Oktoberfest to kickoff next week in Helen

It’s almost time for Oktoberfest season in Helen.

The festivities throughout the city begin Thursday, Sept. 9, and continue through Sunday, Nov. 7. At the Helen Festhalle (1074 Edelweiss Strasse), Oktoberfest celebrations will run from Sept. 9-12, Sept. 16-19, Sept. 23-26, then daily from Sept. 30 through Nov. 7. On Thursdays, the event is from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and costs $8. On Fridays, it is from 6 p.m. to midnight, and costs $8. Saturdays the event is from 1 p.m. to midnight and costs $10. Sundays is from 1-7 p.m. and entry is free. Food and drinks are an additional cost. For more information, visit helenchamber.com or call 706-878-1908.

The annual Oktoberfest parade is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 11, at noon in downtown Helen. The parade starts on Edelweiss Strasse near the Festhalle, turns down Chattahoochee Strasse before making its way onto Main Street and ending at Betty’s Country Store.

Following the parade on Sept. 11 will be the first of many ceremonial tappings of the keg throughout Helen. The first one will take place that same day at 1:30 p.m. at the Helen Festhalle, with additional tappings at 3 p.m. at Cowboys & Angels Restaurant, 4 p.m. at the Troll Tavern and 5 p.m. at Cafe International.

Keg tappings are scheduled to be held every weekend:

• Sept. 18 – noon at King Ludwig’s Biergarten, 1 p.m. at The Heidelberg, 2 p.m. at Alpine Brew Deck and 3 p.m. at Two Tire Tavern;

• Sept. 25 – noon at Schatzie’s Cafe, 1 p.m. at Hofbrauhaus, 2 p.m. at Betty’s Country Store, and 3 p.m. at Hofer’s Bakery & Cafe;

• Oct. 2 – noon at Slice of Helen, 1 p.m. at Bigg Daddys, 2 p.m. at The Hayloft and 3 p.m. at Bodensee;

• Oct. 9 – noon at Monday’s Pub, 1 p.m. at Spice 55, 2 p.m. at Sweet Acre Wine, 3 p.m. at Chattahoochee Dog Haus and 4 p.m. at River Haus.

To participate in the keg tappings, a person must be 21 and older and present a valid ID. To stay up to date on the keg tapping schedule, follow the Fashingsverien Helen Facebook page (facebook.com/FVHelen) or the Alpine/White County CVB at helenga.org.