When it comes to fun Oktoberfest festivals in the Southeast, Aiken takes the cake or better yet, the brat! So, dust off your passport, pull out your dirndl or lederhosen, and get your feast on for authentic German food and cold brew. That’s because downtown Aiken will be transforming into a little German village for Oktoberfest. But, that's not all! Here are 10 reasons why Aiken is the best place to celebrate Munich's famed festival in true tradition.
1) The Southern Charm
Aiken is a charming town to celebrate the Bavarian culture which, like Aiken, is known for its natural beauty, warm hospitality, and lively traditions. The 7th annual Oktoberfest will be on Saturday, September 21st.
2) The Beer
It’s all about the beer! Oktoberfest-themed beer will be available for purchase for $5 a token. Tokens can be purchased at the event or ahead of time at the ADDA office. Celebrate the Bavarian culture clinking glasses with others and choose from a variety of craft and German beer on hand such as Samuel Adams Oktoberfest. Wine will also be served. Did you know? “O’zapft it!” is a Bavarian expression meaning, “it is tapped,” referring to tapping the first keg of beer to signify the start of an Oktoberfest celebration.
3) The Food
Classic Biergarten fare will spotlight fresh Bavarian-style foods like schnitzel sandwiches, spaetzle, hot soft pretzels, bratwursts, sauerkraut, kielbasa, German potato salad, sauerbraten potato dumplings and fluffy desserts. Tasty!
4) The Games
The Aiken Oktoberfest will surprise you with traditional German games, especially the most popular beer stein hoisting competition. Sign up for your spot to win today by clicking here or you can sign up at the ID token stand the night of the event! Winners will receive a free giant glass stein of the official beer of Aiken Oktoberfest from Sam Adams and Sam Adams Oktoberfest swag!!!!
5) The Music
Live music includes authentic Bavarian music and brass bands playing traditional German songs, and The Foothills Oompah Band will be there to play some great Oompah music along with DJ Kenny Ray!
6) The Dancing
The tradition of Oktoberfest goes beyond the brew, and those living up to the tradition will be leading the chicken dance. The chicken dance is a festival tradition tuned to an Oom-pah song.
7) The Attire
This festival is the perfect excuse to wear your best attire! Men traditionally wear lederhosen – leather shorts paired with a blue or red and white checkered shirt. Women wear dirndls. A dirndl set comes with a blouse, dress, and apron.
8) The Football
For football fans who want to celebrate Oktoberfest but don’t want to miss the game, don't worry! Aiken Oktoberfest and Atlantic Broadband are looking out for you! Watch the game on the big screen and enjoy the event at the same time.The game schedules are TBD! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates!”
9) The Run
Embrace Oktoberfest for a good cause and get a workout at the Oktoberfest Run for the Roses 5K. Join a friend and run through the area where the festival will be held.
10) The Horses
Celebrate Oktoberfest with the horses on September 27th and 29th! Stable View will host the 6th Annual Advanced Oktoberfest Horse Trials. Hit this event the following weekend and see eventers from around the country compete over three days for $65,000 in prize money. You can also tailgate and attend a car show.
Aiken's Oktoberfest may not be the largest, but if you're looking to stay closer to home, it is a festival that is worth the trip!