For over 50 years, the annual Helen, GA, Oktoberfest has brought wonderful German traditions of Bavaria to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. In fact, this festive celebration in the alpine village of Helen, Georgia, is considered the longest-running Oktoberfest celebration in the United States! Held at the Helen Festhalle along the Chattahoochee River, festivities typically begin in early September and run through most of October.
Event workers are often dressed in Lederhosen and dirndls, and German bands come from all over to play at this mountain festival. Of course, beer is essential, and the German food is unbeatable — with all kinds of mouthwatering bratwurst! Experience Gemütlichkeit — a state of friendliness, happiness, and a sense of belonging — at Oktoberfest in Helen, GA.
Oktoberfest Parade
Kicking off this German-themed, family-friendly event in downtown Helen, GA is the annual Oktoberfest Parade! Watch as decorated floats drive past, get pumped for performances stopping in the streets, and enjoy festive German music filling the air in this Bavarian-inspired town in White County. It’s a great way to spend some quality time with family and friends while immersing yourself in a different culture.
2023 Kick-Off
Sep 9 at noon (Sat)
Note: the first keg tapping takes place immediately after the parade — at the Fussen Biergarten at the Helen Festhalle!
Live Music
German-inspired bands from around the country, and even the world, travel to perform at the Alpine Helen Oktoberfest festival every year! Alphorns, cowbells, and accordions are common sights and sounds at this German festival in the North Georgia Mountains. Plus, there are traditional dances, like the polka, the chicken dance, and the waltz, plus popular German sing-a-longs to try! Boogie on the dance floor with your friends or partner while the kiddos get down on the kids-only dance floor.
Bands from Years Past
- Alex Meixner Band
- Alpenmusikanten
- Europa
- Martin Gross und sein Sonnenschein Express
- Pech & Schwefel
- Prost
- Squeeze Box
- The Czerchers
German Cuisine & BEER!
Celebrate Oktoberfest with the tapping of the keg, a long-standing tradition stemming from the main celebration in Munich, Germany. Much of the food is prepared by local German restaurants, like Hofer’s of Helen, Bodensee, The Troll Tavern, The Heidelberg German Restaurant, and Muller’s Famous Fried Cheese Cafe! Visit the most tempting tents to try German food, like brats on rolls, at the festival.
Indeed, the Festhalle even sets up long tables in rows to eat and drink while enjoying entertainment. Order a full platter or pick and choose items from an assorted menu. Types of wurst include cheddar wurst, Thuringer brats, Hungarian brats, knockwurst, weisswurst, and leberkase.
Pair your meals with German beer and wines. Or if you’d prefer Appalachian brews, that’s here, too! Wine coolers and ciders are other options for adult drinks. There are also classic American festival snacks, like popcorn, chili dogs, chicken fingers, nachos, BBQ sandwiches, cookies, brownies, and coffee.
Menu Items
- Bratwurst with sauerkraut on a roll
- Pretzels
- Beer cheese with pretzel pieces
- German potato salad
- Sauerkraut
- Red cabbage
- Dill pickles
- Rye bread
The Details for Oktoberfest 2023
With great entertainment, music, food, and beer in a German-themed setting, the North Georgia Mountain town of Helen sure knows how to throw one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations north of Atlanta! Plus, it’s the perfect time to check out the kaleidoscope of fall colors of Georgia — adding a touch of Appalachian charm to this Bavarian-style festival.
Dates & Hours
Sep 7-24 (Thu-Sun)
Sep 28 – Oct 29 (nightly)
- Mon-Thu | 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
- Fri | 6:00 p.m. – midnight
- Sat | 1:00 p.m. – midnight
- Sun | 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Admission
Visiting Oktoberfest is cheaper during the week and is usually a better option when bringing the whole family. Weekends are more rambunctious, and it costs a few dollars more to enter the festival…but admission is FREE on Sundays! Tickets can only be purchased at the door, and group pricing is available.
- Weekdays — $10
- Fridays & Saturdays — $12 ($20 pass available)
- Sundays — FREE
- Children (ages 6-12) — Half Price
- Children (under 6) — FREE
- Active & retired military — FREE (with a military ID)
Note: IDs are checked at the door, smoking is not allowed, and service dogs (no pets) are welcome.
Location
Helen Festhalle
1074 Edelweiss Strasse
Helen, GA 30545
Contact
Helen Chamber of Commerce
706.878.1908
helenchamber@helenchamber.com
Georgia Cabins for YOU
Stay near Helen in Blue Ridge, Ellijay, or Big Canoe when you choose to stay with Georgia Cabins for YOU, featuring an array of North Georgia cabin rentals with mountain views, riverside scenery, and wooded privacy. Of course, staying at a local cabin rental offers amenities to entertain and relax in between dancing, singing, eating, and drinking at the annual October festival in Helen.
Soak in a hot tub, lounge by a crackling fireplace, watch movies in the theater, play games in the rec room, and snooze in a plush king suite! And visit many local attractions, shops, and restaurants near YOUR cabin. Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, go apple picking at Mercier Orchards, take a scenic helicopter ride, splash at Lake Blue Ridge, and get a massage…for starters.
Check out the bustling Helen, GA, Oktoberfest this year and stay in a local cabin rental for the full Blue Ridge Mountain experience!
