Having been canceled last year due to the pandemic, Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia is finally here! So what’s in store for you?
Helen’s biggest celebration is running from September 9-12, September 16-19, September 23-26, and reopens again on September 30 which will run through the entire month of October. Enjoy German music, lots of dancing, food, and drinks.
This is the longest-running Oktoberfest in the US and this year will be its 50th celebration! There are German-style bands from around the country. While German tunes are played, there are also modern favorites. But 90% of all music played at the event must be Bavarian to take away the traditional authentic German experience. The bands performing this year include Yodel Blitz, The Czechers, Prost, Squeeze Box, Alpenmusikanten, Europa, and Martin Gross und sein Sonnenschein Express. Dance the polka and others. Are you ready for the chicken dance?
The festivities will happen at the riverside Helen Festhalle where there are rows of long tables so you can eat and drink while watching the shows. Festhalle is located at 1074 Edelweiss Strasse in Helen. You can buy your tickets at the door. The event is kid-friendly. Active and retired military gets free admission but on Sundays, everyone gets in free. If you cannot go to the festivity, you can watch what’s going on at the Festhalle live here.
Many people will be dressed in traditional attire, lederhosen, and dirndls.
The parade at noon on September 11, 2021, in downtown Helen, marks the start of the celebration. The parade starts on Edelweiss Strasse near the Festhalle, turns on the Chattahoochee Strasse, turns on to the Main Street, and ends at the Betty’s Country Store.
There is a ceremonial tapping of the keg. Plenty of German food you can try at the Hofer’s of Helen, Cafe International, Bodensee, The Troll Tavern, and other restaurants in town.
What should you bring?
Bring your ID with you as you will be asked for identification. Don’t forget to bring cash since most parking lots accept cash only and you may want to tip servers and musicians with cash.
Where to stay for Oktoberfest?
Accommodations book up for Oktoberfest quickly so make plans in advance. Cedar Creek Cabin Rentals cabins are popular options for the amenities whether you are traveling with your partner, family, or group. Many of our cabins have hot tubs, sauna, full kitchens, firepit, and jacuzzi.
The weather will still be warm and it only gets cooler in late October. The Georgia mountains by then will be bursting with fall colors. The fall colors of the leaves are an annual display that attracts many people to enjoy nature and it also coincides with the Oktoberfest schedule.
Are you going to the Oktoberfest this year? Share your experience!
