Angry Erik Brewing has announced that its highly anticipated Odin Fest will return this fall, bringing a Viking-inspired twist to the Oktoberfest tradition. Scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, the celebration will run from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the brewery’s home in Sussex County, offering a full day of food, beer, games, and live entertainment that captures both the spirit of autumn and the adventurous energy of Norse culture.
Billed as a Viking-style Oktoberfest, Odin Fest stands out among New Jersey’s fall festivals by pairing classic German beer hall traditions with a Nordic edge. The highlight of the day will be the official USSA Steinholding Competition, where men and women compete to see who can hold a full beer stein at arm’s length the longest. Angry Erik Brewing has lined up prizes for the top competitors, turning the contest into a crowd-pleasing display of endurance and strength.
Music will fill the festival grounds throughout the afternoon and evening, setting the stage for a lively celebration. Alongside the brewery’s own lineup of craft beers, guests can enjoy hearty German-inspired fare from Kasha’s German Imbis Food Truck, known for authentic bratwurst, schnitzel, pretzels, and other favorites that perfectly complement a cold pint. The brewery is also weaving in traditional Norwegian games and activities, offering a playful nod to Viking heritage while giving festivalgoers plenty of opportunities to get involved beyond the steinholding showdown.
Angry Erik Brewing has confirmed that Odin Fest 2025 will bring together the bold flavors of craft beer, the high energy of Viking-themed games, and the sounds of live music with a performance by singer-songwriter John Cain. The festival takes place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Sussex County, giving beer lovers, music fans, and festivalgoers a full day of entertainment rooted in both tradition and creativity.
Odin Fest has quickly become one of the region’s most anticipated fall events, offering a Viking-inspired twist on the classic Oktoberfest. This year’s celebration will once again feature the US Steinholding Competition, where participants test their strength and endurance holding full beer steins at arm’s length. A new seasonal beer release will debut for the occasion, while Kasha’s German Imbiss food truck returns with bratwurst, schnitzel, pretzels, and other favorites that pair perfectly with Angry Erik’s 18 rotating taps of craft beer.
The announcement of John Cain as a headlining musical guest adds another layer of excitement to the day. Cain, whose recordings span folk, Americana, and jazz, is known for his versatility and ability to cross genres with ease. His discography includes the EP Be Alive (2022) and the full-length album Leavin’ It All Behind (2017), both of which showcase his dynamic storytelling and musical range. Beyond the stage, Cain is also an author, having penned Life’s a Good Gig, a book reflecting on his wide-ranging experiences in the music industry. His live performance at Odin Fest promises to bring an authentic, soulful energy to the celebration, giving festivalgoers a taste of New Jersey’s diverse music scene.
Odin Fest 2025 embodies the spirit of Angry Erik Brewing—equal parts celebration of craftsmanship, community, and culture. With John Cain’s live performance setting the soundtrack, steinholding competitions drawing cheers, and a new beer release anchoring the day, the event is shaping up to be one of the season’s most memorable gatherings. Festivalgoers can expect a unique blend of music, food, games, and beer that reflects both the brewery’s Viking-inspired identity and the vibrant culture of New Jersey.
For Angry Erik Brewing, Odin Fest is a showcase of everything the brewery has built since its early days. Founded in 2014 in a modest 2,000-square-foot rental space, the brewery has since expanded to a custom-built 9,000-square-foot facility that opened in 2019. The brewery now offers a spacious tasting room with a signature longship bar, an upstairs mezzanine for events, and a sprawling outdoor beer garden. Visitors can also step right onto the Paulinskill Trail—perfect for a walk, run, or bike ride—directly from the brewery’s parking lot, creating an experience that blends New Jersey’s scenic outdoors with local craft beer culture.
The brewery’s reputation for inventive brews and community-focused events has only grown since the expansion. With 18 taps pouring a range of styles, plus craft seltzers and a non-alcoholic sparkling drink, Angry Erik has become a destination for both dedicated beer enthusiasts and casual visitors. While the brewery cannot sell prepared food under New Jersey’s production brewing license, it offers curated snacks like local cheeses, crackers, beef jerky, and salami that make it easy to create a charcuterie board to enjoy alongside a pint. A rotating lineup of food trucks further enhances the experience, bringing in regional flavors to complement the tap list.
For those who have yet to experience Angry Erik Brewing, the festival is a chance to enjoy one of New Jersey’s most inventive craft breweries in its element. Known for bold flavors, experimental brews, and a community-driven spirit, the brewery has earned a reputation for throwing memorable seasonal events that go beyond the beer. Odin Fest exemplifies this approach, blending culture, competition, and craft into an immersive experience that appeals to beer enthusiasts, festival seekers, and families alike.
With its mix of live music, food, games, and the thrill of competition, Odin Fest has become one of the area’s standout events each September. As fall sets in and Oktoberfest celebrations pop up across the state, Angry Erik Brewing continues to carve out its own identity with a celebration that leans into heritage and creativity. Those planning to attend should mark the date, bring friends, and prepare for a full afternoon that blends Viking fun with New Jersey craft beer culture.
More details about Odin Fest and Angry Erik Brewing can be found at Angry Erik Brewing. More information about the state’s live music and upcoming performances can be found at Explore New Jersey Music.
