Authentic German Style Hosted by Tapped & Forked Social Kitchen
Medina County is getting a true taste of Bavarian tradition this autumn as Tapped & Forked Social Kitchen hosts The Medina County Oktoberfest | Authentic German Style. The multi-week celebration brings time-honored German culinary craft, seasonal beers, traditional pub contests, and authentic folklore directly to local food enthusiasts.
Rooted in a rich family heritage, owner Angie Hoertz is carrying her family’s long-standing connection to Northeast Ohio’s German dining culture straight into the heart of Medina County.
Tapping the Hoertz Family Heritage Tap: Saturday, September 12th
The official festivities launch on Saturday, September 12, 2026, with the ceremonial tapping of the Hoertz Family Heritage Tap.
“The Hoertz Family Heritage Tap is going to be tapped for the first time every year at Hofbräu time. We will have the half-liter Hofbräu mugs, some shotskis, and feature a classic German beer that goes with the season.”
— Angie Hoertz, Owner of Tapped & Forked Social Kitchen
Throughout the multi-week Oktoberfest celebration, guests can order authentic Bavarian beers served in half-liter Hofbräu glassware or gather friends for festive shotski flights at the bar.
Authentic German Culinary Menu
Tapped & Forked will feature a scratch-made German menu honoring classic Old World recipes for the duration of the event:
Classic Entrées: Wiener Schnitzel (offered with choice of veal, chicken, or pork), Bratwurst, and Knackwurst.
Traditional Sides: House-made Spätzle, German potato salad, warm sauerkraut, and braised red cabbage.
Chef Specials: Crisp potato pancakes and custom-crafted Potato Pancake Reubens.
Live Krampus Appearance: Saturday, September 19th
Following the September 12th keg tapping, the marquee feature event takes place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM, when Tapped & Forked hosts a full troupe from Krampus of Cleveland.
In European folklore, Krampus accompanies Saint Nicholas to maintain ancient holiday traditions. Guests can view and take photos with the costumed performers live at the restaurant from 5:00 PM through 10:00 PM.
“Krampus is the bad guy that comes to punish the kids when Santa is watching. He sticks them in his basket—it’s a fun traditional folklore element, and we are excited to host a whole group of them live at Tapped & Forked.”
— Angie Hoertz
Masskrugstemmen & Stein-Holding Contests
Patrons can test their strength during Masskrugstemmen, the classic German stein-holding competition. Participants hold a fully filled one-liter glass beer stein outstretched with a straight arm parallel to the floor. Prizes will be awarded to competitors who hold their stein the longest without spilling or dropping their arm.
Carrying On a Cleveland Culinary Tradition in Brunswick
For Angie Hoertz and her family, bringing an authentic Oktoberfest to Brunswick is much more than a seasonal promotion—it is the continuation of a decades-long culinary tradition in Northeast Ohio. Angie’s family were the long-time owners of Der Braumeister in Cleveland, an iconic institution where the Hoertz family spent decades perfecting their traditional German culinary craft and hospitality.
Angie’s grandparents were widely recognized across the region for their passion for German culture, authentic scratch cooking, and vibrant Oktoberfest celebrations. Their commitment to high-quality schnitzels, hand-crafted spätzle, and proper Bavarian beer pairings made Der Braumeister a beloved destination for generations of Clevelanders.
Now, Angie and her family are proud to bring that same dedication and heritage to Tapped & Forked Social Kitchen in Brunswick. By introducing The Medina County Oktoberfest | Authentic German Style, the Hoertz family honors their grandparents’ legacy while establishing a new tradition for Medina County families to gather, celebrate, and enjoy authentic German food and hospitality.
Oktoberfest Summary & Schedule
Event Name: The Medina County Oktoberfest | Authentic German Style
Host Venue: Tapped & Forked Social Kitchen, Brunswick, OH
Heritage Tap Kickoff: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Krampus Night: Saturday, September 19, 2026 (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Featured Highlights: German Menu, Masskrugstemmen Contests, Hofbräu Glassware & Shotskis
