What’s more fun than a glass of the best German lager set against the backdrop of men singing and dancing around in lederhosen. Not too much, which is why Ober Gatlinburg is continuing their annual Oktoberfest celebration this year (Sept. 28 – Nov. 4) with their usual complement of Bavarian fare, ales and music. All this and you don’t even have to be German to take in all the fun and frivolity put on by Ober.
Celebrate Gatlinburg-style as Ober Gatlinburg rings in the 201st anniversary of the popular festival held in Munich, Germany with special performances and offerings on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month of October.
Just like in previous years, Ober Gatlinburg will present the Bavarian Fun Makers Band, lederhosen and all, as they entertain guests with original German folk dances, oompah music, schuhplattling, yodels, and other various Bavarian tunes. For those whose mouth just starts to water at the very thought of German lagers and Bavarian food, seasonal Oktoberfest Biers will be on tap as we as a menu featuring traditional German bratwurst, sauerkraut, schnitzel, strudel, and pretzels.
In actuality, the first Oktoberfest held in Munich was not really a festival at all. It was a wedding celebration for Crown Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Bavaria on October 17, 1810. It was held on the Theresienwiese, a large meadow in Munich, and the gathering consisted of a horse race, various beer, food, music and dancing. Pretty much the same nowadays with the exception of a wedding and a horse race in most cases
Approximately 6 million people attend Oktoberfest anniversary celebrations every year, with most starting in late September and going throughout the month of October. Munich, Germany’s Oktoberfest has been going strong for 200 years with the exception of wartime years. Oktoberfests have continued to sprout up in the United States as more and more German immigrants have made their way to the U.S.
So plan on attending Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg in October, that’s easy. At least come by and ride the Aerial Tramway, or check out the Wildlife Encounter including the Municipal Black Bear Habitat and Birds of Prey Exhibit. There’s also an ice skating rink, Alpine Slide, scenic chairlift, three water raft rides, shops, restaurant and lounge on site. Ober’s winter activities include skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing.
For more information on Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg call 865-436-5423.