Downtown Chandler is about to get loud and lively as the first-ever Rocktoberfest makes its debut this October. Blending Oktoberfest with the high-octane energy of a rock concert, this new two-day event promises to deliver a weekend packed with live music, brews, and playful competitions.
The festival, a collaboration between SanTan Brewing Company and Huss Brewing Co., is set to take over Dr. A.J. Chandler Park East on October 3 (4:30-10 p.m.) and October 4 (12-10 p.m.). Organizers are aiming to reinvent the traditional fall festival by combining everything fans love about Oktoberfest: great beer, hearty food, and good company – with a fresh rock-and-roll edge.
“We’ve taken everything people loved about our previous Oktoberfest and given it a fresh, new vibe that we know everyone is going to enjoy,” SanTan Co-owner Jamie Hoffman said.
Leah Huss, co-founder of Huss Brewing Co., echoed the excitement: “SanTan has built an incredible tradition of throwing one of the Valley’s best October beer festivals, and we’re honored to be part of this exciting new chapter. Rocktoberfest is all about exceptional beer, live music, and people – and we’re proud to come together with SanTan to make it happen.”
Festivalgoers can sip on a wide array of beverages including craft brews from SanTan and Huss, refreshing cocktails made with SanTan Spirits, hard ciders from Ciderboyz, and non-alcoholic selections from Athletic Brewing. Each drink pairs with a stacked lineup of tribute bands and local talent performing throughout the weekend. Friday night kicks off with The Chadwicks, known for their crowd-pleasing rock hits, followed by The Dirt, a local favorite tribute band delivering high-energy covers.
On Saturday, festivalgoers can ease into the afternoon with DayWeather and their soulful rock vibe, then amp up with performances by The Ultimate Bon Jovi, Red Hot Cholo Peppers, and Lies and Roses, a Guns N’ Roses tribute band that promises to bring the festival to an electrifying close.
Rocktoberfest will also boast some quirky, crowd-pleasing competitions thrown in for good measure. Between sets, attendees can cheer on or take part in wiener dog races, test their appetites in a brat-eating contest, show off their strength with keg stacking and compete in the always-entertaining stein holding competition. Tickets and more information can be found at santanbrewing.com.
