Pulsating polka music, frothy steins of beer and crackling brats can mean only one thing: It’s time to squeeze into the lederhosen. We may be across the pond from the land of poets and thinkers, but that’s no reason to bypass Oktoberfest, the traditional beer soaked German shindig. Several celebratory options can be had without leaving the state.
DULUTH
Kurt’s Bistro
The popular European-style steakhouse and bistro not only serves seasonal suds this time of year, but they’re pouring Oktoberfest revelry by the gallon. Its 2013 celebration, which stepped off in late September, continues through October 5. Things cap off this weekend with live music. Sherri & Larry, a pair known for jumping genres from polka to country, performs October 4. The Bavarian Duo trades in traditional Oktoberfest tunes on October 5. The menu flows with Oktoberfest beer straight from the motherland. Don’t be surprised to find dudes donning lederhosen and tipping back mugs of Krombacher, Spaten and Paulaner. Nightly menu specials, including pickled herring, leberkase and schweinebraten, dance across the menu. The culinary festivities wrap with a blow out on October 5. Plop down $19.95, and gorge on an all-you-can-eat Oktoberfest buffet starring German delicacies. Keep an eye open for beer and wine specials and a 40 percent discount on small plates during Happy Hour (4:30-7 p.m. weekdays). Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Closing times vary depending on events.
Through Oct. 5. Kurt’s Bistro, 3305 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Duluth. 770-623-4128, www.kurtsrestaurant.com.
HELEN
43rd Annual Oktoberfest
If you look past the airbrushed T-shirts and other American tourist kitsch lining its shops, the Alpine-style town of Helen could easily pass for a Bavarian locale. This makes the North Georgia mountain gem, a less than two-hour drive from Atlanta, a choice venue for Oktoberfest frivolity. In fact, organizers call it the longest running Oktoberfest celebration in the country. Each day through October 27, folks gather in the Helen Festhalle, steps away from Helen’s main tourist drag. The Festhalle plays host to waves of beer and mounds of brats amid blowing alphorns and clanging cowbells. Guests flock around sprawling tables and are often quick to put down their mugs to flap their wings in time to “The Chicken Dance” or hop aboard a German-infused conga line. The bouncy rhythm of oompa music dominates the air. Acts including The Chardon Polka Band, Dan Witucki and The Heimatland Musikanten, AlpenMusikanten, The Alex Meixner Band and Roland Kurz pack the roster.
6-10:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 6 p.m.-midnight Fridays; 1 p.m.-midnight Saturdays; 1-7 p.m. Sundays. $8 Mondays-Fridays; $10 Saturdays; free Sundays. Through Oct. 27. Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen. 706-878-1908, www.helenchamber.com.
STONE MOUNTAIN
Oktoberfest and Artist Market in Stone Mountain Village
Located a short walk from the West Gate of Stone Mountain Park, this slab of real estate lures visitors with its roster of restaurants and shops. Things goes decidedly German for this merging of Oktoberfest and the arts. As many as 50 self-taught artists and crafters, from painters and photographers to jewelry makers and wood workers, show off and pitch their work to the masses. The entertainment contains more than a dash of Deutschland. German music and folk dancing fill the eyes and ears as German food and beer pack the bellies. While grown-ups dance to the music, kids have the opportunity to hitch hayrides. Those looking for a German sit-down restaurant experience can retreat to The Village Corner German Restaurant & Bakery. Hilde and Claus Friese, a pair of German expats, serve up traditions such as sauerbraten, spaetzle and a variety of schnitzel. Western palettes can stick with burgers and crab cakes.
Noon-6 p.m. with beer and food served until 8 p.m. Oct. 12-13. Free. 6655 James B. Rivers Drive, Stone Mountain. www.stonemountainvillage.com.
ATLANTIC STATION
Oktoberfest at Meehan’s Public House
The Atlantic Station location of the local pub purveyor fills its figurative stein way over the brim with Oktoberfest happenings. Meehan’s dedicates an entire afternoon and evening to the German celebration. Consider busting out the Halloween costume a little early this year. Those with head-turning duds have the opportunity to walk away with the title of Mr. and Mrs. Meehan’s Oktoberfest. Others can test their arm strength by participating in the stein holding contest. Chef Valintinus Domingo oversees a wealth of German grub, including corned beef, brats and apple strudel. Both the menu items and Warsteiner specials keep mouths and gullets working overtime. Live music runs the gamut from Sherri & Larry’s polka set to DJ Mynd manning the decks to rock from The Filter Kings.
1-10:30 p.m. Free. Oct. 19. Meehan’s Public House, 232 19th St., Atlanta. 404-249-7812, www.meehansatlanticstation.com.
DOWNTOWN
Oktoberfest Olympics at Der Biergarten
With a name like Der Biergarten, you know these guys know how to do Oktoberfest right. The festivities kick off at noon October 5 with manly competitions such as the stein holding competition followed Oktoberfest trivia. There will be a ceremonial tapping of the keg at 5 p.m., a men’s and women’s costume contest (Dust off your lederhosen, guys. This is your one chance to wear them). It serves beer Bavarian style, in one liter steins.
DJ Johnny plays from 3 to 6 p.m. and then the big guns play, Die Kurtzbuam straight from Oktoberfest Central — Helen, Ga. Brothers Frank and Bob Kurtz revitalize traditional music from their family’s homeland in Burgenland, Austria, and other regions such as Bavaria, Bohemia and Slovenia. Specials and events also Oct. 6, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27.
Noon-midnight. Sat., October 5m free. 300 Marietta Street NW Atlanta, 404-521-2728. http://www.derbiergarten.com/
