The first Oktoberfest was held in Munich, Germany, more than 200 years ago in 1810. This rowdy celebration features signature beer halls, carnival attractions, and traditional Bavarian foods and cultural activities. Though there is certainly no experience quite like the original German Oktoberfest, towns around the world have emulated the bash with their own local festivals. Most take place in late September through mid-October, so plan ahead and check out several ways to celebrate Oktoberfest here in Lake Hartwell Country!
Festivals
Founded more than 40 years ago to celebrate the Upstate town’s German heritage, Walhalla Oktoberfest is one of the best-known festivals here in Lake Hartwell Country. Held October 18-20, this year’s festival combines familiar Oktoberfest elements with our local Southern flair. Top off your stein in the beer hall, watch Miss Oktoberfest receive her crown, dance along to the OOPS Polka Band, and bring home a souvenir from the wide range of local artisans selling their wares.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church hosts its annual Deutsches Fest at its campus in Anderson, and you don’t need to be a member of the church to attend. Between 4pm and 7pm on October 5, guests can enjoy traditional German food, beer, music, and dancing. Chefs can also sign up to bring their favorite German dishes to strengthen the feeling of community! Please note that the church requests guests purchase tickets by September 29.
Brews & Boots
Oktoberfest has become synonymous with revelry and beer drinking, and many of our incredible hometown breweries make the most of this connection with their own seasonal lagers and parties. Luckily, most area taprooms are family-friendly, so you can bring everyone along!
Kite Hill Brewing Co. in Clemson is alumni-owned and serves up a wicked variety of rotating craft beers, including a classic German Kolsch, Czech dark lager, and of course, a seasonal take on the Oktoberfest Märzen. Now, for the second year, they’re hosting the Octo-Beer Mile run on October 4. If you think running a mile is a simple feat, think again: you must drink a pint of beer every quarter mile! But don’t worry if you can’t make it to the finish line. Their annual Oktoberfest celebration is October 5, and the biggest challenge that day will be choosing which brew to sip on.
Growler Haus in Anderson also hosts an annual Oktoberfest, featuring contests that will get your competitive juices (and the beers) flowing. On October 5, see how long you can hoist a full stein, then test your stomach with a bratwurst-eating contest. Another Anderson-area event is just steps down the street, at Carolina Bauernhaus on October 26. Kick off the day with a sauerkraut-making workshop from the experts behind Blue Ridge Brinery, then stick around for live music and a stein-hoisting competition. Better start getting those reps in at the gym (or the bar)!
We may not be in Bavaria, but we can celebrate Oktoberfest as well as the Germans do here in Lake Hartwell Country. Remember to toast with “prost!” instead of “cheers!” this month and let us know which Oktoberfest celebrations you’ll be attending!
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