Beers, Brats and Bavarian Goodness: How to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Leavenworth, WA

When you think of beer, your favorite hopped IPA or smooth Kolsch are likely the first thing that comes to mind. But then you remember the biggest, most joyous celebration of brew… the beloved Oktoberfest. While Germany is a bit distant for Seattleites to check out this festive celebration, the scenic town of Leavenworth, Washington is blessed with a volkfest of its own.

Smack dab in the heart of the quaint, Bavarian-themed village, Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest takes place each weekend from September 30 to October 15. Grab your mug (or pick one up at the festival) and get ready to cheers to all the fine beer Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest has to offer.

Opening Ceremony and Official Keg Tapping

A Bavarian procession through the village, complete with flag carriers, traditional marches and polkas played by local Bavarian band Musikkapelle Leavenworth kicks off every Saturday afternoon. For an added boost of authenticity, parade participants get all decked out in dirndls (an Alpine-style dress with a full wide skirt) and lederhosen (yup, those notorious leather breeches). Follow the parade down to the Festhalle for the ceremonial keg tapping and fill your mug with some fresh, sudsy brews.

Feast On Bratwurst

Once you polish off a beer (or two), march over to the nearest eatery to fill up on a ton of delicious treats. Nosh on the classic, charbroiled Bratwurst topped with apple-cider kraut, served either by itself or in a full meal with coleslaw and beans.

Still hungry? The festival boasts an array of carnivore-friendly snacks, such as barbecue ribs, turkey legs and pulled-pork sandwiches. But be sure to save room for German-style cake with whipped cream (is there any better topping?) accompanied by root beer floats. Enjoy waddling back to wherever you’re staying.

Kinderplatz and Crafts for the Kids

Bringing the kiddos along? The little ones will love Kinderplatz, an area just for kids with a climbing wall, bouncy toys and L-Bow the clown to keep the younger crowd entertained.

Kids too big for clowning around? Spend family time wandering through the many vendor booths, where you’ll find tons of German crafts and souvenirs. Don’t forget to pick up the new Oktoberfest stein and coffee cup, exclusively available at the event. Each year’s mug features a new design, which you can use for festivities long after the tents have come down and the benches are stashed away.

Enjoy Live Entertainment

Even if beer and food are the reasons you’re here, Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest serves up plenty of live music. Four different stages play music until 2 a.m., meaning you’ll be dancing all night to the raucous strains of leading German bands. And if you’re up for it, join along with the folk dance group, the Edelweiss Tanz Gruppe. After all, live music is best enjoyed with beer stein in hand and arms linked with friends.

An American take on a traditional European celebration, Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest is an experience you don’t want to miss. Tickets are on sale online and you can also purchase them at the festival gates. If you need a place to stay, you’ll find ample lodging both in Leavenworth and nearby Wenatchee as well as shuttle service to the festival, leaving you more time and energy to show off your awesome dance moves. Let’s raise a glass to good drink, good food and good times!

Clipper Recommends: