Oktoberfest in September

“Lassen Sie uns trinken, tanzen, essen und fröhlich sein! Oktoberfest ist hier!” Translation please? “Let us drink, dance, eat and be merry! Oktoberfest is here!”

Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival held annually in its home country of Germany, is making the 5,600 mile trek to Carmel this weekend for the first annual Monterey Bay Oktoberfest.

The festival, which will be located at the new outdoor event space at the Barnyard shopping center, will be a celebration of German tradition. Dating back to October 1810, Oktoberfest began as a celebration of the royal wedding between Crown Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Today, it is the largest public festival in the world with over 5 million people in attendance each year.
Andre Lengecher of the Barnyard’s Lugano Swiss Bistro is putting on this year’s event.

Lengecher described Oktoberfest as “a great time of camaraderie, beer, dancing, Lederhosen, fun,” he said in a statement. “It’s just fun.” From the traditional German eats, like Bratwurst and Bavarian Chicken, to the German inspired music, The Internationals, and of course the endless amounts of beer, this weekend’s festival is sure to be a “grand ole time.”

The event is for those who are over 21 years old and will be held from noon until 6 p.m. on both September 17 and Sept. 18. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at Lugano Swiss Bistro in Carmel or at www.oktoberfestmontereybay.com. General admission is $15, and a discounted admission for students and members of the armed services is $5 (with valid I.D). A V.I.P package can be purchased for $50, which includes entry into the festival, 1 German-themed dinner, 2 Spaten beers, 1 glass beer stein souvenir, 1 giant pretzel, a $10 gift certificate for Lugano Swiss Bistro, VIP seating and service by the St. Pauli girls.

So whether you enjoy German cuisine, lively music, or a nice cold “bier,” this weekend’s Oktoberfest celebration is one to not miss. Help make Monterey County and Oktoberfest history and to continue the yearly tradition in its new home.