Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia, is one the most highly anticipated annual German events stateside. Find out how to pack a ton of fun into a quick trip to Helen in October.
Oktoberfest in Helen is an annual festival held all over the world to celebrate the classic Bavarian culture. In 1970, Helen hosted the first Oktoberfest—and the festival has only proven to increase in popularity over the years.
Stateside, Helen’s Oktoberfest is the longest-running festival of its kind and includes original German traditions such as traditional beers, Germanic foods, polka dancing, and music played by local musicians in the Festhalle.
Get your fill of Bavaria by stopping by these key places for some of the best music, libations, and food Helen has to offer.
Oktoberfest Music and Dancing
Helen Festhalle, the center hub of Oktoberfest, is located at 1074 Edelweiss St. in downtown Helen. The Festhalle is set up with rows of long tables so that you can eat and drink while enjoying both the national and international German-style bands playing. Check out this year’s band schedule.
Oktoberfest 2023 celebrations happen in the Festhalle daily until Oct. 29:
- Monday through Thursday: 6PM – 10:30PM
- Friday: 6PM – Midnight
- Saturday: 1PM – Midnight
- Sunday: 1PM – 7PM
As rowdy as Oktoberfest sounds, it is also family-friendly. Kids under 6 years old get in free and kids ages 6-12 are half off daily prices. Bring your kids earlier in the day to experience the flair of German celebration on their own dance floor.
Oktoberfest Libations
The Festhalle serves a wide variety of German and American beer, wine, wine coolers, and ciders. So while you’re inside partying Bavarian-style, you can get more than your fill of the German good stuff.
But if you want to get a start earlier in the day, try one of these places for German beer:
- King Ludwig’s Beer Garden
- Troll Tavern
- Hofbrauhaus Restaurant & Pub
- Bigg Daddy’s Restaurant and Tavern
Oktoberfest Food
When it comes to finding great German food in Helen, the possibilities are endless. Vendors at the Festhalle will serve you every traditional German dish you can imagine. Think bratwursts and wiener sausages, German potato salad, sauerkraut, and more. Check out this year’s menu at the Festhalle.
But if you want to explore German food in Helen on your own, here are some favorite places to experience the authentic Bavarian flavors of wurst, schnitzel, strudel, pretzels, and sauerkraut:
- Bodensee Restaurant
- Hofers Bakery and Cafe
- Cafe International
- Mueller’s Famous Fried Cheese Cafe
- The Heidleberg Restaurant and Pub
- Hofbrauhaus Restaurant and Pub
Nearby Attractions and Adventures
If you have some extra time on your hands while visiting Helen, check out these fun activities:
- Alpine Carriage Company
- Nacoochee Village
- Anna Ruby Falls
- Kopper Kettle Fudge Shop
- Bavarian Mountain Miniature Golf and Arcade
- Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail
See our related post on Fun Things to Do in Helen!
