You don’t have to travel to Germany to experience Oktoberfest. Join the fun in Helen, Georgia!
What is Oktoberfest?
An annual event to celebrate the classic Bavarian culture and held all over the world, it is also in the alpine Helen, Georgia. The celebration has been going on for 50 years. It includes traditional dancing, food, and of course the main highlight — beer.
Why is it a big deal?
If you’re hearing people talk about Oktoberfest in Helen, and you haven’t made plans you may miss out. Many cabin companies book out early for the weekends of this fabulous event. Helen, Georgia is known for having the longest-running Oktoberfest in the country, spanning about eight weeks.
There are also 3 big reasons for staying in Helen during the Oktoberfest: fall foliage, the weather, and fun!
What are the dates for Oktoberfest in Helen Georgia?
Helen’s Oktoberfest runs from Thursday to Sunday through September and daily from Oct. 1 – Nov. 8, 2020.
On the first day, an annual Oktoberfest parade takes place. This year, it will be on September 12 at 12 noon. Tapping of the keg follows after.
If you want to join the Oktoberfest Parade this year, you can fill up your application here and you can mail it to:
Alpine Helen CVB
PO Box 730
Helen, GA 30545
or fax: 706-878-4032
According to the Helen Chamber of Commerce, Oktoberfest starts on September 10 to 13, then reopens September 17-20. It will then reopen September 24-27, then reopen again on October 1, and continue daily through November 8, 2020.
For a complete view of the calendar, you can check the Alpine Helen website.
Admission:
Monday-Friday $8.00 per person
Saturday $10.00 per person
Sunday-Free Admission. Food and drink are extra.
What are the things to do?
There is a parade, German music, dancing, tour groups, games, activities, food, and drinks. Dressed in traditional attire, revelers dance to the polka, chicken dance (popular German dance), and waltzes. You can dress yourself up in traditional Bavarian outfits. Plenty of them in the costume shops!
Listen to the traditional German tunes and modern favorites. There are also musical acts and German bands from all over.
2020 Music Band Schedule
September 10 – 13: Dan Witucki & Sterne
Liab’ und Schneid
September 17 – 20: The Czechers
Festhaus Music
September 24 – 27: Prost
Das Polka Stimmung Duo
October 1 – 4: Pech & Schweifel
Sonnen Schnapps
October 5 – 11: Squeeze Box featuring Ted Lange & Mollie B.
Sonnen Schnapps
October 12 – 18: Dan Witucki and Mein Heimatland Musikanten
Alpinedoc Matthias
October 19 – 25: Alpenmusikanten
The Duncans from Prost
October 26 – Nov. 1: Martin Gross und sein Sonnenschein Express
Herb Albinus
November 2 – 8: Europa
Herb Albinus
Full Band Schedule provided by the Helen Chamber of Commerce
German and American beers are available in local breweries. Oktoberfest food includes a variety of delicious meats, sweet apples, bratwurst, yeast dumplings in vanilla sauce, and jumbo pretzels!
Must try: Georgia Mountain Coaster
Take on a thrilling ride through North Georgia Mountain! From river tubing, hot air balloon rides, wine tastings, and tours at wineries, you can take in the sights of Georgia’s own Alpine village by riding the Georgia Mountain Coaster which is built right into the mountains. Take on a journey through the twisted terrain of the mountains. The good news is, it is open every day of the week!
You may read more about this exciting coaster here.
To ensure you have an incredible dining experience, here are nine restaurants to check out:
Bodensee Restaurant
64 Munich Strasse
Helen, Georgia 30545
Hours: Daily from 11 am
Try: Chef’s Schnitzel, which is oven-baked and features chicken Schnitzel breaded with fried onions, mushrooms, bacon, and cheese.
The Old Heidelberg
8660 N Main St. at White Horse Square
Helen, GA 30545
Hours: Monday to Thursday & Sunday – 11 am to 9 pm
Friday and Saturday – 11 am to 10 pm
Try: Kassler Rippchen (smoked pork chops), house Rueben Sandwich, and homemade apple strudel
The Old Bavaria Inn
8619 North Main Street
Helen, GA
Try: Hungarian Goulash Soup, German Subs, House-Special Rubens, and Imported Apple Strudel
For a complete list of recommended places to eat, you may want to check it here.
If you want to witness the ceremonial tapping of the keg which is done to officially start the festivities, the Festhalle is the place to go.
Helen Festhalle
1074 Edelweiss Dr, Helen, GA 30545
(706) 878-1908
Note: For all ages. IDs will be checked at the door. Make sure to remember to bring your ID!
Where to stay in Helen for Oktoberfest?
Make plans in advance for your stay as accommodations book up very quickly. Popular options include the Cedar Creek Cabin Rentals.
We offer luxury cabins, pet-friendly vacation cabins, and more. These rentals offer the ultimate in privacy, and visitors can choose the type of cabin view they want, whether it’s nestled in the mountains, along a creek, or with a waterfall view.
Wraparound porches, fully equipped kitchens, flat-screen TVs, internet, private barbecue pits, game rooms, satellite radio, hot tubs, Jacuzzi tubs, and Saunas are amenities you can select from when booking your cabin.
Bring your family to the event. Everyone is invited! For any questions on Oktoberfest, you might find answers here.
Our Additional Oktoberfest Resources
In our Oktoberfest topic hub, you’ll discover ways to make your next Oktoberfest the best ever.
Here’s a quick list of these resources.
How To Plan Your Trip To Oktoberfest In Helen Georgia
Consider One Of These Oktoberfest Adventures In Helen Georgia
5 Ways You Can Experience German Influence in Helen Georgia
These Four Things Are Why Helen Is THE Place To Be For Oktoberfest
The Music Of Oktoberfest – Folk, Polka, Schlager, and more!
Do You Know Answers To These Ten Oktoberfest Questions?
Fun Family Things to Do While In Helen Georgia For Oktoberfest
