If you love great food, beverages, and music all in one fun spot, a trip to OktOBERfest definitely needs to be in your future. Now in its 13th year, this popular Ober Gatlinburg event promises to envelop you in rich tradition hailing all the way from Munich, Germany. On top of that, you get to enjoy all the greatest onsite activities while making fast friends with all your fellow revelers. Ready to go on a deep dive on all this event has to offer? Here’s what you need to know.
The Party Starts on September 23rd and Goes Through October 30th
At Ober Gatlinburg, OktOBERfest starts early – on September 23rd, in fact! By extending out the event by a week, it gives everyone much more time to get into the festive spirit and stop on by. You can plan your visit for just one weekend or come by again and again through October 30th.
Either way, you’re sure to get your fill of amazing food and drinks plus plenty of fun, friendships, and so much more. You’ll also have more time to see the fall colors light up in vibrant hues throughout the Great Smoky Mountains.
Ultra-Tasty Food and Beverages Serve as the Star of the Show
While there’s endless fun for everyone on tap throughout the event, the food and drinks serve as the star of the show, for sure. The Seasons of Ober Restaurant kicks everything off with their special OktOBERfest menu filled with German-inspired fare.
No matter when you want to stop by for a bite to eat, you’ll find home-cooked goodness flowing out of the kitchen. The recipes come straight out of traditional Bavarian festivals, too, letting you enjoy time-honored creations every time.
For 2022, the special menu will include:
Appetizers
- Neujahrsbrezel: Salted soft pretzels with mustard and cheese sauce.
- Brat ‘n Kraut Balls: Bratwurst and sauerkraut balls breaded and deep fried.
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Spinach and artichoke hearts come together in a cheesy sauce for scooping with tortilla chips.
Sandwiches
- Frikadelle: Grilled pork and beef land on pretzel bread with fries on the side.
- Reuben: Corned beef, Swiss, and sauerkraut land on grilled rye and get served with German potato salad.
- Bratwurst Sandwich: Beer-steamed and grilled white bratwurst goes on a bun with sauerkraut and gets a side of fries.
Entrees
- Schnitzel: Chicken or pork loin pounded, breaded, and fried before getting topped with mushroom wine sauce. Bavarian red cabbage and German potato salad round out this delightful dish.
- Kohlroladen: Cabbage stuffed with beef and rice and rolled up tight before getting simmered in tomato sauce. German potato salad, sauerkraut, and red cabbage bring it all together.
- Bauernschmaus: Apple-smoked pork loin, bratwurst, and sausage served with German potato salad and sauerkraut.
While you dine in the restaurant, treat yourself to an incredible OktOBERfest Souvenir Beer Boot or Silipint to round out your meal beautifully. Beyond that, you’ll have a wide variety of other beer, wine, and soda varieties to choose from as well.
Live Performances from the Oompah Band Add to the Magic
Photo Credit by @obergatlinburg on Instagram
After filling up your belly, the Outdoor Bier Garden will definitely start calling your name. All festivalgoers 21 years of age and older can come to the beer garden to sip on their favorite brews on demand.
In addition to all the fantastic drinks flying your way, you will also get to listen to live music from a variety of performers, including the Smoky Mountain Oompah Band. As you watch the stage in awe, this band will come out dressed in authentic lederhosen and give the crowd a hearty greeting. After that, it’s all about yodeling, oompah music, folk dancing, and sing-a-longs for hours at a time.
The Oompah Band will make their appearance at 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm each day, so plan to get there about 30 minutes before those times to avoid missing a minute of the show. In between their performances, you may catch other surprise guests ready to come up on stage and entertain the crowds.
Many Exciting Indoor and Outdoor Activities Await Your Arrival
When you’re not sipping and dining in style, there are endless things to see and do at Ober Gatlinburg. To get all the souvenirs you could want, jet on over to the inside of the mall to shop your heart out. The Beer Necessities kiosk is a must, of course, but there’s a little something for everyone in that retail space.
After getting all your collectible steins and the like, set your sights on the major attractions all throughout the park, including:
- Ski Mountain Coaster
- Alpine Slide
- Amaze’n Maze
- O’Bears Mini Golf
- Chair Swings
- Water Raft Rides
- Ice Bumper Cars
The sky is the limit in how you can spend your time enjoying all Ober Gatlinburg has to offer. Aim to experience all the attractions one by one – or simply spend the entire day going again and again on your favorites.
Get Ready to Have a Blast by Getting Your Tickets Right Away
Photo Credit by @aj.mentions on Instagram
If you simply need to experience OktOBERfest for yourself, it’s time to start planning your trip. For starters, you’ll want to find somewhere to stay for the night – or week if you so choose – unless you’re lucky enough to live near the Smokies, that is. Then, plan to get tickets to Ober Gatlinburg for every person in your group.
With your admission tickets, you get access to all the attractions, Seasons of Ober Restaurant, and the Outdoor Bier Garden. Souvenirs, food, and drinks cost extra, of course, but you can save money by getting the $20 beer card. With that, you can sample eight different 8-ounce beers or go all out with four 16-ounce brews of your choice.
Want to save even more on your trip? Call Ober Gatlinburg to find out about their group rates for 15 or more guests in one party. Their rates change with the season, so it’s best to call ahead if you’d like to accurately budget your trip.
