Charlotte’s diverse cultural offerings, booming brewing scene, and unique architecture make it the ideal location for planning your next North Carolina getaway. The Queen City is a hub for brewing, and it’s always adding new breweries to the mix including Bold Missy Brewery, Hyde Brewing, and Catawba Brewing Co. Whether you're working on your golf game at the cutting edge TopGolf facility or trying the new rides at the revamped Carowinds, Charlotte always delivers.
If you decide to visit the The Charlotte Oktoberfest this year, be sure to check out our list of North Carolina Resorts for your stay.
Charlotte Oktoberfest has been a community staple for nearly two decades, and it will take place September 9, at Symphony Park. This year’s event will feature unlimited beer and cider samples from more than 75 breweries and cideries, and attendees will receive a complimentary sampling glass upon arrival. Patrons will also have the opportunity to learn about the industry and the brewing process from representatives from each of the breweries and cideries. Attendees will be able to buy a variety of snacks and meals (vegan and non-vegan), and purchase of a premium ticket will include a lanyard for the tasting glass, unique beverage selections (not available to regular admission), and extended Oktoberfest hours. All of the event's proceeds will go to three local charities: Charlotte Family Housing, On Eagles Wings, and RescuedMe, plus, representatives from each organization will be on hand providing information. We got the chance to interview Jen Blair, Director of Marketing for the event, to learn more about this unique celebration of beer.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
JB: Charlotte Oktoberfest has been running for 18 years.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
JB: We expect up to 5,000 attendees.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
JB: Young professionals between 25-44 are our primary demographic, and all entrants must be 21+ to attend.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
JB: The Charlotte Oktoberfest is hosted each year by the Carolina BrewMasters, a local homebrew club. All organizers are volunteers from the Carolina BrewMasters.
RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.
JB: We have unlimited samples of beer and cider from over 75 breweries and cideries. There will also be music provided by 106.5 The End.
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
JB: There will be five food trucks will have a variety of food options available for purchase.
RAL: What is the overall environment like?
JB: The event takes place outdoors in beautiful Symphony Park, located in the SouthPark area of Charlotte.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
JB: Nearby hotels include:
-
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Charlotte – SouthPark
-
Charlotte Marriott SouthPark
-
Renaissance Charlotte SouthParkHotel
-
Residence Inn Charlotte SouthPark
-
Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte/SouthPark at Phillips Place
-
Hilton Garden Inn
RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?
JB: Over the last 18 years, the Charlotte Oktoberfest has donated over $600,000 to local charities. This year, we will donate to RescuedMe, Charlotte Family Housing, and On Eagles Wings.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JB: When you attend the Charlotte Oktoberfest, you are drinking craft for a cause. Patrons will enjoy unlimited beer and cider samples from over 75 breweries and cideries while also enjoying food provided by local food trucks and music from 106.5 The End.
For more information about Charlotte Oktoberfest, please visit the event website.