Asheville's first Oktoberfest will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2010, from 1-5pm on Wall Street in downtown Asheville.

On the 200th anniversary of the first Oktoberfest, the Asheville Downtown Association is very excited to bring you Asheville's own Oktoberfest! It will mix Bavarian traditions with Asheville’s eclectic vibe,” says Adrian Vassallo, event organizer and ADA treasurer. He adds, “With Asheville’s recent recognition as ‘Beer City USA,’ the timing couldn’t be more perfect to celebrate our local beer scene. Plus, Wall Street is an ideal venue for this event with its old world feel and original cobblestones."

Food and Drink
The event will feature beer tastings from local breweries including Highland Brewing, Asheville Brewing Company, Pisgah Brewing, Green Man Brewery, Craggie Brewing and French Broad Brewing Company. Many brewers are featuring seasonal ales for Oktoberfest, and will be on hand to discuss their beers. Also, Wall Street restaurants Cucina 24, Jack of the Wood and The Market Place will be preparing authentic German food fare served with local mustard from the Lusty Monk.

Entertainment
Back again, rollicking oompah band, The Stratton Mountain Boys will bring the harmonic sounds of alphorns, happy yodeling songs, shoe slapping dances, and lively, spirited music to the stage. The Stratton Mountain Boys have brought the haunting sounds of four alphorns, happy yodeling songs, shoe slapping dances, and lively spirited Polka music to audiences across the U.S for more than 30 years.

Contests
This year, contestants for the team contests will be selected by our local participating breweries! Each brewery will field a team of four individuals, one of which must be a female. During the month of September, special events will be held at each brewery and more information will be available soon. If selected by a brewery to be on a team, you will receive free entry to the event. All contestants must be 21 years of age or older. We will still have other contests that are open to all attendees, like the costume contest. There will be some great prizes, so get creative!

Schedule of Events
All events at 21+ unless otherwise stated. Schedule subject to change; please check back often.
11:00: Check-in at the Flat Iron on Wall St.
11:45: TheStratton Mountain Boys start the festival by blowing the Alpine Horn. This will signal the parade towards the stagefor the official tapping of the keg.
12:00: Theofficial tapping of the keg. The Stratton Mountain Boysstart the party!
1:00: Games beginwith the Keg Roll
2:00: Pretzel Toss
3:00: CostumeContest and Brat Eating Contest
4:00: Three-Legged Lederhosen Race
5:00: Beer Goggle Tricycle Race
6:00: The Winning Team of Oktoberfest announced.

Tickets
Tickets are $25 and include beer samples. Tickets will be available September 1 at ashevilledowntown.org. Last year’s event was a huge success and this year’s event is expected to sell out, so purchase early!