By Colin Anderson | Article provided by Coeur d’Alene Living Local
You don’t need to wait until October for your annual Oktoberfest celebration. Coeur d’Alene opens the celebrations on the same weekend as Munich, the birthplace of Oktoberfest. While you won’t see the massive throngs of revelers as you would in Germany, you will experience a fun family friendly event highlighting German heritage, food and drink.
The ninth annual Downtown Coeur d’Alene Oktoberfest will be held on Friday, September 21 and Saturday, September 22. The Friday kickoff begins at 4pm and runs until 9pm. On Saturday, festivities begin at noon and continue to 9pm as well.
Biergartens will be set up both inside and out with three different areas to explore. You’ll find the indoor biergarten at the Resort Plaza Shops, and moving outside, the corner of Second and Sherman will be the Prostgarten. On Saturday, an additional outdoor area called Festzelt will open up on the Resort Lawn.
Throughout the two-day event you can sample from more than 30 beers with German selections, as well as local brewers’ takes on German-style lagers and seasonal offerings. Ciders will also be served. Six live bands will provide music during the celebration.
Local businesses are also participating by opening their doors and pouring beers as well. You’ll find samples along Sherman Avenue at Taphouse Unchained, All Things Irish, Angel Gallery, Christmas at the Lake and Fine Brewed. Dressing up is encouraged, and those wearing a traditional dirndl or lederhosen will be treated to a free meal.
Advanced tickets are strongly recommended, as the event has sold out of steins in previous years. Tickets get you entry, a souvenir glass and tastes. Additional 4-ounce tastes can be purchased for just $1. Designated drivers and children get in for free. You can purchase your tickets at
CoeurdAleneOktoberfest.com.
