Are you heading to Helen for Oktoberfest 2014?
Click here to see the 2015 Band Schedule.
While many place see a drop in tourism once the autumn months roll around, the party is just getting started here in northern Georgia. Sure, people travel from far and wide in order to enjoy the spectacular fall foliage and numerous local festivals, but the crown jewel of autumn in Helen is its fabulous Oktoberfest celebration. This will mark the 44th year in which locals and visitors alike come together to enjoy ice cold beer, a delectable array of German food favorites and, of course, music!
After all, what would any Oktoberfest be without the oom-pah-pah of a polka band and the beloved “Chicken Dance”? Music really does set the tone for the entire festival, so it’s our goal to help you catch your favorite entertainers while you’re in town. Here’s a comprehensive guide to who will be taking the stage in Helen Ga this fall.
Live Music in the Festhalle
Style: Polka & European
Helen’s Festhalle is the heart & soul of Oktoberfest, and this is the spot where you can hear a mean accordion and enjoy the true spirit of German Culture. Here’s the lineup:
- Jay Fox & the Bavarian Showtime Band – From September 11-14, the first of Oktoberfest’s partiers can experience the professional polka stylings of this traveling band.
- Lorelei und Schatzi – Get ready to laugh from September 11-14! The female musical comedy duo hails from Texas and never disappoints.
- Europa – Headlining the week of September 18-28 is Europa. For more than 17 years, Europa has been delighting audiences within the Oktoberfest circuit and beyond.
- Jim Horzen – Get to know this fun accordion player between September 18-28. His high energy performances will keep you tapping your feet and dancing all night long.
- Fritz’s Polka Band – See the only Jagermeister-sponsered polka band from September 29-October 5. This is not your ‘grandma’s’ polka band – in fact FPB is the first polka band to ever play Woodstock!
- Autobahn – From Sept 29-October 5, you’ll be delighted by Autobahn – the band that specializes in sing-alongs and party songs in the style of a Munich celebration.
- Dan Witucki & the Heimatland Musikanten – If you’re here between October 6-15, you’ll be privileged enough to hear all the classics from this well-seasoned ensemble.
- Herb Albinus – Don’t miss this act from October 6-12. Herb’s vocals and accordion skills will blow you away.
- Ronald Kurz – Oktoberfest’s longest-playing artist we be around from October 13-Nov 2.
- Alpenmusikanten – Party on with this dynamic band from October 16-19. These guys make polka ROCK!
- Alex Meixner – Enjoy this one-of-a-kind show between October 20-26. Grammy-nominated Meixner plays polka like you’ve never heard it.
- Pros’t – Go out with a bang with the self-described “Euro Party band” from October 27-November 2.
Live Music at Habersham Winery
Style: Varied Artists
Not a beer person? Many festival-goers enjoy sipping on locally-made wines throughout the celebration, and you can even visit the winery that crafts all of your favorite aromas and flavors. Before the sun goes down and the party really gets going at the Festhalle, stop by Habersham Winery on select days to enjoy live music from 5PM-8PM:
- Reggie Starrett – Check out “Barefoot” Reggie on September 13th and 27th for a mix of country and classic rock.
- Tommy Joe Connor – On September 20th, hear covers of your country and bluegrass favorites.
- Sarah Tucker – This award-winning local favorite plays jazz, folk, and old-timey music on October 4th.
- Teddy Baker – If you love the classics don’t miss Teddy Baker on October 25th.
Live Music at Unicoi State Park
Style: Varied Artists
For those who need to take a breather and enjoy the fresh air of Helen outside of the Festhalle, be sure to check out the lineup for Unicoi State Park’s Saturday Evening Music Concert Series. This series runs through the end of Oktoberfest and begins at 8PM each Saturday night, featuring all different genres of music. When the show is over, you can be back in downtown Helen within minutes, ready to rejoin the party. Here’s who’s playing:
- Bob Thompson – On September 13th, enjoy acoustic country with Bob Thompson.
- Nelson Thomas – Visitors have 2 opportunities to see bluegrass artist Nelson Thomas, on either September 20th or November 1st.
- Witness 4 Him – Embrace your spirituality on September 27th with southern Gospel music.
- Earl Cowart & the Heart of the South – In town on October 4t and love classic country and mountain tunes? Be sure to stop by.
- Ellis Walden – Come see Ellis Walden on October 11th for the high, lonesome melodies of high mountain music.
- Front Porch Gliders – On October 18th, enjoy acoustic tunes and bluegrass with this ensemble.
- Brush Fire – Fans of old-timey bluegrass should come by the park on October 25th to see Brush Fire.
Are you interested in learning more about any of Oktoberfest’s performers? Feel free to leave questions in the comments section.
