Our mission is to maintain a fun, recreational destination for your entire family to enjoy, while preserving history and nature for the community.
1616 Mapleton Avenue Suffield, CT 06078
Call us: (860) 758-0668
Mail Support: info@fofah.org
Mon - Sun: 8.00am - 9.00pm
Prost to the Past, Raise Your Glass!
Date : 10/03/2026
3:00 PM — 10:00 PM
We Need Volunteers For This Event
Don't miss the fourth annual Oktoberfest at Hilltop Farm in Suffield! Enjoy a festive evening of live music, dancing, and games inside the historic barn and a large outdoor tent. Feast on a delicious German buffet.
Each autumn, the historic Hilltop Farm in Suffield, Connecticut, transforms into a vibrant hub of Bavarian cheer for its eagerly anticipated annual Oktoberfest celebration. This event, a collaborative effort between the Town of Suffield and the dedicated all-volunteer nonprofit, the Friends of the Farm at Hilltop (FOFAH), has rapidly become the most popular public gathering at the farm. It's a testament to community spirit, local history, and the universal appeal of good food, spirited music, and communal dancing.
The venue itself adds a unique layer of charm to the festivities. Hilltop Farm was established in 1913 by George M. Hendee, the co-founder of the iconic Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company, as a gentleman's retirement farm. While the original mansion is gone, the "Big White Barn" and other outbuildings remain, lovingly restored and maintained by FOFAH volunteers since 2003. The Oktoberfest is held within this historic 19,000-square-foot barn and spills out into a large adjacent tent, allowing guests to mingle amidst rustic architecture and under the open sky. The use of the barn for public events only began recently with the inaugural Oktoberfest, making each year's celebration a part of the farm's revitalized history.
The atmosphere is consistently lively, thanks to the return of popular local Simsbury band, Organized Chaos, which has attendees dancing and celebrating late into the evening. The event is designed to offer a complete sensory experience, with a focus on authentic German flavors.
Catering is provided by the reputable Silvia's Cafe of Enfield, which sets up a sumptuous buffet. The menu typically features a hearty spread that includes:
Appetizers: Bavarian pretzels with mustard.
Main Course: Roasted chicken, smoked brisket, German bratwurst, knockwurst, sausage with sauerkraut, pierogies, roasted red potatoes, and stuffed cabbage.
Sides: A tossed salad and homemade bread.
Dessert: A variety of ice cream flavors from the on-site Hilltop Farm Creamery, such as apple pie, pumpkin, German chocolate, and vanilla.
To wash it all down, two bars, one inside the barn and one near the tent, serve an assortment of German beers (like Spaten and German Pilsner), local craft Oktoberfest brews from places like Broad Brook Brewery, and a selection of wines including Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon, and Riesling.
We are so excited to work with you! Volunteers are at the heart of our work with a wide range of opportunities from Saturday farm workdays, to serving on a committee, to sharing your expertise in helping with our various projects. People who make time in their day and in their lives to support us with their talent create a deep impact and we appreciate you.
What truly sets the Hilltop Farm Oktoberfest apart is its profound connection to the community and its mission of preservation. The event is a critical fundraiser for FOFAH, with all proceeds dedicated to the ongoing maintenance and restoration of the historic buildings and grounds. The organizers emphasize that the funds raised, which can amount to over $100,000 annually for upkeep, are vital to keeping this local landmark alive for future generations.
The collaboration between the Town of Suffield and FOFAH highlights a shared commitment to preserving local history. This partnership has even secured American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for projects like the painting of the Big White Dairy Barn, restoring it to its historical glory.
The event is designed for maximum fun and mingling. Beyond the food and music, guests can enjoy games like cornhole and a photo booth to capture memorable moments. It's a 21-or-older event, fostering a convivial adult atmosphere where friends can relax, socialize, and dance the night away.
The Oktoberfest typically takes place in early October. The growing demand for tickets means they often sell out quickly after going on sale in late summer. Attendees are encouraged to purchase e-tickets online in advance, as availability at the door is rare.
The event demonstrates the power of community volunteering and sponsorship, relying on local businesses and dedicated individuals to make it a reality. For those interested in attending or supporting the cause, more details on tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available on the Hilltop Farm website events page.
In essence, the annual Hilltop Farm Oktoberfest is a vibrant celebration that perfectly blends Suffield's rich agricultural and industrial history with the festive spirit of an authentic German beer festival, all for the noble cause of preserving a cherished local landmark.
