The Countdown Begins for International Oktoberfest

PROVIDENCE, RI – Biergartens, bratwurst and Bavarian music will all be on tap at India Point Park, Providence, the new home of the 23rd Annual International Oktoberfest! to take place next weekend, Saturday, October 17th from noon to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 18th from noon to 6:00 p.m.  The Festival, which celebrates everything German, had a very long, successful run at the Newport Yachting Center in Newport, Rhode Island until the property was sold last fall.  Now, the Providence waterfront will soon be the place to find a variety of seasonal brews, full bars offering cocktails and other libations, hearty German food and live Bavarian and American entertainment.  The Festival is only open to guests who are 21+ so proper ID is required upon entry.

Since its inception, the International Oktoberfest has been all about the beer and this year will be no exception as international and local brews will be featured, including Shipyard Pumpkin, Long Trail Harvest, Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin, Yuengling Oktoberfest, Leinenkugal Harvest Patch, Narragansett Town Beach IPA, Allie’s Donuts Porter, Sam Adams Jack-O-Traveler, Harpoon UFO Oktoberfest, Warsteiner Pilsner & Dunkle, Czechvar Pilsner, Hofbrau Weiss & Oktoberfest and Konig Ludwig Hefeweiss.  Providence’s Trinity Brewhouse will also be on hand pouring a variety of seasonal beers.

“What better way to celebrate German culture and the golden days of fall than to raise a stein filled with your favorite brew among friends along the beautiful Providence waterfront,” said Michele Maker Palmieri, President and CEO of Waterfront Productions.  “On tap will be dozens of domestic, craft and international beers, live bands, traditional dancers and authentic German food.”  Palmieri added that the Festival gates open at noon on Saturday and then the celebration officially kicks-off at 1:00 p.m. with the traditional toast by the guest Master of Ceremonies or “Burgermeister”.  The Stein Hoisting Competition will also return by popular demand with the man and woman who can hoist a full liter stein longer than other beer lovers enjoying both prizes and bragging rights!

The Festival will also feature the sounds of America’s #1 Oktoberfest Show Band, SPITZE!, a German – American dance show band that plays both the modern and traditional Alpine sounds of Europe along with some American favorites.  The HSV Bavaria Folk Dancers, a group of dancers, musicians, yodelers, bell ringers and singers, will introduce attendees to Bavarian/Tyrolian dance, Tracht (traditional costumes) and German culture while the local Brian Scott Band will continue the celebration on Saturday evening playing classic and contemporary rock and pop covers.  Between performances, DJ Mike’s Bavarian Bandstand will provide timeless polkas and fun traditional Oktoberfest music and toasts.

International Oktoberfest partners include: Attorney Rob Levine & Associates, BENRUS, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Condor Airlines, Dunkin Donuts, Horizon Beverage, RI Distributing, GoProvidence.com (Providence CVB), GOLOCALprov.com, Metro Motor Group, Uber, City of Providence, City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism and Friends of India Point Park.

Tickets to the International Oktoberfest are general admission and re-entry is allowed.  For Saturday, tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of.  For Sunday, advance tickets are $17 and $20 the day of.  A 2-Day Weekender Pass is also available featuring entry on both days for just $30 advance and $40 the day of.  For the ultimate Oktoberfest fan, an exclusive package for $85 in limited quantities called a “Prost! Pass” offers all-day and night admission, access to the open-air Prost Private Dockside Lounge with a private bar, cocktail service, a flight sampling of four Oktoberfest brews, the official International Oktoberfest mug and a bratwurst from the Brat Bar for an authentic German treat with all the fixings.  Again, the Festival is only open to guests who are 21+ so proper ID is required upon entry.

All tickets to the International Oktoberfest can be purchased online at www.riwaterfrontevents.com or www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000.  Those interested can also visit the RI Waterfront Events Box Office at 4 Commercial Wharf in downtown Newport and at India Point Park on Friday, October 16th from Noon – 10:00 p.m.

For more information on the International Oktoberfest, please visit www.riwaterfrontevents.com or contact Michele Maker Palmieri, President and CEO of Waterfront Productions LLC via email at mmaker@newportwaterfrontevents.com or call (888) 900-8640, Ext. 709. To receive future Rhode Island Waterfront Events and Newport Waterfront Events announcements, presale opportunities or exclusive packages, sign up at riwaterfrontevents.com and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/waterfrontevents and follow on Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

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Avatar About the Author: The Rhode Island Small Business Journal is a printed monthly magazine and an online resource for the aspiring and start-up entrepreneur and small business owner.

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