Practice your Polka and get ready for the Chicken Dance. . .Oktoberfest is almost here!
Alpine Helen is gearing up for its biggest party of the year. Oktoberfest runs September 9-November 7, 2021. This year, the small Bavarian-themed town in White County will celebrate its 50th Oktoberfest during its 51st year.
Helen’s restaurants, shops and attractions observed the milestone in 2020 but the spacious Helen Chamber Festhalle was shuttered due to State of Georgia COVID-19 restrictions. The official 50th anniversary celebration of Oktoberfest was postponed until this year.
Although COVID is surging again in Georgia, there are no state restrictions on gatherings this year and the Helen Chamber of Commerce is moving forward with its Oktoberfest plans.
For nine weeks, bands will perform at the Festhalle where crowds will gather to enjoy German music and dance and sample (or overindulge in) authentic German food and drinks.
The Festehall is located at 1074 Edelweiss Strasse in Helen. It will be open Thursday through Sunday starting September 9 and, beginning September 30, every night through November 7.
Festhalle Hours:
Weekdays 6-10:30 p.m.
Fridays 6-midnight
Saturday 1 p.m.-midnight
Sunday 1-7 p.m.
Admission into the Festhalle is $8 weekdays, $10 Saturday, and free on Sundays. Active and retired military get in free with a valid military ID. Kids under 6 years are free and those 6-12 are admitted at half price. There is a separate dance floor for children.
Folks traveling during the week will enjoy smaller crowds during Oktoberfest’s weeknight celebrations in the Festhalle.
This year’s Oktoberfest Parade is scheduled for noon on Saturday, September 11. The first keg-tapping of the festival will take place at 1 p.m. at the Festhalle following the parade.
Visit www.HelenChamber.com and www.HelenGA.org for accommodation details and help planning your getaway.
