Can't make it to Munich, Germany, but would love to experience a traditional Oktoberfest? We've got the place for you!
With a history dating back to 1969, the Bavarian town of Alpine Helen-White County, about an hour and a half north of Atlanta, will celebrate the 52nd anniversary of Oktoberfest in 2022. Helen's biggest celebration and the longest-running Oktoberfest in the United States will begin on September 8 and run through October 30, 2022.
Beer, brats, bands and Lederhosen - the Helen Oktoberfest has them all. Helen, Georgia is known for lots of things - but the annual Oktoberfest festival has got to be on the top of the list! Here's everything you need to know about this annual event, put on by the Greater Helen Area Chamber of Commerce.
This year's festival will run from Thursday, September 8 to Sunday, October 30, 2022. It's the longest-running of its kind in the United States and the Helen Chamber of Commerce's biggest party of the year.
Starting at 6 p.m. on September 8 the doors of the riverside Helen Festhalle will open, welcoming visitors for German bands, music and dancing and authentic German food and beverages in an atmosphere like no other.
At noon on Saturday, September 10, the Oktoberfest Parade kicks off with a colorful swirl of costumed marchers and bands pumping out German traditional music on bass drums, Alphorns, cowbells, accordions and more. The first keg-tapping of the festival will take place afterward at the Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Street.
September 8 - 25: Thursdays-Sundays
September 29 - October 30: Every day
Monday-Thursday: 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Friday: 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Saturday: 1 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Sunday: 1 to 7 p.m.
$8 on weekdays, $10 on Saturdays, and FREE on Sundays. Children ages 6-12 are half price, and children under 6 are FREE. Active and retired military get in FREE with a valid military ID.
Thousands of people descend on the Bavarian-style town of Helen, GA every year to take part in their annual Oktoberfest celebrations. You'll find plenty of food and drink - including traditional German foods - along with beer, live music, and plenty of good times.
Every year the Helen Festhalle houses the event. German-style bands from around the country and around the world play on the stage for your listening and viewing pleasure. See the Alphorns blown, the Cowbells rung and the Accordion squeezed. Get your chicken dance ready! Grab your partner and take a spin on the dance floor to the timeless tunes of the Polka.
This event is kid-friendly, and kids even have their own dance floor!
The Festhalle is set up with rows of long tables so you can eat and drink while watching the show. Enjoy a good German beer with a Brat on a roll.
In addition to the main festivities, one of the best parts of Oktoberfest in Helen is their annual parade! This year's Oktoberfest parade will be held on Saturday, September 10, with a colorful swirl of costumed marchers and bands pumping out German traditional music on bass drums, Alphorns, cowbells, accordions, and more.
At Oktoberfest, you'll find plenty of authentic German foods including brats covered in sauerkraut and so much more!
Pop-up events throughout the town add plenty of fun, while shops and dining establishments create their own festival ambiance. In the Festhalle, sample the beers and the best of the wurst (six kinds), German potato salad, red cabbage, potato cakes, American dogs, and more.
Enjoy fine German cuisine, wine and brews all over town. But give local wine equal time! Take a break for serene vineyard and mountain views at several award-winning Helen-White County wineries.
MORE HELEN FOOD: 15 Restaurants in Helen, GA: The Best Places To Nosh
The town of Helen is filled with amazing restaurants! Seriously, you cannot go wrong with any of them, but if you want to stick with German food - make sure to stop by Hofer's Bakery and Cafe! It's a German bakery, our favorite lunch spot, and delicious!
Helen is full of great hotels, campgrounds, and cabin rentals. Here are a few of our favorites.
Best For Adults: Valhalla Resort is one of the top-rated hotels in the area, accommodating couples in a romantic setting just atop the hill not too far from Hardman Farm. You'll find a pool and restaurant on site.
Best Location In Town: Black Forest Bed and Breakfast is right in the middle of Downtown, sitting on Main Street. Since it's up on the hill, though, covered in trees you will not hear the hustle and bustle below. Breakfast is always included.
Best For Families In Town: One of the newest hotels in the area, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Helen is a great family option. It's right off Main Street and comes with multiple room configuration options.
Our favorite RV camping spot to explore, Helen actually sits in Hiawassee, about 13 miles away. Bald Mountain Camping Resort offers full hook-up RV sites and cabin rentals with a wide range of activities for the entire family.
A cozy spot for couples. How amazing is this secluded getaway? Private property, full kitchen, screened porch, and hot tub!
Details: 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath · Rental Info
Family-sized cabin for family-sized fun! There is plenty of space on the wrap-around porch of this cabin for relaxing or enjoying breakfast. Bring s'mores for the fire pit, your swimsuit for the hot tub, and bring Fido if you'd like - dogs welcome.
Details: 6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 3 beds · 2 baths · Rental Info
Plenty of space for larger groups. Heading to Helen with extended family or a large group? This mountain retreat boasts panoramic mountain views, a hot tub, fire pit area, game room, outdoor fireplace on the deck, and more.
Details: 10 guests · 4 bedrooms · 4 beds · 3.5 baths · Rental Info
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR NORTH GEORGIA VISIT