Oktoberfest Celebrations Around the Charlotte Area in 2022
charlotte.axios.com
That time of the year is quickly approaching again, where the beer will be flowing and people will be dressed in their best lederhosen and dirndl celebrating the annual Oktoberfest. It’s actually a very exciting year because the actual Oktoberfest that takes place in Munich, Germany is finally returning September 17th after three years of absence due to Covid. If possible, I highly recommend going to Munich to celebrate, at least at some point in your life. But if that’s not an option, you should definitely attend one of the festivals in your local area. For those of you who live in or around Charlotte, here are five Oktoberfest celebrations you should check out:
1. Mecktoberfest (Charlotte)
charlotte.axios.com
Over the course of two consecutive weekends (September 16th-18th and September 23rd-25th), Olde Mecklenburg Brewery hosts one of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in Charlotte. Come and get your OMB Das Boot and fill it up with the brewery’s Mecktoberfest beer, Copper Altbier, Captain Jack Pilsner, Hornet’s Nest Hefeweizen, or the 704 Hazy Session Ale. Wine, seltzers, and hard cider will be available, as well as traditional German food such as pretzels and sausages. Throughout the festival, the Holzhackern Tyrolean Band will be performing traditional Oktoberfest songs for everyone to sing and dance along to.
https://www.oldemeckbrew.com/omb-events/
2. Kantoberbest (Kannapolis)
wcnc.com
Hosting their 2nd annual Oktoberfest, the West Avenue District in Kannapolis will be celebrating Friday through Sunday (September 30th-October 2nd). This event is welcome to all ages, as it will provide shopping, games, and other attractions in addition to the beer from Old Armor Beer Company. Other details have yet to be released, but live entertainment will also be present, so it will be a great time for anyone in and around the growing town of Kannapolis.
https://www.charlotteonthecheap.com/kantoberfest/
3. Laketoberfest (Cornelius)
cornelius.org
The 10th annual Laketoberfest will take place on just one day, Saturday, October 15th, from 4 to 9 p.m. The event will be held at Bailey Road Park. Though it’s just five hours long, the afternoon/evening will be packed with plenty to keep you busy, including drinking beer from many local breweries, grabbing a bite to eat at one or more of the many food trucks available, live music, crafts, and games for kids. And to top it off, a portion of the proceeds from the day will go towards the Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists.
https://www.cornelius.org/447/Laketoberfest
4. Hickory Oktoberfest (Hickory)
downtownhickory.com
From October 7th through the 9th (Friday-Sunday), downtown Hickory will host its annual Oktoberfest. A fun fact is that Hickory, NC was co-founded by a German, Adolphus Shuford, so you know they will pay homage to its roots with a great festival. The streets will be flooded with people making their way to and from three different stages of live entertainment, two beer gardens, arts and crafts tables, games, and rides. Traditional German food will also be offered, including the famous bratwursts and pastries from the Bavarian region of Germany. I attended this Oktoberfest several years ago and had a great time enjoying local beer from Olde Hickory Brewery while listening to a live polka band.
https://downtownhickory.com/oktoberfest/
5. Sugar Mountain Resort Oktoberfest (Sugar Mountain)
bannerelk.com
If you drive a little over two hours from Charlotte, you’ll be able to enjoy Oktoberfest in a cool, mountain setting, over 4,000 feet in elevation. The Sugar Mountain Ski Resort will be hosting its 32nd annual Oktoberfest on Saturday and Sunday (October 8th and 9th). The Bavarian atmosphere of the event will offer all the traditional aspects of Oktoberfest such as German music, food, and of course beer. Bratwursts, knockwursts, sauerkraut, strudels, and soft pretzels will be provided by Greier’s Sausage Kitchen, and according to the website, an “ample supply” of Spaten beer will be “flowing generously.” The sound of an oom pah band will also be heard, bringing the authentic sound of Oktoberfest to the mountain. Arts and crafts, games, rides, and costume contests will be part of the action as well. If you want to take in Oktoberfest with beautiful fall foliage surrounding you, this is a can’t miss event.
http://oktoberfest.skisugar.com/
If you have any more suggestions, or want to add some more information about one of these events, make sure to leave a comment below. Prost!
Garett