competition

September 19: Stein Holding Competition #1 Guests can test their endurance during Crooked Hammock Brewery's annual Stein Holding Competition. Winners receive a $100 gift card, while every participant receives a commemorative souvenir cup.

September 26: Crooktober-Family Fest (11 a.m.–4 p.m.) A full day dedicated to family fun, including face painting, balloon artists and caricatures, pretzel necklace craft station, live music, beer samples for adults, plus the Little Kids Root Beer Competition at 12 noon — this is a stein-holding contest for the kiddos!

October 3: Stein Holding Competition #2 A second opportunity for guests to compete for Crooktoberfest bragging rights and prizes.

Admission is free, with food, beverages and select retail merchandise available for purchase.

Guests can commemorate their visit with collectible Crooktoberfest souvenir cups and limited-edition ceramic steins available while supplies last.

For event updates, entertainment schedules and additional details, follow Crooked Hammock Brewery on social media or visit the brewery's website.

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For more information: Contact Michael Greger, Senior Account Executive, Profile PR, Philadelphia, PA