How to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs, Arkansas hosts Oktoberfest each year. This annual 2-day event is held on the second weekend in October and features traditional German-inspired activities that replicate the famous Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Miss Arkansas and Mrs. Arkansas are on hand for the opening ceremonies, as are other local celebrities and government officials who participate in the official keg tapping ceremony and kick-off parade. Arkansas Oktoberfest is a family-friendly celebration.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Enjoy Oktoberfest

1. Arrive at the Hill Wheatley Plaza by 6 p.m. Friday to see the opening ceremonies.

2. Visit the Arkansas Oktoberfest in Hot Springs, Arkansas on Saturday for Family Day. Kiddie rides, food and game booths offer excitement for people of all ages.

3. Enjoy a large dinner feast featuring bratwurst, schnitzel, German potato salad, pickled pigs feat and sauerkraut balls.

4. Make new friends while toasting beers and singing drinking songs in the festive beer garden tent.

5. Sample some or all of the Bavarian beers on tap at the event. Celebrate the distinct taste of each and rank your favourite beers.

6. Listen to traditional German music performed live. From mysterious musical instruments such as the alpenhorn to jubilant singers and dancers, the experience will have you smiling in no time.

7. Participate in skills competitions such as the beer stein races, the stein carrying contest, and eating and drinking contests that take place on Saturday.

8. Stroll through the streets of Hot Springs and enjoy the cultural attractions of this thriving arts community. An array of art galleries, antique shops and specialty stores dot the city streets. After a leisurely day of shopping, visit the Arkansas Oktoberfest for a German-themed evening of dinner, drinks and dancing.

9. Plan an extended vacation in the area by visiting the nearby Hot Springs National Park. Celebrate Oktoberfest by day and then camp under the stars at night.

10. Book a night's stay in a Hot Springs hotel to celebrate Oktoberfest.

Tips & Warnings

• Tickets are not available for advanced purchase so arrive early to avoid long admission lines.
• Pets are not allowed at the Arkansas Oktoberfest.

Resources

• Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce details Oktoberfest celebration

[vallain]

on 10/15/2008 Oh, we just missed it. Hot Springs was very interesting anyway.

[slgreen1964]

on 7/8/2008 Could someone please let me know what date the Oktoberfest is really happening. I've read Oct. 3 & 4, and then another article says the 2nd week of Oct. Could someone please let me know which week to take for vacation.

[slgreen1964]

on 7/8/2008 Could someone please let me know what date the Oktoberfest is really happening. I've read Oct. 3 & 4, and then another article says the 2nd week of Oct. Could someone please let me know which week to take for vacation.

[slgreen1964]

on 7/8/2008 I've been reading about how wonderful Oktoberfest is in Hot Springs, but can't find a definite date for the event. I've seen one posting for Oct. 3 & 4, and another for the 2nd weekend in Oct. Could someone please tell me which week to take vacation & enjoy the festivities?