Oktober Fest Is Back With "Munich on Marietta"

September 7,2012

Atlanta’s only true German beer garden is gearing up for Oktoberfest, the annual 16-day festival traditionally held in Munich, Germany running from late September to the first weekend in October. There’s no need to leave the country – or even the city – for an authentic experience. 

Just venture to Der Biergarten in Downtown’s Luckie Marietta District for all of the fun!  Kicking off Saturday, September 22 with the traditional tapping of the keg, Der Biergarten’s “Munich on Marietta Street” Oktoberfest celebration will feature authentic German food and beer, festive décor and live entertainment along with special events added this year including a Brat Eating Contest with professional eater Grace Lee and a “Barks & Beer” night for pups on the patio. 

Named among the top beer gardens in the country by USA Today, Fodor's and Delish.com, Der Biergarten is German owned and operated with German staff heading up its culinary team.  The restaurant offers more German draft beer than anywhere else in the Southeast, with 18 selections on tap and pours more Weihenstephaner products than anyone in the state. For the true German beer connoisseur, Der Biergarten is the only place in Atlanta to carry Zunft Kolsch and Paulaner Salvator on draft and the only restaurant in Georgia to offer Paulaner Weisn on draft for Oktoberfest. 

A tradition for more than 200 years, the ceremonial tapping of the keg, taking place on Saturday, September 22 at high noon, signifies the beginning of Oktoberfest and those present are encouraged to fill their steins with the flowing brew.  Jacob Herzug and The Bavarian Express will perform from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m., followed by Die Kurtzbaum from 7:00 until 10:00 p.m. and DJ Johnny rounds out the day from 10:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. Warsteiner Pilsners will be on special with $8 liters. Festivities and beer specials will continue every day through October 7 with live music on weekends. For more information on Oktoberfest events, please visit www.derbiergarten.com.