In the Cape Fear area, fall is made of two parts: sticky Hurricane Season and Oktoberfest Season! Happily, we are now well into the latter. So, trade in your bottles of water for bottles of beer (or lemonade for the kids!) and come celebrate Oktoberfest 2019 in Wilmington NC. All the festivals happen during the daytime and involve games, music and food. And kids benefit from experiencing another culture, making the celebrations perfect for a family outing.
The German traditions of bratwursts, singing and tasty beer were likely brought to our region in the 1700s by a wave of immigrants from Germany and an influx of Pennsylvania Dutch from the northern United States. Today, the regional celebrations consist of dancing, singing, and lots of smiles. Just as in Munich, Germany – where Oktoberfest began in 1810 during Crown Prince Ludwig’s Royal Wedding – the celebrations are family-friendly and very inclusive.
Before you bring the family to celebrate Oktoberfest 2019 in Wilmington NC, you and the kids should learn the lyrics to Ein Prosit. You’re likely to hear it numerous times – and everyone is expected to sing jovially before lifting their steins in celebration.
German Ein Prosit (“A Toast”) Oktoberfest Lyrics
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit (A toast, a toast)
Der Gemütlichkeit (To cheer and good times)
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit
Der Gemütlichkeit
OANS! ZWOA! DREI! G’SUFFA! (ONE! TWO! THREE! DRINK UP!)
So, dance the traditional Schuhplattler dance with your kids, take out your Lederhosen, sing Ein Prosit, and celebrate our region’s beautiful fall season at one of these fun Biergarten-themed festivals!
Where to celebrate Oktoberfest 2019
Waterline Brewing Company: 4th Annual Oktoberfest Under the Bridge
Saturday, October 5, 1pm–9pm
Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Waterline is bringing back the huge tent! The festival will feature the Harbour Towne Fest Band 1-6pm, games (including the Stein-holding competition), food, liter steins for sale ($10), its annual Oktoberfest Beer, the “Most Festively Dressed” contest and more!
Food trucks with special German food menus will be available from vendors including 2 Bros Coastal Cuisine, A&M Red, Little Chef, Bill’s Food Truck, Wicked Good Deep Fried Pretzels, Crofton’s Pretzels.
Palate Bottle Shop & Reserve: 3rd Annual Wilmington Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 12, 12pm-8pm
Palate Bottle Shop & Reserve, 1007 N 4th St, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
Enjoy the entertainment of the Little German Band & Dancers along with liters of Paulaner Oktoberfest Biers & lots of tasty German food. Proceeds benefit Cape Fear River Watch. Note: Actual physical location ½ block past Palate at 1101 N. 4th Street.
Ogden Tap Room: 19th Annual Wilmington Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 19th, 11am-8pm
Ogden Tap Room, 7324 Market St, Wilmington, North Carolina 28411
Enjoy authentic German beers & brats, the popular Wiener Dog races, bouncy houses for the kids & live music from the Harbor Townfest Band. Registration begins at noon, and Wiener Dog races start at 3p. Bring your family, friends, & lawn chairs!
Bring the family to come out and celebrate Oktoberfest 2019 in Wilmington NC. And be sure to check out some of Cape Fear Family Magazine’s other resources for families in the Wilmington, NC area!
Oysterberfest
Saturday, October 19th, 12pm-8pm
Wilmington Brewery, 6201 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403
It’s hard to say, but fun to do! The Wilmington Brewery’s fall harvest festival and oyster season kickoff party, Oysterberfest, is back!!!
An oyster roast and German cuisine accompanies our lineup of fall beers. Live music performances in the beer garden include The Beau Rikkis (1pm-4) and The Caroliners(430-730)
Food includes local oysters (raw and steamed), brats and jumbo pretzels. Shirts and souvenir mugs will be on offer.