Chattanooga Market Oktoberfest is ‘Sweet 16’ this weekend

Break out your lederhosen and dirndl skirts because Chattanooga Market’s 16th annual Oktoberfest is this weekend in First Tennessee Pavilion.

The market expands its one-day event into two funfilled days for this festival of German culture that draws locals as well as regional visitors.

Visitors will find an array of German traditions: brats, a biergarten featuring more than 99 local and seasonal craft brews, polka music from the Wurstbrats and even a chicken dance or two.

The festival includes a crowning of Mr. and Ms. Chattanooga Oktoberfest on Saturday evening. Entrants should report to the market’s Carter Street stage by 6:30 p.m.

Contestants will parade before the live audience, who will decide winners by popular applause. The emcees will have final voting rights and crown the winners about 7 p.m.

Then everyone is invited to join the beer-drinking, chicken-dancing party on the front festival patio until Oktoberfest ends Saturday at 8 p.m. Radio personality Jason Walker will serve as party host.

Sunday’s market will add one hour to close at 5 p.m. instead of 4 o’clock. The Wurstbrats will again be playing.