Sharktoberfest at Mote Aquarium
A German Celebration with a Sarasota Twist!
2022 Sharktoberfest
Raise a glass with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium during Sharktoberfest, a craft beer festival in the Aquarium after hours sponsored by Gold Cost Eagle Distributing.
Sharktoberfest is Mote’s version of the widely popular Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest is an annual festival held in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. The festival originated as a party held in celebration of a royal marriage on October 12, 1810, in Munich. The celebration proved so popular the town decided to host the party again in 1811. This party eventually became an annual event known to the locals of Munich as Oktoberfest. But why is it spelled with a “k”? It’s pretty simple, the month of October is spelled with a “k” in the German language. Most non-German festivals keep this spelling to honor its German roots.
Mote’s Sharktoberfest will feature local and regional breweries that will provide samples of their staple selections alongside unique, seasonal brews. Each guest will receive a commemorative tasting glass for sampling and a branded gift bag.
Sharktoberfest guests will experience Mote Aquarium as they never have before, enjoying live entertainment, food stations, merchandise vendors, and special experiences provided by Mote’s Education department.
A limited number of VIP Tasting tickets are available for a private tasting experience that will be held at Mote (in Mote’s New Pass Room overlooking Sarasota Bay) prior to the start of Sharktoberfest. Presented by 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop, the VIP Tasting will feature six sample selections from local brewers. A curated menu of light bites will be paired with each brew. Guests will enjoy a guided tasting experience where representatives from each brewery will provide insight into the creation of each brew. At the completion of the VIP Tasting experience, guests will enter the Aquarium for the start of Sharktoberfest!
A limited number of VIP Tasting tickets are available for a private tasting experience that will be held at Mote (in Mote’s New Pass Room overlooking Sarasota Bay) prior to the start of Sharktoberfest. Presented by 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop, the VIP Tasting will feature six sample selections from local brewers. A curated menu of light bites will be paired with each brew. Guests will enjoy a guided tasting experience where representatives from each brewery will provide insight into the creation of each brew. At the completion of the VIP Tasting experience, guests will enter the Aquarium for the start of Sharktoberfest!
Sharktoberfest is a rain or shine event, and all guests must be 21-years-old or older to attend.
Ticket options:
VIP Tasting
$125, 5-7 p.m.
VIP Tasting Tickets include access to both the VIP Tasting held prior to the main event and Sharktoberfest (access to Mote Aquarium, beer sampling and event entertainment).
Additional purchase opportunities: event merchandise, food and cash bar (with limited cocktails, wine and beer available to purchase.)
$125, 5-7 p.m.
VIP Tasting Tickets include access to both the VIP Tasting held prior to the main event and Sharktoberfest (access to Mote Aquarium, beer sampling and event entertainment).
Additional purchase opportunities: event merchandise, food and cash bar (with limited cocktails, wine and beer available to purchase.)
Main Event
$55, 7-10 p.m.
General Admission includes access to Mote Aquarium, beer sampling and event entertainment.
Additional purchase opportunities: event merchandise, food and cash bar (with limited cocktails, wine and beer available to purchase.)
$55, 7-10 p.m.
General Admission includes access to Mote Aquarium, beer sampling and event entertainment.
Additional purchase opportunities: event merchandise, food and cash bar (with limited cocktails, wine and beer available to purchase.)
Tickets available now at mote.org/sharktoberfest