Fall can’t be beat in the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s almost magical — from the brilliant fall foliage to the crisp, clean air to all the fall fun and activities that ramp up during October.
Each year, locals and visitors flock to Gatlinburg to welcome in the season and raise their glass — Cheers to the mountains, the people and the annual Oktoberfest.
This year is its 12th year and it promises to be better than ever. Grab your German garb, raise your beer stein and come on in to Ober Gatlinburg’s Oktoberfest 2021!
The When and Where
This year’s celebration begins September 24 and runs through October 31.
Located at 1001 Parkway at Ober Gatlinburg the German-inspired festival is reminiscent of Bavarian celebrations from the 1800s. Derived from a wedding of a prince and princess, Oktoberfest is celebrated all over Europe and throughout the United States.
Gatlinburg does it up right!
Get their early as this event is super popular and plus it’s all day fun. You can find parking for $8 a vehicle, but you may want to Uber in for this one.
What to Expect
Food
There’s something to be said about tradition.
The best thing about the festival is the food and the beer. This year’s menu serves up Neujahrsbrezel — Bavarian pretzels with cheese sauce, Frikadelle, a big ole’ combo of beef, pork and German wurst with pretzel bread and fries, and generous entrees such as stuffed cabbage rolls with german potato salad — to name just a few.
Oh and the desserts! Apple turnovers, black forest cake and of course, German Chocolate Cake.
Wear loose-fitting clothes.
Bier
Did we say beer and more beer? The crux of the original celebration was beer, food, song and play. Gatlinburg takes it over the top with its outdoor Bier Garden. You’ll find all kinds of delicious brews — pumpkin flavors, ales, stouts and hosbrau beers. You traditional types can grab a Bud or Michelob.
Trust us, there is a beer for any beer-lover here. Pick up a Beer Card for $20 bucks and sample eight 8oz beers or four 16oz beers.
Music & Entertainment
Engage in some outdoor German games. Dance your heart out to oompah music. Sing along with the live music and try your hand at yodeling. There are performances of folk dancing and other fun throughout the entire festival.
You’ll see folks wandering around in costume. Why not summon your inner Bavarian with a costume yourself?
If you need a reminder of all the fun you’ve had, there’s so many ways in which to do that — beer steins, tee shirts, bags and other swag.
While there, explore the other activities at Ober. The skating rink, the rides, the scenic chairlift and shopping — it’s all there — along with stunning mountain views at every turn. Raise your stein and say “Mehr Bier, bitte,” which translates to: More beer please.
Where to Stay
To get the best luxury cabin in Gatlinburg, TN, visit Condo-World online where you can reserve one to fit your family and budget. Happy Oktoberfest, y’all!
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