Everything You Need to Know: Oktoberfest in Gatlinburg

Join us this year to celebrate Oktoberfest in Gatlinburg! There’s no better place than the Great Smoky Mountains to enjoy an authentic German festival with friends and family.

From September 23 – October 30, 2022, Gatlinburg will celebrate the fall season with German food, music, and fun! Ober Gatlinburg will showcase entertainment, outdoor games, and true German cuisine.

The Gatlinburg Oktoberfest event has become a popular event for visitors of all ages. It’s a great way to experience the German culture and enjoy a little food and music while you’re on vacation.

Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Germany, where they spend the entire month celebrating the season. The first Oktoberfest festival in Germany was in celebration of the wedding of the Crown Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Bavaria (the wedding took place in October 1810). The celebration had beer, food, music, and dancing. The anniversary celebrations take place every year, and now they have even made their way into Gatlinburg!

Here’s what you need to know before you visit the Oktoberfest in Gatlinburg event this year:

Sample of the Food Menu at Oktoberfest in Gatlinburg

Visitors who make their way to Gatlinburg’s Oktoberfest celebration will get to taste some of the most delicious German foods and drinks. Here are some, but not all, of the authentic German foods you can taste:

• German Bratwurst

Served in its traditional style, this German bratwurst will be paired with sauerkraut and french fries.

• Schnitzel

If you’ve never tried German schnitzel, this pan-fried pork loin (or chicken breast) will impress you. It’s topped with a mushroom wine sauce and served alongside a Bavarian red cabbage and German potato salad you won’t want to miss.

• Schwärzwalder Kirschtorte

What’s a German meal without a delicious dessert? Schwärzwalder Kirschtorte is layers of black forest cake, chocolate cream, and cherries covered in whipped cream frosting.

In addition, there will be a variety of Oktoberfest ales available throughout the month. The Bier Garten will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Sundays for an even better selection of beverages.

When to See the Shows at Oktoberfest in Gatlinburg 

There are performances from the Smoky Mountain Oompah Band that take place during the festival at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant. Seating is available approximately 30 minutes before the show starts, so if you want the best seat, arrive a little early.

This year, you can enjoy watching special musical guest The Musik Meisters. This Nashville, TN band performs authentic Tirolisch Musik, which includes accordions, keys, brass, drums, singing, yodeling, and the Alpine Horn! Here is the schedule for The Musik Meisters:

• September 23rd – 25th
• September 30th – October 3rd
• October 27th – 30th

What to Expect at Oktoberfest

Want a preview of all the fun coming this fall? Take a look at Ober Gatlinburg’s video of Oktoberfest for 2017:

For more information about this year’s festivities, visit the official Ober Gatlinburg Oktoberfest website.

Location of Ober Gatlinburg

Oktoberfest will be held at the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. Vacationers planning a visit to Ober Gatlinburg can either take the Aerial Tramway to the resort or drive to the top of Mt. Harrison.

Many guests enjoy the ride along the Aerial Tramway because they get to experience the fall colors at the same time. When you ride the tramway, you will be able to take pictures of the mountains while being far above them. This ride will capture the best of the fall colors display.

Interested in seeing the fall colors while you’re in Gatlinburg? Take a look at our Ultimate Guide to the Smoky Mountains Fall Colors to see the best times for planning your vacation! We can’t wait to see you in the Smokies!