You don't have to travel far to enjoy the spirit and, of course, beer of Germany's most popular annual event Oktoberfest. Brats, brews, lederhosen and all the merriment can be yours right here in Georgia without the jet lag.
Oct. 2
Wild Heaven Craft Beers in collaboration with Empire State South will host the three-course meal and a reception with passed hors d'oeuvres that will be paired with WHCB's signature brew, Autumn Defense Oktoberfest. Those in attendance can also enjoy a host of fall games on Empire State South's patio during the event, which will be held from 5 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2. Tickets are $65. wildheavencraftbeers.com
Now until Oct. 30
46th Annual Oktoberfest in Helen
Located just two hours north of Atlanta and nestled in the North Georgia mountains, Helen is the "Bavaria of the South." The city plays hosts to the country's longest continuously running Oktoberfest, with daily tours and music, dancing, food and drinks in its replica Festhalle. A traditional German Oom-pah band will serenade you with waltzes, polkas and the ubiquitous "Chicken Dance" while you feast on German specialties like wurst, red cabbage, sauerkraut, German potato salad and pints of beer. helenchamber.com
Now until Oct. 22
Der Biergarten
Closer to home, the aptly named Der Biergarten celebrates the holiday by tapping a special Bavarian brewed keg every Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Wash down your beer with tradition German eats, including a schnitzel of the month, German potato and beer soup, bratwursts and käespätzle – made with egg noodles, onions and Emmentaler cheese. Get in the spirit with German Oom-pah bands every Saturday. Can't make the weekly tappings? The brew will be available for $9/liter during the week. derbiergarten.com
Oct. 8
4th Annual Oktoberfest Run
The German-American Cultural Foundation hosts a 5K run that starts at Der Biergarten. Don your lederhosen or best costume for a chance to win prizes. All participants will receive a shirt, beer stein, post-race refreshments and certificate. VIP runners will receive those items plus a post-race German feast and beer ticket. The 5K starts at 8:00 a.m., with the 1K immediately following. Registration here. $35 for the 5K, and $45 for the 5K and a German buffet.
Oct. 15
Atlanta Bar Tours: Oktoberfest in Helen
Let Atlanta Bar Tours be your designated driver and travel guide. Climb aboard one of four buses that depart from Blackburn Park at 9:45 a.m. for a day of bar crawling in Helen, where you'll enjoy beer, live music, brats and more. Tickets are $72 and include coach bus transportation, beer, wine, soft drinks, water, snacks and a custom koozie. atlantabartours.com/events/event/16th-annual-helen-oktoberfest-bus-trip
