Don your dirndls and lederhosen and head to Oktoberfest
The Great Northwest Oktoberfest in Whitefish is back for 2022, bigger and better than ever.
Two big weekends are on tap with authentic German beer, food, music and dancing, with entertainment provided by Europa — one of America’s most sought after Oktoberfest bands — as well as Pech und Schwefel, direct from the Austrian Alps. On Saturday afternoons, enjoy the Flathead’s own German orchestra, the Bavarian Echoes.
Tickets are $8 — kids under 12 are admitted free with a parent — and are available only at the Main Gate. There’s plenty of room in the new and improved Depot Park festival grounds, with plenty of free parking available in and around the downtown area.
Schedule
Thursday, Sept. 22: 5 to 11 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 23: 5 to 11 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 24: noon to 11 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 29: 5 to 11 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 30: 5 to 11 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 1: noon to 11 p.m.
Enter one of Oktoberfest’s hourly audience participation contests, like log sawing, stein holding, keg hurling or chicken dancing. Kids Chicken Dance contests are held at 2:45 p.m. Saturdays.
Thursday, Sept 22 is “Locals Night” — Flathead County residents (with valid ID) get in free of charge for an Opening Night extravaganza.
Saturday, Sept. 24 is “Family Day” — Kids 12 and under (with parents) get in free for a full afternoon of festivities outdoors in the Oktoberfest Beer Garden.
Special Competitions:
Sept. 28-29 — The 2022 Oktoberfest Hop Queen Pageant — 6 to 8 p.m., Firebrand Hotel.
Wednesday, Sept. 28: “Hop Queen Qualifier.” Meet the Hop Queen candidates and enjoy music by Pech und Schlefel.
Thursday, Sept. 29: Cast your vote under the Bigtop and see who gets crowned.
Oct. 1 — Men’s and Ladies Stein-Holding Grand Championships — Main Stage, 9 p.m. Winners will have a shot at a spot in next year’s Hofbrau Stein-Holding National Championships in New York City.
No pets are allowed at Oktoberfest and carpooling is encouraged. ATM machines will be available on the premises for festival-goers.
