The gorgeous fall foliage is not all that northern Georgia has to offer its vacationers on an autumn getaway. The Helen, GA Oktoberfest kicks off each September (this year it begins on the 13th) and runs through October, making it the longest-running celebration of its kind in the south. A Beloved tradition, Oktoberfest is an enjoyable festival for visitors of all ages, and it all comes to life just steps from your cabin rental. What can you expect from this celebrated festival? Here are a few things you don’t want to miss out on at Oktoberfest.
Helen, GA Oktoberfest Parade
One of the festival favorites is the annual Oktoberfest parade which kicks off the whole celebration with some authentic German flair. As costumed performers, horses, and elaborate floats follow the parade path through Alpine Helen, you will truly feel that you have been transported to old-world Germany. And not to be missed, the parade also includes the traditional “tapping of the keg”.
Dancing
Join in the merriment and dancing with your fellow festival goers. With all the music and joy around you, it will be hard to resist the urge to get on your feet. You will partake in the waltz, the polka, and foxtrot, and frolic the night away with your friends or your sweetie. Are you worried that you are not a good enough dancer? It simply does not matter! Here in Alpine Helen, no one is judging you and everyone is a friend. You definitely do not want to skip out on the ever-popular Chicken Dance!
Live Entertainment
You will spend your time at the Helen, GA Oktoberfest being entertained by a wide variety of live performers. You and your group will love the traditional German Polka bands who will keep your feet tapping all night long. From street performers to the music of the various Alpine Helen restaurants and the favorite Festhalle, you will enjoy many different styles of musical entertainment from the beginning of the festival to the end. Check the entertainment schedule daily to find out when and where your favorite performers will be.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Of course, authentic Bavarian food and drink are to be expected at the Helen, GA Oktoberfest. Enjoy bratwursts, cheddarwursts, sauerkraut, goulash, potato salad, cheesecake, chocolates, strudels, and more, all of which complement the abundant supply of beer and wine. Join in with both new friends and old at the communal tables that are set up in the Alpine Helen Festhalle. The biggest draw of the Festhalle is a feeling of joy and belonging. Here you will meet new people, laugh, and have a good time.
Shopping
As a part of the Helen, GA Oktoberfest, you can expect to find a charming Bavarian marketplace set up in the village square. In addition to this, Alpine Helen offers shopping at over 200 retailers and boutiques. With antiques, original handcrafted items, arts, and crafts, pottery, and more, you are sure to make many unique and wonderful purchases both for yourself and for the upcoming holidays.
Explore
Half the fun of being at Oktoberfest is just simply being there! The adorable Alpine village is adorned with cobblestone alleys, themed buildings, old-world towers, and more. There is so much to see in the village itself, and in addition to this, you are surrounded by the colors of autumn and things to do in Northern Georgia. Try new things, meet new people, let loose, and have fun!
Enjoy your own little piece of Germany without going far from your vacation cabin in Helen. Though you will only be 70 miles from Atlanta, you will truly feel that you have escaped the “real” world. At Oktoberfest, Helen, GA will make you feel as though you have been transported to another place in time.
What interests you most about the beloved Oktoberfest tradition? What are you looking forward to most? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section of our blog!