Time to swap your champagne flutes for beer steins and your black ties for lederhosen. On Tuesday, October 3, the San Francisco Symphony is ushering in autumn with their first-ever Oktoberfest Celebration. Start the evening with a sudsy pint, or two (pre-concert beer is free and unlimited for all ticket holders) and get ready to enjoy some mighty fine music.
Resident conductor Christian Reif will lean on his German roots to lead the Bavarian-inspired program of opera arias, waltzes, polkas and traditional German drinking songs and games, including selections from Mozart, Verdi and Strauss. Though these great composers are often reserved for quieter moments, much of their music was created for more boisterous and festive occasions. Some selections will be sung by soloists and members of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, but don’t be surprised when the entire audience is asked to join in.
For VIP ticket holders, the celebration continues in a pop-up biergarten featuring complimentary German fare, fire pits and endless beer accompanied by polka bands and dancing. Tickets start at $29, and all proceeds from the event will support the Symphony’s artistic, community and education programs.
Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave (sfsymphony.org/oktoberfest). Oct 3 at 6pm; $29-195.