Octoberfest

Come festively dressed for Octoberfest! Join us October 16-17 for music, food and drinks in the Field House B547 Wilbur Road on Tower Barracks. Don't miss the official beer keg tapping on October 16 at 11:30 a.m.
This event is open to U.S. ID cardholders, Host Nation employees and their guests. Entry is free. Drinks and traditional Bavarian food available for purchase -- U.S. Dollars, Euros and credit cards accepted.

Event Hours:

• Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• Sunday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Entrance Guidelines

Please note, there will be no testing requirements for children 11 and under. Persons 12 and older will be required to follow the German 3G rules. 

To enter, one of the following must be presented:

• Proof of full vaccination -- at least 14 days need to have passed since the second dose or one dose of Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Proof can take the form of a vaccination card or a digital vaccination certificate.
• Proof of a negative SARS-CoV-2 antigen test (no older than 24 hours) or PCR test (no older than 48 hours) or
• Proof of recovery from Covid-19 by presenting a positive PCR test result, no less than 28 days old, no older than six months.

Who can attend Octoberfest?

• Trusted Traveler policy in effect for this event at Gate 1 walk-in only; U.S. ID cardholders and Host Nation employees with valid installation passes may escort up to three guests to the event.
• All guests must be escorted through Gate 1 on Alte Amberger Str; Guests must walk in through the gate, note bikes and scooters are not permitted.
• Access is granted from 10:30 a.m. each day and ends Saturday at 10:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 p.m.
• Guests must have an official ID such as a Personalausweiss or Reisepass and proof of 3G status to enter.
• Prohibited items include: back packs, large bags, alcohol and any outside beverage/container, coolers, water guns, weapons and any items that may cause bodily harm as determined by law enforcement.
• Everyone entering the gate is subject to search.

Schedule

Saturday:

11:30 a.m.: Beer Keg Tapping and Opening Remarks

11:40 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.: Music - Kirchenthumbacher Blasmusik

2-3 p.m.: Beer Stein Strength Contest

3-3:30 p.m.: Local USAG Bavaria talent Ms. Jackie Gollihar on stage

3:30-4:15 p.m.: German Spelling Bee

4:15-5 p.m.: Pretzel Eating Contest

5-5:45 p.m.: Beer Stein Obstacle Race

6-9 p.m.: Music - Kirchenthumbacher Blasmusik

Sunday:

11 a.m.- 1 p.m.: Music - Kirchenthumbacher Blasmusik

1-2 p.m.: Pretzel Eating Contest

2-4 p.m.: Local USAG Bavaria talent on stage featuring:

• SPC Austin Gilbert
• SSG Michael Avant
• SPC Adrian Rain
• SSG Hamadi Diop
• Ms. Jackie Gollihar

5-7 p.m.: Music - Kirchenthumbacher Blasmusik

Featuring Photo Station – cutout with traditional fest design all weekend

ACTIVITIES

Masskrugstemmen – Beer Stein Strength Contest
Liter mugs (masskrugs) are filled with liquid. Each person holds their mug out in front of them, parallel to the floor, using just one hand. Last person standing wins!

Stein Obstacle Race
Participants begin by spinning five full circles while head is on a baseball bat with full beer stein in hand. Then they have to run through obstacle cones to the end and back while carrying a full liter stein without spilling. The person or team who ends the race with the most liquid in their mug wins!

Pretzel-Eating Contest
Each participant is given a large Bavarian soft pretzel. The winner is determined by who finishes their pretzel first without using hands.

German Spelling Bee
Players try to spell some of the most difficult German words. The person who gets the closest wins!

DRINKS

FAQs

When is it open?
Octoberfest is open Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

How much does it cost?
Entrance into the fest is free. Food and beverages are available for sale. U.S. Dollars, Euros and credit cards accepted.

What can I expect?
There will be music and fun traditional German fest activities.

How do I get there?
All gates are open to U.S. ID cardholders. The main entrance to Oktoberfest is Gate 1 on Alte Amberger Str. Non-DoD cardholders must enter and exit through Gate 1.

My friends are not affiliated with the DOD. Can I bring them?
Yes, but they must enter through the main entrance at Gate 1. All non-DOD ID cardholders over the age of 16 must have an official ID such as a Personalausweiss or Reisepass to enter. A driver’s license is not enough.

What types of items are PROHIBITED from the fest?
Prohibited items include: back packs, large bags, alcohol and any outside beverage/container, coolers, water guns, weapons and any items that may cause bodily harm as determined by law enforcement.

Can I bring my pet?
No, pets are not allowed to this indoor event due to the number of people and level of noise.

What kind of food will be available for sale?
Traditional German festival food will be served.

Can I bring my own beer?
You are prohibited from bringing your own alcohol, food, coolers, backpacks, large bags and pouches. Food and beer will be available for sale.

Will there be live bands?
Yes. See the event schedule below.