Celebrate Oktoberfest in Frankenmuth

Covered bridge at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth, Michigan
photo by Charles Pannell

You don’t have to go all the way to Germany to celebrate Oktoberfest, as the Frankenmuth Oktoberfest features lots of German-brewed beer, ethnic food and authentic entertainment. Slated to run from September 18-21 this year and September 17-20 in 2009, this annual event is held in the Harvey Kern Community Pavilion, in this Bavarian-themed Michigan town.

Patterned after the original Munich Oktoberfest which began in 1810, the Frankenmuth Oktoberfest strives to retain the culture and flavor of the original event. As such, it’s the only Oktoberfest outside of Munich sanctioned to operate under the auspices of the Munich Oktoberfest.

The event starts Thursday night with the cracking of the keg, followed by a fine lineup of German entertainment. Live entertainment is also presented on Friday and Saturday from noon till midnight; with the popular wiener dog races held at 1 P.M. on Saturday. Sunday begins with a worship service, followed by an afternoon of music. Throughout the run of the festival, a wide variety of authentic food and German-brewed beer will be available.

There is good wheelchair-access throughout the event grounds as well as downtown Frankenmuth

For more information about the Frankenmuth Oktoberfest, visit www.frankenmuthfestivals.com. For more information about the city of Frankenmuth visit www.frankenmuth.org

Located between Flint and Saginaw, just east of Michigan’s I-75, Frankenmuth exudes an authentic German charm, with its main drag dotted with Bavarian architecture. For more information about wheelchair-accessible attractions, restaurants and lodging options in this quaint village, consult the Autumn 2008 issue of Emerging Horizons.