Get ready to don your lederhosen and gear up for some polka music, because the countdown to Oktoberfest in Seattle has begun. The traditional German beer and folk festival is held every year in Munich during late to mid-September and runs into early November, bringing with it a sense of community and Bavarian history. Although not physically in Germany, every year the Seattle area transports itself there in spirit for a few days of German-style revelry. In case you haven’t participated before, we’ve come up with a list of events that would make any German proud.
Fremont Oktoberfest
Our first festival is located in the heart of Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, the self-proclaimed center of the universe. Starting September 23rd and running until the 25th, Fremont will be turned into a mini Bavaria, offering a community gathering complete with music, special events, food and beer. Below is a breakdown of what you need to know.
Learn The Basics
First and foremost, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to enter the festival. There are three types available, depending on how you plan to spend the day. General Admission and Grand Admission come with 5 and 10 drink tokens respectively, as well as festival admission. They also include a 5 oz. mini-mug that will be yours to fill using your drink tokens, with each token being worth one refill.
The third option is festival-entry only. This is the choice for people looking to step into the Buxom Beer Garden. Inside the garden you’ll find liter steins and boots for purchase at $20 and $25 respectively, with $10 refills. It’s important to know that steins and boots are only valid inside the Buxom Beer Garden. You’ll also need to pay a small tasting room entry fee to get to the Buxom Garden, so the cost adds up quickly. With over 100 beers on tap, it’s likely you’ll be back daily. On Sunday, however, the festival is open for all those under 21. Bring your underage friends and family to join in the fun!
Know The Rest
Multiple food vendors will be on site, and Friday night features the Miss Buxom contest, judging contestants on Oktoberfest knowledge and attire. But Sunday is when the real events start. Sunday morning features the Alpine Climb 5K, an event open to both humans and dogs. Compete in a team, as an individual, or in the special beer belly class, for bragging rights and stein trophies. Adults 21 and older will receive a free end-of-the-race beer with their entry fee. In addition to the race, dogs are allowed inside the festival all day Sunday, including during the pumpkin chainsaw carving events at 1pm. Music will also be held throughout the festival.
Kirkland Oktoberfest
The Kirkland Oktoberfest claims to be the largest Oktoberfest in Western Washington, bringing visitors together from all over for an authentic experience. The event will take place October 7th-9th at the WA State Fair Events Center with hours and pricing as follows:
- Friday from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm: Free
- Friday after 3:00 pm: $12
- Saturday: $12
- Sunday: $6
Once inside, you’ll find a variety of live music on multiple stages and beer games galore. Tournament-style competitions will also take place for some of the offered games. If you’re a lover of German food, you’ll find sauerkraut, cabbage, sausages, schnitzel, and schweinebraten ready to be devoured. To wash it all down, imported authentic German beers will be on tap, with drink tickets available, as well as 1/2 liter or 1 liter size steins.
Sunday is a big day for this festival, as well, with a 5K-stein race and a wiener dog race taking place on the same day. The stein race is simple, if you like beer. Three different beer stops will be available during the 5K where competitors fill and drink their stein before continuing the race. Drinking fast is encouraged, because the clock keeps ticking. Sprint races will be interspersed with wiener dog tricks and a wiener dog fashion show to make sure everyone leaves with memories.
Between these two Seattle Oktoberfest events, you should have plenty of opportunities to take in the German festivities. Besides the obvious fun that can be found at Oktoberfest (see: beer), we also think these events are great ways to get involved in your community.
If dreams of Oktoberfest have enticed you, or perhaps you simply like the area, give us a call before buying or selling a home in Seattle. We know the ins and outs of each neighborhood, and we will ensure that you find exactly what you’re looking for.
