The Asheville Downtown Association’s Oktoberfest, presented by Harmony Motors, returns on Saturday, October 12 from noon to 6pm on Coxe Avenue on downtown Asheville’s south slope. Tickets will go on sale Monday, August 12 at noon. Advance tickets are $25 through September 9 and are available at ashevilledowntown.org. Tickets increase to $30 after September 9 and $35 after October 6.
Oktoberfest is a 21 and over festival, we encourage you to leave the kids at home. If you must bring children, those 8 and up must have a designated driver ticket. Children under 7 will be admitted free. Designated driver tickets are available for $15.
“As much as we loved hosting the event on Wall Street, we outgrew the space. Since Coxe Avenue is downtown’s emerging brewery district, it’s seemed a perfect fit for Oktoberfest and allows us to feature more of Asheville’s local breweries,” said Chris Bubenik, events committee chair.
Back for the 5th year is internationally-renowned “oompah” band, The Stratton Mountain Boys. Their happy yodeling songs, shoe-slapping dances and lively spirited Polka music are sure to incite dancing in the street and rousing cheers of “Prost!”
Following a parade down Coxe Avenue, the ceremonial tapping of the keg will officially open the festivities. Oktoberfest features beer tastings from local breweries including Asheville Brewing Company, Catawba Valley Brewing Company, French Broad Brewery, Green Man Brewery, Highland Brewing Company, Hi-Wire Brewing, Lexington Avenue Brewery (LAB), Oskar Blues Brewery, Pisgah Brewing, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. Many brewers will feature seasonal ales for Oktoberfest and will be on hand to discuss their beers.
The popular Oktoberfest Games are back as well pitting brewery against brewery with favorites like the stein race and keg-rolling contest along with new feats for participants to conquer. Plus, the new location allows organizers to offer more games for attendees like corn hole, Jenga and Connect Four.
“Cheer on your favorite brewery team, don your lederhosen or dirndl for the festival-wide costume contest, brush up on your chicken dancing and get ready for a Bavarian-style good time. Our Oktoberfest does not disappoint,” added Bubenik.
Oktoberfest sponsors include: Harmony Motors and VW of Asheville, The Brite Agency, Asheville Brewing Company, Catawba Valley Brewing Company, French Broad Brewery, Green Man Brewery, Highland Brewing Company, Hi-Wire Brewing, Lexington Avenue Brewery (LAB), Oskar Blue Brewery, Pisgah Brewing, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Rock 104.9, 105.9 The Mountain, 880 The Revolution, 98.1 The River, WNCW, Asheville Scene, WNC magazine, Go Mini’s and Asheville Color & Imaging.
Visit ashevilledowntown.org for more information and to purchase tickets. If available, day-of tickets are $40.
ABOUT THE ASHEVILLE DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION
Established in 1987, the Asheville Downtown Association is committed to the preservation and improvement of the central business district through programming, civic support and annual objectives. As the voice of downtown residents, merchants and workers, the ADA advocates for policies and practices that will best help growth and preserve the quality of life in downtown. Annually, the group produces events including Downtown After 5, the Asheville Holiday Parade, Oktoberfest, Jinglefest, Easter on the Green, the State of Downtown Luncheon, and the Pritchard Park Cultural Arts Program. The Asheville Downtown Association Foundation carries out the altruistic goals of the ADA including the Spare Change for Real Change program.
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