Are y’all ready for Oktoberfest? Here’s the press release from the Asheville Downtown Association:
The 11th annual Asheville Oktoberfest, presented by Allegiant.com, returns to Pack Square Park on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature libations from 30 craft beverage makers as well as traditional Oktoberfest games, live entertainment, German-inspired cuisine and more.
“Allegiant is proud to partner with the Asheville Downtown Association to bring a taste of Bavaria to the Land of the Sky,” said Scott DeAngelo, Allegiant chief marketing officer. “Oktoberfest has become a local tradition, so as Asheville’s hometown airline, we’re proud to support the local people and businesses that make this such a fantastic, vibrant city.”
Following a parade through the park in downtown Asheville, the ceremonial tapping of the keg will officially open the festivities. Confirmed participants include 12 Bones Brewing, Asheville Brewing Co., Blue Ridge Cold Brew, Bold Rock Hard Cider, Catawba Brewing Co., Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery , The Collaboratory, Cultivated Cocktails, Currahee Brewing Co., Dalton Distillery, Devil’s Foot Beverage, Eluvium Brewing Co., Flat Rock Cider Co., Foothills Brewing, French Broad River Brewery, Ginger’s Revenge, High Climate Tea Co., Highland Brewing Co., Hi-Wire Brewing, Lagunitas Brewing Co., Nantahala Brewing, Noble Cider, Oskar Blues Brewery, Oak City Amaretto, Pisgah Brewing, Samuel Adams, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., UpCountry Brewing Co., Whistle Hop Brewing Co. and Wicked Weed Brewing.
“We have a great lineup of Oktoberfest veterans and newcomers offering dozens of seasonal brews, ciders, ginger beers, select wines and spirits, as well as non-alcoholic craft beverage options,” said Meghan Rogers, executive director of the Asheville Downtown Association.
The official Oktoberfest Games will also return this year. Attendees have the opportunity to compete for prizes in games including Brezel Werfen (pretzel toss), Stein Hissen (stein hoist), Unterwäsche Rennen (tighty whities race) and the Kostümwettbewerb (costume contest). Other activities will include the official Oktoberfest photo booth, yard games from Pong AVL, dig pong with Dig Local Asheville and an ENO hammock lounge.
Additionally, Oktoberfest will feature entertainment by local polka band Lagerhosen. The band will have attendees dancing with their renditions of happy yodeling songs, traditional shoe-slapping dances and lively, spirited polka music.
“We’re particularly looking forward to all the fun games and activities we have planned for this year, and hope attendees go all out for the costume contest. That’s a big part of what makes Oktoberfest special,” Rogers added.
Food vendors will include Blunt Pretzels, Brinehaus Meat + Provisions, Cecilia’s Kitchen, Haus Heidelberg German Restaurant, The Hop Ice Cream Cafe, Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn and The Purple People Feeder.
Tickets are on sale now for Asheville Oktoberfest, presented by Allegiant.com. General admission tickets are available for $45. Tickets for children 6 years and older cost $10, and those under the age of 6 will be admitted for free. All tickets can be purchased at www.ashevilleoktoberfest.com.
Asheville Oktoberfest and its partners remind all attendees to drink responsibly. Designated driver tickets are available for $10.
Oktoberfest is made possible through sponsors including Allegiant.com, The Retreat at Hunt Hill, Weirbridge Village Apartments, Audubon Place Apartments, Go Minis Portable Storage, Kudzu Brands, Shay Brown Events, Bröö Craft Beer Shampoo, 97.7 The Brew, 98.1 The River, Alt 101.1, 105.9 The Mountain, DigLocal Asheville, Asheville Color and Imaging, The Foundry Hotel, The Med and Strada Italiano.
All participating partners, contests and games are subject to change.
Visit www.ashevilleoktoberfest.com for more information and to purchase tickets.