Celebrate Oktoberfest in Arizona with a twist—aboard a historic train through the breathtaking Verde Canyon!
Fall in Arizona means more than cooler temps and changing leaves—it’s time to raise a glass and celebrate Oktoberfest in a uniquely Southwestern way. And what better way to toast the season than with Ales on Rails, Verde Canyon Railroad’s signature autumn event? This Oktoberfest celebration combines Arizona’s most scenic rail journey with a curated selection of Arizona craft beers, all served against a backdrop of golden cottonwoods, red rock cliffs, and crisp Canyon air.
From Bavaria to the Canyon: A Taste of Oktoberfest History
The tradition of Oktoberfest began over two centuries ago as a royal wedding celebration in Munich, Germany. On October 12, 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen invited tens of thousands of guests to join their multi-day party filled with food, beer, and festivities—including horse races and music. What started as a one-time event quickly became an annual tradition that grew into the world-famous Oktoberfest we know today.
Eventually, this Bavarian beer festival made its way across the Atlantic and found new life in the American Southwest. By the mid-1800s, Arizona’s Verde Valley saw a rush of miners, settlers, and railroad workers who, although unfamiliar with European customs, had a growing thirst for beer. Back then, ale was considered safer to drink than water, making it an essential part of frontier life. Despite challenges like mineral-rich water and limited resources, local brewers carved out a foothold in the untamed West.
While mass-market beer and the rise of transcontinental railroads once pushed small breweries out, the craft beer revival of the 1980s helped bring them back stronger than ever. Today, Arizona’s award-winning breweries are keeping the tradition alive. Today, Ales on Rails honors that legacy by pairing Arizona’s rich brewing culture with a scenic ride through Verde Canyon. It’s Oktoberfest, reimagined the Arizona way.
Ales on Rails – A Rolling Arizona Oktoberfest celebration!
More than just a beer tasting, Ales on Rails is a celebration of fall in Arizona. As the leaves start to turn and the Canyon glows with seasonal color, this unique Oktoberfest offers a peaceful escape into nature, enhanced with good company and great brews.
Craft Beer and Canyon Views – What Better Way to Celebrate Oktoberfest
Ales on Rails delivers flavor, fun, and unforgettable views. It’s a unique and memorable way to celebrate Oktoberfest in Arizona. While there may not be carnival rides or bratwurst-eating contests, the real thrill is the view—towering red rock formations, golden cottonwoods, and the peaceful rush of the Verde River.
Event Overview
Held each year from mid-September through October, Ales on Rails invites beer lovers and train enthusiasts alike to experience our classic train ride turn into the state’s most relaxing and scenic Oktoberfest celebration.
When
September 14 to October 31. For 1 p.m. departures, Hoppy Hour will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. For 3:30 p.m. departures, Hoppy Hour will be from 12:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Guests on Saturday morning train rides can enjoy Ales on Rails upon their return to the depot after the train ride. View schedule and pricing on the Ales on Rails page.
Where
The fun begins at the depot in Clarkdale, Arizona. Located just minutes from Sedona and Jerome, and a short drive from Phoenix or Flagstaff.
Before You Board
You can have lunch at Copper Spike Café, visit the Boxcar Gift Store and John Bell Museum, and sample local brews prior to boarding the train. The outdoor beer garden offers the perfect pre-boarding atmosphere. Your first round of delicious craft brews is available for purchase at the depot pavilion bar, including samples, full glasses and a Limited Edition Stainless Steel cup etched with Verde Canyon Railroad’s logo.
The lineup features some of Arizona’s finest microbreweries, offering a rotating selection of IPAs, lagers, ales, porters, and seasonal favorites.
What’s Included on the Train Ride
Guests will be welcomed aboard with a champagne or sparkling cider toast, then treated to a charcuterie box filled with gourmet meats, cheeses, crackers, fresh fruit, and brownie bites to enjoy during the ride.
Aboard the Train
Once aboard the train, guests can settle into comfortable living room-style seating inside a climate-controlled passenger car and enjoy unlimited access to the adjoining open-air viewing car for panoramic Canyon views and crisp autumn air. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy a leisurely four-hour journey through Verde Canyon.
Hungry? Onboard snacks and beer-friendly food pairings, along with more Arizona craft beers, non-alcoholic beverages, are also available for purchase to complement the experience.
While the beers take center stage, the Canyon’s natural beauty provides a stunning backdrop for every sip.
Why Choose Ales on Rails?
Skip the crowds and parking hassles and trade the beer tents for a vintage train car. While big city festivals like Flagstaff Oktoberfest and Four Peaks Oktoberfest in Tempe Town Lake bring the crowds, Ales on Rails offers a more scenic, laid-back, and uniquely Southwestern way to enjoy the season. Ales on Rails is ideal for:
- Couples looking for a scenic date idea
- Friends planning a weekend getaway to Sedona or Jerome
- Locals and visitors alike craving a different kind of Oktoberfest experience
Plus, you can wear your lederhosen or dirndl—the onboard vibe is festive and photo-worthy.
Plan Your Arizona Oktoberfest Adventure
To make the most of your Ales on Rails Train journey, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
- Book in Advance: Events like Ales on Rails are extremely popular. Therefore, they sell out quickly—secure your spot early. (Please note: pre-ride beer tastings at the depot are available for purchase and are not included in the train ticket price.)
- Make a Full Day of It: With a visit to historic downtown Clarkdale, have lunch at Copper Spike Café and a post-ride dinner in nearby Jerome or Sedona.
- Be Safe and Comfortable: Wear comfortable clothing. We suggest non-slip shoes, no flip-flops and no spiked heels.
- Plan Ahead: Given the popularity of Ales of Rails, it’s advisable to plan your visits and accommodations in advance, especially during event seasons.
All Aboard for an Arizona Oktoberfest Adventure!
Get ready for craft beer, Canyon beauty, and Oktoberfest cheer. Ales on Rails is your ticket to an autumn experience like never before in Arizona.
For full details, ticket information, and the event calendar, visit:
Ales on Rails
Make It a Weekend with Clarktoberfest
Looking to turn your Ales on Rails experience into a full Oktoberfest weekend? Don’t miss Clarktoberfest—a lively, family-friendly street festival held in downtown Clarkdale on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from noon to 6 p.m. This annual celebration features local food trucks, a beer garden, live music, and a variety of activities for all ages, including a cornhole tournament, stein holding contest, and keg stacking competition. It’s the perfect way to explore the local community and enjoy a scenic train ride. Visit clarktoberfestaz.com for full event details.
