Grab your stein, throw on your lederhosen and get ready for two back-to-back weekends of Oktoberfest celebrations!
Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Germany in 1810 to celebrate the wedding between Crown Prince Ludwig (later to become King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese. The people of Munich were invited to attend the royal event and the celebration lasted for over two weeks! Almost every year since, the event has taken place, making the Oktoberfest in Munich the largest festival in the world.
Just because we’re not in Germany, doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate alongside them in spirit! Omaha is hosting several events in honor of the German tradition. Here are a couple celebrations happening soon, so be sure to join in for two weekends of German beer, brats and music!
The German-American Society Oktoberfest
September 18- 19, z2015
3717 South 120th Street, Omaha, NE
Admission: $5.00 (kids under 13 are free)
Kicking off the Oktoberfest festivities, The German-American Society of Omaha will once again commemorate the world-famous and time-honored traditions of German heritage on Friday, September 18, 2015 and Saturday, September 19, 2015.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Throughout the event, you’ll get a chance to taste authentic German cuisine including roast pig, chicken, schnitzel, bratwurst, sauerkraut and more while sipping on their selection of German and domestic beers!
Friday Night Music Line-Up
Listen to live music from these talented German bands and dance the night away!
Barry Boyce Band
5:00pm – 11:30pm / North Hall
Bobby Z Polka Joy
6:30pm – 9:30pm / South Hall
Wayne Miller
6:30pm – 9:30pm / Ratskeller Beer Garden
Saturday, September 19, 2015
The fun doesn’t stop there though, so be sure to come back on Saturday for another day of live music and experience German culture. Not only will delicious German food and beer be served up once again, but the day’s event also includes fun for the entire family! Bring the kids for a day of games and face painting.
There will be the Munich tradition of Tapping the Keg with folk songs by Die Singenden Wanderer, folk dancers, souvenirs, and beer drinking contests! Can you really say you have anything better to do on your Saturday? We think not!
Saturday Family Activities
Kid Games / Noon – 6:00pm
Kids Face Painting / 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Other Saturday Events
Munich Tradition of Tapping the Keg / 2:00pm
Genuine German Folk Dancers / 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Souvenir booths / 11:30am – early evening
Men and Ladies Beer Drinking Contest / 7:30pm / North Hall
Saturday Music Line-Up
Festhaus-Musikaten German Style Brass Band
Noon -7:30pm / North Hall
Nebraska Czech Brass Band
1:00pm – 5:00pm / South Hall
Barry Boyce Band
8:00pm – 11:30pm / North Hall
Bobby Z Polka Joy
6:00pm – 9:00pm / South Hall
Wayne Miller
6:00pm – 9:00pm / Ratskeller Beer Garden
Beer Corner USA Oktoberfest
September 25 – 26, 2015
The Cresent Moon Ale House and The Huber Haus German Bier Hall
3578 Farnam Street / Omaha, NE
Admission: Free!
Celebrating one weekend of German-filled festivities just isn’t enough, so come back for round two during Beer Corner USA’s Oktoberfest event. The event will be held at The Crescent Moon Alehouse and the Huber Haus German Bier Hall, and will kick off Friday, September 25th from 4:300pm – 2:00am. They’re closing down the streets in order to have a huge outdoor area to enjoy the festivities, so make a weekend of it! Saturday is an all day event from noon – 2:00am, and costumes are encouraged!
With a huge outdoor space, you’ll be able to sit back and relax after the long week with live music, a great German beer selection served in authentic German mugs, and delicious German food fare, including brats, chicken, schnitzel, pretzels and desserts. A ceremonial keg tapping will be held both days as well!
Friday and Saturday’s Music Line-Up
Barry Boyce Band
Friday and Saturday at 5:30pm
Bobby Z and Polka Joy
Saturday at 1:00pm
Saturday Oktoberfest Competitions
All competitions are open to the first 6 men and women that sign up, so be sure to head to the event early to reserve your spot to show off your competitive side!
Footlong Brat Challenge / 6:00pm
This contest will determine a winner based on who can eat a footlong bratwurst the fastest!
Speed Challenge / 7:00pm
This challenge isn’t for the faint of heart. See who can drink their beer the fastest during this speed challenge!
Liter Endurance Hold / 8:00pm
A feat of strength, this challenge will test how long you’re able to hold a liter of water with your arm fully extended. No bending the elbow or wrist though or you’re out!
Bavarian Pretzel Eating Contest / 8:30pm
Wrapping up the day’s competition is this contest to see who can eat an authentic Bavarian pretzel (available year round at Cresent Moon, by the way!) the fastest.
In Need of a Little Inspiration?
In case you’re looking for costume inspiration, here are a few photos from Oktoberfest.de to give you ideas! Prost!
