Get ready to raise your steins and don your lederhosen because Campbell’s Oktoberfest is back for its 29th year of Bavarian-inspired revelry! This two-day German extravaganza will take over the streets of historic Downtown Campbell on October 19-20, bringing a taste of Munich to the heart of Silicon Valley.
A Festival That’s Anything But Average
Let’s face it: most festivals these days are about as exciting as watching paint dry. But Campbell’s Oktoberfest? It’s like someone took a regular festival, fed it a steady diet of bratwurst and beer, and then taught it to polka. The result? It’s a celebration that’s been voted Metro’s Best South Bay Festival for years.
Biersch Garden: Where Beer Dreams Come True
At the heart of the festival lies the Biersch Garden, a magical place where beer flows like water and lederhosen are considered high fashion. Here, you’ll find expansive covered tents with plenty of seating, perfect for resting your weary legs after all that enthusiastic “chicken dancing.”
Gordon Biersch Brewing Company will serve their finest German beers, ensuring your thirst is quenched and your spirits are high. And if you’re worried about drinking on an empty stomach, fear not! Authentic German food vendors will be on hand to fill your belly with delicious Bavarian treats.
Entertainment That’ll Make You Say “Oom-pah-pah!”
The Biersch Garden stage will feature the Zicke Zacke Band, playing German tunes that will have you tapping your feet and questioning your ability to pronounce German words. They’ll be performing from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, giving you plenty of time to perfect your yodeling technique.
Contests for the Brave (and the Silly)
If you’ve ever wanted to show off your biceps while holding a heavy beer stein, or if you’ve been dying to parade around in your great-grandfather’s lederhosen, you’re in luck! The festival will host Stein-holding and Best Dressed contests on both days. Winners get bragging rights and the opportunity to say, “I told you these lederhosen would come in handy someday, Mom!”
Beyond the Biersch Garden
While the Biersch Garden is undoubtedly the star of the show, there’s plenty more to explore at Campbell’s Oktoberfest. The festival will feature over 100 artisan and business booths, perfect for those who shop while slightly buzzed.
Four stages of music and performances will keep your ears as happy as your taste buds. And for the little ones (or the young at heart), there’s a Kids Zone because nothing says “family-friendly,” like teaching children to appreciate a good polka.
Event Details
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 19th (10 am – 6 pm) and Sunday, October 20th (10 am – 5 pm), 2024. The festival will take place in Downtown Campbell, along East Campbell Avenue.
The best part? Admission is free! That’s right, you can experience all this German-inspired madness without spending a single Euro (or dollar, for that matter).
If you’re driving, free parking is available. There’s even a bike valet for the environmentally conscious (or those who plan on sampling a lot of beer).
A Word to the Wise
While the festival promises fun for all, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Leave Fido at home. Only service animals are allowed, no matter how cute your pup looks in Lederhosen.
- Pre-purchase your drink tickets and festival glassware at CampbellOktoberfest.com because nothing ruins the mood faster than waiting in line for beer tokens.
- Don’t forget to sign up for the stein-holding contest online. It’s your chance to prove that all those bicep curls at the gym weren’t in vain.
So there you have it, folks. Campbell’s Oktoberfest 2024 promises to be a weekend full of beer, bratwurst, and questionable dance moves. Whether you’re a seasoned Oktoberfest veteran or a newbie to the world of all things German, this festival has something for everyone.
Just remember: pace yourself, don’t be afraid to bust out your worst German accent, and for the love of all that is holy, wear comfortable shoes. Prost!
Sources: campbelloktoberfest.com, eventbrite.com
Header Image Source: elederhosen.com
