OktoberFest

The Iron Skillet’s Oktober Foodfest: A Taste of Bavaria in the Heart of Collingwood

Every autumn, as the leaves turn gold along Georgian Bay, Collingwood finds itself echoing a centuries-old German tradition: Oktoberfest. What began in Munich in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration, complete with parades, music, and overflowing beer steins, has since grown into the world’s largest folk festival. At its core, Oktoberfest has always been about more than food and drink — it’s about gathering, feasting, and celebrating the bounty of the harvest with family and friends.

Here in Collingwood, a town with its own strong roots in community and hard work, Oktoberfest feels right at home. For over a century, Collingwood’s identity was shaped by the shipbuilding industry — a tradition of craftsmanship, precision, and pride. Just as Bavarian brewers perfected their lagers and bakers twisted their iconic pretzels, Collingwood’s builders poured their skill into vessels that carried communities forward. The spirit of tradition, resilience, and celebration runs strong in both histories, making Oktoberfest a natural fit for this lakeside town.

This year, The Iron Skillet is bringing those two worlds together with its Oktober Foodfest menu — a culinary celebration running from September 25th to October 4th in Collingwood, Barrie, and Wasaga Beach.

Guests can start their feast with Bavarian Pretzels, warm and golden, paired with a rich, cheesy beer sauce, or enjoy the crisp comfort of a German Potato Pancake. From there, the menu dives into hearty, traditional mains that showcase the best of German-inspired cuisine.

The Schnitzel Dinner for Two offers a generous helping of golden-fried chicken schnitzel with potatoes and vegetables, perfect for sharing. For those craving tradition with a twist, the Wiener Schnitzel Dinner for Two delivers the classic veal cutlet, crisp and tender. Fans of rich flavors can savor Rouladen in hunter sauce or dig into Beef Goulasch served with potatoes and salad — both dishes rooted in the comforting, slow-cooked traditions of central Europe.

Of course, no Oktoberfest menu would be complete without sausage and lager. The Beer Glazed Bratwurst with Sauerkraut brings smoky, tangy, and malty notes together on one plate. Guests looking to pair their meal with the season’s signature brew will find plenty to enjoy with the Schnitzel & Lager or Wiener Schnitzel & Lager pairings, each served with a pint of Oktoberfest lager — a nod to the festival’s most iconic tradition.

To finish, a slice of German Chocolate Cake offers a sweet finale: layered, decadent, and indulgent, just as every festival dessert should be.

At The Iron Skillet, food has always been about more than feeding people. Since 1991, it has been about bringing communities together around the table, sharing flavors that comfort, excite, and tell stories. With Oktober Foodfest, that tradition continues — Collingwood’s industrious spirit meeting Bavarian festivity, all served up on a plate with a pint in hand.

Raise a glass, share a schnitzel, and celebrate the season. Prost!

Whether enjoying them solo or sharing with friends, each dish showcases fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making every bite a memorable experience. Visit your local The Iron Skillet to explore these tempting appetizers and more, creating the perfect start to your dining experience. Check out a list of our locations here!