Before Halloween is here, there’s another not-so-spooky way to celebrate the fall: the German holiday of Oktoberfest!
While you're looking forward to dressing up in a costume and nearly getting a cavity from the candy intake, you can don knee socks and feast on bratwursts and beer.
In its native Bavaria, Germany, Oktoberfest is traditionally celebrated for 16 days, and this year the fun goes from Sept. 22—Oct. 7. It is one of the most spirited celebrations in Germany, and is a huge part of Bavarian culture.
Oktoberfest comes to Kingsland Point Park's Kathryn W. Davis Bathhouse pavillion on Oct. 6 from 2 to 6 p.m. Bridge View Tavern will sell beer, non-alcoholic drinks and German food. Admission and parking is free. The GM site path will open again that afternoon to accommodate walkers from the other end of town. There will be free hayrides (just a fun one, not haunted) for kids in the park during the event. Finally, there will be tours of the bathhouse, explain its history and renovation, starting at 1:30 p.m.
The first Oktoberfest was in 1810, as part of Crown Prince Ludwig’s wedding festivities, and has continued ever since.
Oktoberfest sends lots of Americans to the store to stock up on sausages and spirits during the celebration. Check out some native German recipes like sauerkraut and potato pancakes or unique beers during the 16-day celebration, they'll have your taste buds saying “danke schön”! You can also try your hand at grilled bratwurst with German potato salad. Finishing off the meal with a German apple strudel is also sure to be a crowd pleaser.
And of course, you can’t say auf wiedersehen to Oktoberfest without a proper polka. Here are some polka dance moves and a tutorial that will make you the toast of the celebration.
TELL US: How are you going to celebrate Oktoberfest? Do you have any favorite Oktoberfest foods?
