No need to shell out plane fare for a cross-continental trek to Germany for Oktoberfest. You can get a sizable bite out of Bavaria, complete with steamy brats, foamy beer and oompa tunes, in and around metro Atlanta.
DULUTH
Kurt’s Bistro
Kurt’s and Vreny’s Restaurant and Biergarten remained a Duluth staple for more than 20 years with its annual Oktoberfest celebration. Although its doors shut, don’t expect its customers to put down their mugs any time soon. Kurt Eisele, his wife, Vreny, and son, Alexander, keep the party alive at Kurt’s Bistro, the latest incarnation. The Oktoberfest festivities kicked off late last month and continue through Saturday. Live music, including plenty of accordion-infused Bavarian songs, serves as the soundtrack. Drink specials flow nightly, and Eisele promises authentic Oktoberfest beer. Think Krombacher and Hacker-Pschorr. Guests devour cushy Bavarian pretzels and Oktoberfest menu specials. Things go local with a Red Brick Brewing Co. Oktoberfest cask tapping event 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Sherri & Larry, a duo specializing in everything from polka to country, perform. From 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, the Atlanta Polka Band encourages audience participation. And the revelry wraps Saturday for German-American Day with live Oktoberfest music featuring the Bavarian Duo (7 to 10 p.m.). Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Closing times vary depending on events.
Kurt’s Bistro, 3305 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Duluth. 770-623-4128, www.kurtsrestaurant.com.
DOWNTOWN
Der Biergarten
This authentic German eatery and watering hole has been sporting its lederhosen since Sept. 22 when it launched its Munich on Marietta Street celebration. This means its kitchen has been churning out even more brats, Wiener schnitzel, pretzels, mustards, jägerschnitzel and strudels than usual. German beer is the nectar of the Oktoberfest gods, and it pours here in abundance. The owners claim Der Biergarten offers more German draft beer than anywhere in the Southeast. It has 20 selections on tap and holds the distinction of pouring more Weihenstephaner than any place in Georgia. Although the celebration lasts until Sunday, the grand finale of Munich on Marietta Street takes place Saturday. The Oktoberfest Olympics is an all-day affair allowing customers to square off tummy to tummy in an array of competitions. Best beer belly, best mustache and stein-lifting contests are but a few of the events. Jacob Herzog and the Bavarian Express perform from 3 to 7 p.m. DJ Johnny follows and spins until midnight. Der Biergarten customers score free validated parking across the street in the Hilton Garden Inn parking garage.
5-9 p.m. Mondays; 5 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays-Fridays; noon-midnight Saturdays; noon-9 p.m. Sundays. Der Biergarten, 300 Marietta St., Atlanta. 404-521-2728, www.derbiergarten.com.
HELEN
42nd annual Oktoberfest
If Georgia had an Oktoberfest capital, it would likely be the Alpine tourist town of Helen, located less than two hours from Atlanta. Hordes of visitors regularly converge upon its main drag of shops and restaurants amid the North Georgia mountain setting. Yet, things kick up a notch each fall as the strains of oompa music and the scent of bratwurst waft in the air. The hub of Oktoberfest activity is the Helen Festhalle. Open daily through Oct. 28, it’s where guests guzzle beer, nosh on German edibles and shake a tail feather to “The Chicken Dance,” polkas and waltzes. Performers include Eurofest (through Sunday), Dan Witucki and Mein Heimatland Musikanten (Monday through Oct. 17), AlpenMusikanten (Oct. 18-21), and the Alex Meixner Band, and Lorelei und Shatzi (Oct. 22-28). Expect to hear booming alphorns, bouncy accordions and more cowbell.
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; $9 Saturdays; free Sundays. Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen. 706-878-1908, www.helenchamber.com.
DULUTH
Oktoberfest on the Green
Duluth’s Town Green goes Deutsch just in time for Oktoberfest. Food and drink vendors shill their wares as guests tip back German hops and barley in beer gardens and nibble on grilled brats and soft pretzels. The performance lineup features shows by the Bavarian Express, the Atlanta Sängerkreis, the Augusta Friendship Historical Dancers, Mike and Peter, and Lorelei und Shatzi. Watch dachshunds waddle in the Das Doxie Dash wiener dog race. Barrel rolling, beer stein holding, beer stein relay races, fräulein carrying races, a beer growler relay and other events pack the day and evening. VIP tickets feature special perks including early entry, a beer stein, table seating and more. The event is for those 21 and older, so leave the kiddies at home.
11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Oct. 20. $10 online until Oct. 17, $15 thereafter; VIP tickets $25 online until Oct. 17, $35 thereafter. Duluth Town Green, 3167 Main St., Duluth. 770-910-9101, www.oktoberfestonthegreen.com.
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