Time For A Stein
“And uh-one, and uh-two…”
Who can resist a good polka? And combined with a stein of bier and the festive presence of every German expat within miles? It’s the best party of the fall—and it’s the expanded, two-day Oktoberfest coming this weekend at the Chattanooga Market. Although this is now the 12th year of the celebration, it’s the first year for the Saturday Polka Party, which begins at 5 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m. and will feature dinner offerings, live music, and the Miss/Mr. Oktoberfest pageant and contest.
Attend the party in full German regalia and report to the stage at 6 p.m. to be considered for the crown, which will be determined by audience reception (aka screaming for your favorites). “Prizes will be awarded,” according to the Market folks.
The entire two-day German-a-thon is sponsored by Village Volkswagen of Chattanooga, and you’ll find brats and other cuisine, a bier garten with 99 local and season craft brews, the Wurstbrats Oompah band (along with other German music), a Scenic City Volks Folks car show, and of course—polka performances. Admission and parking are, as always, free.
Saturday
7 - 8 a.m.: 5K Ram Run Registration and start time
10 a.m.: Oktoberfest opens
Volks Folks Cruise-in
Noon - 1 p.m.: EPB stage dance entertainment
1:30 - 4:30 p.m.: Glen Morrison, Anoop Desai, Kat Graham, Mike Posner
1 - 4 p.m.: German music/EPB Stage
5-8 p.m.: Polka Party
Sunday
11 a.m.: Oktoberfest opens
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Live German music on two stages throughout the entire day
The full schedule is available online at ChattanoogaOktobefest.com —Staff