Dust off your dirndl and lederhosen and grab a beer stein because Oktoberfest season is in full swing! If those flights to Munich, Germany just aren’t in the budget right now, don’t fret. These smaller scale festivals will give you a taste of the world’s largest beer festival. Prost!
1. Oktoberfest at NOMA Square, Greenville, Oct. 4-6th
Three days of beer are expected to reign as NOMA Square is transformed into a Bavarian Biergarten. It begins today at 5pm with a ceremonial beer tapping and a stein holding competition. Friday and Saturday are full days of bratwurst, pretzels with beer cheese and mustard, sauerbraten, games and contests. Paulaner will provide a wide selection of brews and guests will enjoy live entertainment each night. Proceeds benefit the Community Foundation of Greenville.
2. Summerville Rotary Oktoberfest, Summerville, Oct. 6th
Summerville’s premier Oktoberfest celebration is hosted by the SEC and SOB Rotary clubs to benefit underserved youth and women in the area. The annual event will take place on Main Street in downtown Summerville and feature family fun, food trucks, a jump castle, German music and, as tradition would have it, a great deal of German beer.
3. Newberry Oktoberfest, Newberry, Oct. 6th
The people of Newberry take their German heritage very seriously and invite all to join free of charge. This one’s even got a traditional dress contest. Outfitted for kids and adults alike, the festival will feature German cuisine, beer, arts and crafts vendors and a Kindertown full of family-friendly activities. They will also host Midland’s SC Muscle & Classic Car Display and an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.
4. Oktoberfest Charleston – Daniel Island, Charleston. Oct. 7th
Running 15 years strong, MUSC Health Stadium will once again host Oktoberfest. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate and grant you access to a wide variety of seasonal beers, live German music, dancers, food from local vendors, a kids zone and the highlight of the day, the traditional Bavarian Games, the winners of which will be crowned Oktoberfest Champions.
5. Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest, Myrtle Beach. Oct. 12-13th
Once more, with feeling. For the 12th year in a row, Myrtle Beach is throwing down for Oktoberfest at the Market Common from 4 to 9pm. A mix of both Oktoberfest traditions and classic fall festival activities, Myrtle Beach’s celebration will consist of German beer and food, live entertainment, face painting, a pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, vendors, inflatables and much more, otherwise known as fun for free for the whole family!
6. Oktoberfest Columbia, Columbia. Oct. 12-14th
Divine as the street on which is takes place, Columbia’s original Oktoberfest is coming back to Incarnation Lutheran Church (that is, 3005 Devine St.). Not to humble brag, but they’ll basically transport you to Munich for three days with two authentic biergartens with extensive German and craft selections, live entertainment from real oompah (not loompa) bands and dancers, homemade German food and pastries and a kinderzone for those who aren’t of age.
7. Oktoberfest Charleston – Downtown Charleston, Charleston, Oct. 13th
Saints and sinners alike are willkommen by St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church for Oktoberfest. From noon-6pm, Holy City Brewing will be serving up your choice of pilsner, wheat or porter while you munch on bratwurst, wienerschnitzel, a few sides ending in “kraut,” and hot dogs for the less adventurous palate. Admission is $10-20 and includes food, non-alcoholic beverages, live music and oodles of fun.
8. Downtown Florence Oktoberfest, Oct. 13th
Bier, music, barrel racing, running of the weenies dog race, costume contest, authentic German food – these are just a few reasons to get your “hintern” over to Florence’s Oktoberfest. Admission is free, food and beer tickets can be purchased at the event and the proceeds from those weenie dog races we mentioned will be donated to the Florence Area Humane Society
9. Uptown Greenwood Oktoberfest, Greenwood, Oct. 18th
Get amped for this German-themed outdoor concert. Live music starting at 5:30pm will be accompanied by German cuisine and beverages. Oh, and it’s free!