Are you making plans to visit Helen for its 44th annual Oktoberfest 2014 celebration?
The festivities of this beloved Bavarian tradition begin in just a few days, and you don’t want to miss out on the action. Running from the 11th of September through the 2nd of November, Helen’s Oktoberfest is the best way to enjoy a slice of German culture in all of the southeastern United States. Despite the fact that every day of the party is filled with fun and merriment, though, there are certain events and dates that you’ll want to mark on your calendar so that you can enjoy the full Oktoberfest experience. Here are a few of this year’s highlights:
Opening Weekend
Thursday, September 11th is the official beginning of Oktoberfest’s opening weekend which runs through Sunday the 14th. The festival then re-opens on September 18th, and the shindig doesn’t stop until November 2nd. Remember, though, that the early bird gets the worm! Those who will be joining us for the first weekend of the celebration will be able to experience:
- The Tapping of the Keg – When the parade is all over, you’ll want to make your way to Helen’s Festehalle to watch the annual Tapping of the Keg. This ceremony is the true ‘official’ start to the celebration. Prost!
Other Helen Events Throughout Oktoberfest
In addition to Oktoberfest, there’s plenty of other seasonal things to do in Helen throughout the celebration, such as:
- Art-Oberfest – Take a peak at local art (and maybe find a steal to take back home with you) at Helen’s Art Center on October 18th from 10AM-6PM.
- Unicoi Wine Festival – Those sticking Oktoberfest out until the end should stop by Helen’s picturesque Hardman Farm on the corner of Highways 17 & 75 on Saturday, November 1st from 10AM-6PM. The 2nd annual festival will feature live entertainment, local artists, amazing eats, and, of course, wine!
Live Music
The Festhalle is the place to be during Oktoberfest in Helen. This unique facility features long, communal tables where attendees can mingle while enjoying authentic Bavarian food and drink. Of course, the best part of visiting the Festhalle is the live performances and dancing to German music. To make sure that you don’t miss out on your favorite bands and artists, take a look at the festival’s schedule:
- September 18-28 – Europa will be headlining the Festhalle state throughout the week. This band has been entertaining folks across the country for 17 years, playing all of your polka favorites with the accordion, violin, brass instruments, keyboards, and drums. You can also enjoy the lighthearted polka-stylings of Jim Horzen.
- September 29-October 5 – Don’t miss out on the only polka band in the world to be sponsored by Jagermeister – Fritz’s Polka Band! This group has been around since 1978 and has been rocking the polka circuit ever since. In addition to this fun band, enjoy traditional polka by Autobahn.
- October 6-15- Dan Witucki and the Heimatland Musikanten are in town and ready to put their own twist on all of your polka favorites!
- October 6-12 – Be impressed by the talented Herb Albinus on vocals and accordion.
- October 13-November 2nd – Ronald Kurz is one of Helen’s favorite Oktoberfest artists.
- October 16-19 – Der fun since 1990 – Alpenmusikanten is all about having a great time and keeping the party rolling!
- October 20-26- Alex Meixner is a Grammy-nominated artist who has been spreading the joy of music since the age of 6. He and his band will have you thinking of polka in a whole new way!
- October 27-November 3 – Finish off the celebration with Pros’t – the self-described Euro-American party band.
Which Oktoberfest and other seasonal Helen activities interest you the most?
