Oktoberfest in Asheville!

Looking for a great way to celebrate the season this weekend? Search no more. Come on out to Wall Street—not the New York location, the downtown Asheville one (we promise this one is way more fun). Downtown Asheville hosts its 4th Annual Oktobertfest this Saturday, October 13 from 10a.m. to 6p.m.

Oktoberfest Overview

Sponsored by the Downtown Asheville Association, Oktoberfest transforms Wall Street into Little Germany where you'll find everything from yodeling and Polka dancing to keg-rolling and costume contests. It's a great chance to proudly showcase your lederhosen or gracefully don your dirndl.

Oktoberfest Food & Drink

Bring a hearty appetite and be sure to come thirsty! Get your fill of German delights including bratwurst, pretzels, and traditional side dishes accompanied by a local favorite, Lusty Monk Mustard.

It goes with out saying (but we'll say it anyway) that there is a grand representation of beer on hand at the event. Take part in beer tastings from many of our local breweries including Highland Brewing, Asheville Brewing Company, Pisgah Brewing, Green Man Brewery, Craggie Brewing and French Broad Brewing Company. 

Many of the brewers are available to discuss their beers, and they are featuring some fabulous seasonal ales. So don't be shy. They are ready and willing to answer questions and will happily tell you more about their best brews.

Oktoberfest Music

A return favorite at this year's event are The Stratton Mountain Boys. They bring traditional Bavarian music to our Little Germany with shoe-slapping dances, happy yodeling, and spirited Polka music. They are a crowd-pleaser and often incite dancing in the streets, so be ready to join in the fun.

Oktoberfest Games & Entertainment

Additional entertainment can be found at the various Oktoberfest Games. Local brewery teams are pitted against each other in such events as the the stein race, a keg-rolling contest, and more. We've included the full schedule below, which includes both the team events and the events that are open to the public. 

• 11:57a.m. Das Stolzieren Bietrinken - Opening Ceremony Parade
• 12 noon - Tapping of the Keg
• 1:30p.m. - Smoky Mountain Keg Roll (team event), Alpine Horn Blow (open to the public), Oh, Gnome You Didn't Pretzel Toss Event (team event)
• 2p.m. - North Carolina's Largest Chicken Dance (open to the public)
• 3p.m. - Faust & Furious Bavarian Pie Race (team event), Mr. & Ms. Oktoberfest Costume Contest (open to the public), Stein Hoistenbach (team event)
• 5p.m. - Asheville Stein Classic (team event), Team Costume Contest (team event)

Oktoberfest Pricing & Admission

Finally, here are the pricing details. If you are not drinking (we feel bad for those such as the pregnant women, designated drivers, children, and others who can't drink... but we certainly do understand) the good news is that you can still join in all of the activities for free! You will just be issued a wristband which will deny you access to the brew.

For the rest of us, beer bibbers of course must be at least 21 years of age to drink at Oktoberfest. When you check in you'll be required to present your ticket and your valid ID to receive your wristband. Each person in your party must have their ticket and ID in hand, so don't forget them! You will not be allowed to check in for another person. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 the day of the event. Oktoberfest tickets can be purchased here, and you can also see a clip of the festival action, as well.

Photo Submitted by Asheville Connections

Accommodations Convenient to Oktoberfest 

You will want to be close to all of the Oktoberfest activities and after all of that beer sampling you won't want to drive (and shouldn't). We suggest you stay locally in downtown Asheville. 

Stay the weekend on into the week to enjoy all of what Asheville and the surrounding areas of Western North Carolina have to offer. Fall foliage is in full effect, so maybe consider enjoying the view from the hot tub?

To Get You in the Mood

We'll finish up here with some inspiration from Clark Griswold. If he can join in the German festivities, you can too! We look forward to seeing you there. 

Have you been to Asheville's Oktoberfest in the past? Give us your feedback in our comment section. Until next time, ein prosit!