If you have never had the chance to visit Oktoberfest in Helen, GA, you are missing out! This family-friendly event is one of the largest ones to happen in the fall and there are tons to do to keep you all entertained. Whether you are there to sightsee or listen to live music or grabbing a soft pretzel and beer, you for sure are going to want to be involved in this fantastic event.
Guide To Oktoberfest In Helen, Georgia
Enjoy Oktoberfest with your friends!
Want to get a taste for authentic Germany? This is the place to be. Oktoberfest begins in early September and ends during the last week of October. If you need to know some more specific dates and times, check out this Oktoberfest page for specific festival info for the current year.
There are a variety of events going on during Oktoberfest in Helen so it’s best to make plans in advance.
What Is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia is one of the biggest and most grand celebrations of the year. Holding the record for the longest-running event that spans over 8 weeks, there is something for everyone to see and do. However, the original Oktoberfest has quite the history as well. This celebration dates back to the 1800s and originated in Germany, specifically in Munich. It began as a celebration to honor the marriage between King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on October 12th, 1810 and is still celebrated all over the world. Not bad for a fairy tale ending! Even though Germany is thousands of miles away, you can still experience many of the German traditions today at Oktoberfest hosted in Helen.
Fun fact: This event in Helen, GA is one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations you will find in the south!
Do You Need To Dress Up For Oktoberfest?
Although it’s not required for you to dress up, you will find many of the attendees in Helen in full german attire—suspenders and all! Many people take the opportunity to dress up as a way to fully immerse themselves into the 1800s and experience it the way folks did back then.
Whatever you wear, rest assured that you will have returned home having made new friends and all sorts of memories by the time the festival is over.
Enjoy giant beers and pretzels at Oktoberfest!
Where To Stay
Although Alpine Helen is a small town, you have a few options for staying overnight. If you’re looking to book a room close to the festivities, there are some nice and some nostalgic options.
As a kid, we used to stay in the Alpine Village Inn which only gets 3.5 stars on Expedia. Some reviews say the rooms are nicely updated, but I haven’t been there in many (many) years. I will give it major points for being perfect for Oktoberfest in atmosphere and location. Plus it’s pretty affordable, so it might be worth a try. The Country Inn and Suites is also close to town and gets a 4.5/5 traveler rating. Of course, if you want something more unique, you can find many cabins and B&B rentals near Helen as well.
What To Do During Oktoberfest
The options for things to do are truly endless, and you shouldn’t ever find yourself to be bored when visiting Oktoberfest. If you want to tour the whole festival all at once, take a look into getting a ride in a horse-drawn carriage in the village.
Eat and drink!
Of course, there will be plenty of beer to drink plus a ton of German-inspired food like bratwursts, sour kraut, potatoes, bread, and sausages. One of the best places to eat a proper German meal is Bodensee Restaurant, named after a lake in the Northern Alps.
They have everything from Hungarian Goulash to a special called the Chef’s Schnitzel. It’s practically a crime to leave there hungry because there is so much food.
Dance to live music!
Music plays a huge role at Oktoberfest in Helen. It not only sets the ambiance of the entire festival but it has always been a way to bring everyone together. The kind of music you will come across at Oktoberfest is folk, polka, and schlager which is native to Germany. There will be a variety of live bands playing upbeat and lively music at the local Festhalle. According to some of the locals, music is a must with a beer and a giant salty pretzel! If you are interested in listening to some live music, check out the band schedule for this year’s celebration. While the food and drinks are a highlight of Oktoberfest, exploring and shopping in Helen, Georgia is a must. You have to stop for some candy and ice cream and get the family some locally made souvenirs.
Things To Do In Helen, GA
The reason why Helen, GA is such a wonderful place to visit during Oktoberfest is that it has so much to offer. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and the mountain location makes the fall foliage views breathtaking. You can go for a drive to get away from the crowd and take in all the sites or even climb up the hiking paths and breath in the mountain air. The weather during September and October in Helen is fantastic. It’s not too hot and too cold. In September, the Oktoberfest events don’t get started until afternoons, so it’s easy to spend your mornings taking in all the glorious sites. Don’t forget to hit a corn maze or vineyard while you are out sightseeing too. It’s the perfect time of year for it! I hope you are excited about Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia. I promise that once you go, you are going to want to go back many times over the years. It’s a beautiful place to spend time with family and make some amazing memories along the way.
