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Leavenworth Oktoberfest: A Bavarian Celebration High in the Cascades

For the ideal Oktoberfest in America, there are few better locations than Leavenworth, Washington. As you enter Leavenworth, you’ll think that you’ve been transported to a beautiful town in the Bavarian Alps. The architecture is modeled after traditional Bavarian buildings and the local residents take great pride in their German heritage. The majestic Cascade Mountains surround the town, completing the Bavarian mountain village vibe of Leavenworth. The community is friendly and welcomes visitors to participate in their great festival. Besides the festivities you can take in local museums, theater, shopping, dining, parks, wineries, games, sports and so much more!

 

The Leavenworth Oktoberfest is such a big festival that it takes place over three weekends in October. Thousands of people from the Northwest and the entire country come to Leavenworth Oktoberfest because it's commonly considered one of the most authentic celebration in America. You’ll find fun for all ages and backgrounds, whether it's your kids enjoying the Kinderplatz or enjoying the continuous live entertainment. Don't worry about which weekend you attend because each Saturday has its own opening parade and official keg tapping. All the fun will work up an appetite so make sure to visit the various food vendors and try the ribs, turkey, brats, pulled pork and much more. For the ultimate in German festivals in America, make Leavenworth Oktoberfest your destination. We interviewed festival representative, Amy Gustin of the ADG Media Group, about the festival and all the fun activities within.

 

RAL: Tell me about the event.

AG: The first Leavenworth Oktoberfest was held in October 1998, and was attended by about 400 people.  Since then we have grown to 50,000+ attendees, four venues, and three weekends of fun. The Leavenworth Oktoberfest is now one of the Top Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States.  What makes us so unique is the backdrop of the Cascade Mountain range and the beautiful Bavarian Village of Leavenworth. Our attendees are all ages…The event is open to anyone under 21 until 9:00 pm each night. We also have a dedicated area downtown called Kinderplatz just for the children.

 

RAL: Take me through a day at the event.

AG: We are open the first three Fridays and Saturdays in October. Each Saturday at noon we have a Bavarian procession down Front Street that leads into the Oktoberfest compound.  This is  followed by the Official Keg Tapping ceremony. Our four venues are all located inside our gates so you can choose to stay in one location or move around freely. Dining can happen inside the gates with brats or turkey legs right off the grill, or you may choose to walk into town for a German dinner at one of the many wonderful and authentic restaurants.

 

RAL: What can visitors to Leavenworth expect for lodging?

AG: We have many choices for lodging, but they typically fill up nine months to a year in advance, with the overflow going into Wenatchee, WA. Shuttle services are also available for a fee outside the immediate area. No special promotions are needed since everything books out so quickly.

 

RAL: What does the event mean to the community?

AG: The Leavenworth Oktoberfest is a huge revenue source for the local economy. Leavenworth Oktoberfest is also a non-profit run by Projekt Bayern. Projekt Bayern was formed in June 1996, thirty years after Leavenworth adopted the Bavarian theme, in order to revitalize waning interest and to provide a group to carry out projects to make Leavenworth more authentically Bavarian in nature.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your festival?

AG: We take pride in the authenticity of our event…this may be the closest some people ever get to Munich. The camaraderie is contagious…this event will have you singing, dancing and toasting the night away. We are also proud to serve a variety of beer direct from Germany.


For more information about the Leavenworth Oktoberfest please visit their website.