Niagara Falls ready for Oktoberfest
Get ready to bust out the lederhosen.
Niagara Falls Oktoberfest is rolling out the barrel for a second year on Oct. 13 and 14 to celebrate all things German.
Beer. Bratwurst. Music. Dancing. Munich is home to the world’s largest Oktoberfest, but the fall harvest festival has also become one of Germany’s most popular exports.
It’s now celebrated around the world, including Niagara Falls, at Scotiabank Convention Centre.
“We’re a world-famous destination, and we need world-famous and world-class events,” said organizer Chris Dabrowski.
“We have a Comic Con, we have a home and garden show, we’ve got beer festivals — you name it, we’ve had it. But we haven’t had an Oktoberfest (until last year). We felt the next big fit would be to bring Oktoberfest to the city.”
He said between 2,000 and 2,500plus people attended last year during its two days, and with more people now knowing about the event, Dabrowski anticipates a bigger crowd this month.
“The Saturday was the busier of the two days, and we anticipate the same this year just based on pre-sales and the buzz. I think everybody who attended last year had an amazing time — the feedback we got on social media, and just through word of mouth, there seems to be more excitement and buzz for the second year.”
He said a lot of time and effort has been put into deciding what beer brands to have at the event.
“We put a lot of time and effort and creativity into the food we bring in, keeping in mind that we do want to keep authentic with Oktoberfest in Germany. We put a lot of effort and money into decor, so when you walk into the Scotiabank Convention Centre, it no longer feels like you’re in the convention centre, it feels like you’re walking through Oktoberfest in Munich.”
Dabrowski said people can expect to see 32-ounce steins and people dressed in ledershosen, leather shorts, usually with suspenders, traditionally worn in the Bavaria region.
Beer and wines from more than 20 premium imported and domestic breweries and wineries will be on tap.
The German fare includes pork schnitzel, chicken schnitzel and beer-braised Oktoberfest sausage. Visitors can pile on the sauerkraut, German potato salad and braised red cabbage to top off a classic festival meal.
The event will feature live entertainment including the Thirsty Traveler himself, Kevin Bauch, and an Oktoberfest favourite, The Happy Wanderers, belting out Ein Prost, the timeless German beer-drinking tune, popular at every Oktoberfest celebration around the world.
Tickets are $10, and are available at niagarafallsoktoberfest.com, or at the door.
Dabrowski said beer tokens, and food, will be available to purchase. He said Oktoberfest paraphernalia and apparel, including hats and shirts, will also be available.