Don't Miss Oktoberfest & Halloween in Atlanta
In 1970, a month-long, German-style celebration known as “Oktoberfest” was introduced to Helen, Ga. by Pete Hodkinson (one of the men also responsible for revamping Helen’s appearance into a Bavarian-style tourist town). This festival is copied from a celebration originating in Munich in 1810 that was held in honor of the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. (That ends your history lesson for the day.)
Though the American version of this carnival has branched out across the US since 1970, Helen is still known as the Oktoberfest capital. From mid-September to the end of October, you will find the city full of performers in traditional German clothing dancing the polka as tourists drink German beer, eat German-style wursts and participate in crazy games that most people would play only after a few drinks.
Usually hotels in Helen must be booked weeks or months in advance due to the huge influx of tourists in September and October, but it’s not too early to start planning for next year or too late to participate in the Oktoberfest happenings in Atlanta. And, we can’t forget about Halloween – October’s other big event. Visiting a haunted house provides the perfect excuse for getting close to a date.
Following is a list of upcoming Oktoberfest activities in and around Atlanta as well as upcoming Halloween events.
OKTOBERFEST
Fadoktoberfest 2010 – Saturday, October 3
An outdoor street festival with polka bands, bratwurst and live bands. Watch and participate in games such as Stein Holding, Brat Eating, and Beer Chugging.
Location: Fadó Irish Pub, 273 Buckhead Ave NE, Atlanta
Time: 6 p.m.
Cost: $10
American Cancer Society Roktoberfest – Saturday, October 9
Enjoy beer tasting, live music, and gutes essen (good food), all to benefit the American Cancer Society. The ACS Young Professionals of Atlanta are hosting the first ever ACS Roktoberfest featuring local Red Brick Brewery and local band, Sun Domingo, playing their last show before their European Tour.
Location: Renaissance Waverly Hotel, 2450 Galleria parkway, Atlanta
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $45 per person; may also pre-purchase a $5 mug to use for the Red Brick Brewery beer tasting.
11th Annual Helen Oktoberfest Trip – Saturday, October 23
USA Entertainment is hosting a day trip to Helen during which participants will visit the“fun spots and do a bar crawl. Cost includes coach bus transportation, beer, wine, soft drinks, water, snacks & free admission to Grave Diggers Ball at Buckhead Saloon that night upon return from Helen.
Location: Pick up at Buckhead Saloon, 3227 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Cost: $45 by October 1, $55 after October 1
HALLOWEEN
Netherworld Haunted House – open every day in October and November 5th and 6th
One of the top haunted houses in the nation, Netherworld is a walk-through dark attraction filled with live actors, special effects, and monsters. The haunted house is only for the truly brave, though. Those who love a good scare and who have a strong stomach.
Location: 6624 Dawson Blvd., Norcross,
Time: 7 p.m.
Cost: $22 per person for the main haunt “Gargoyle,” $27 per person for both “Gargoyle” and “Dead Salvage” haunts.
Age: All ages
Chambers Of Horror Haunted House – Every night in October
For adults only, Chamber of Horror bill itself “the most disturbing and shocking horror attraction in the nation.” Visit the Splatter Bar & Lounge for drinks and entertainment while you wait for you turn through the haunted house.
Location: The Masquerade, 695 North Ave NE, Atlanta
Times: 8 p.m.
Cost: $15 General Admission, $25 Speed Pass, $45 VIP Pass, www.ticketmaster.com
Ages: 17 and older
Georgia Tech Dance Association Halloween-Themed Dance – Friday, October 29
Put on your Halloween costume, but make sure it’s comfortable enough to jump, jive and wail. A professionally-taught swing dancing lesson is held from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by open dancing from 9 p.m. to Midnight with music performed by The Gravediggers.
Location: Georgia Tech’s ballroom on the third floor of the Student Center.
Time: 8 p.m. - Midnight
Cost: $10 general admission; $5 for students and ASEDA members
Age: All ages
Scary Party Pub Crawl – Friday, October 29
A pub crawl to nine beers that feature great drink & food specials, plus raffle prizes & more, and three costume contests at Cosmo Lava for best male, female & group costumes. Participating bars: Front Page News, Flip Flops, Koo Koo Room, Tin Lizzys, Sutra, Deadwood Saloon, Vickery's and Cosmo Lava.
Location: Registration at Deadwood Saloon, 66 12th Street NE Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Time: 8 p.m.
Cost: $8 until October 15; $10 after; $15 at the door
Spiralween – Saturday, October 30
Taking over Park Tavern, Spiralween is one of Atlanta’s staple Halloween costume party’s. Held at Park Tavern, Spiralween features outrageous costumes, live music, DJs and go-go Dancers. Costume contest winners will receive $500 each.
Location: Park Tavern
Time: 9 p.m. – 2:30 a.m.
Cost: $15 online – price will increase. Regular price $30
Horror Hotel Atlanta – Saturday, October 30
In its third year, Horror Hotel features more than five party atmospheres playing Hip-hop, Top 40, Mash-ups, House, and International music. Book your room in advance and then enjoy an all-night Halloween extravaganza without the worry of driving home in the wee hours of the morning since your room is only a few steps away from the party. Costumes encouraged, but not required.
Location: W Atlanta – Midtown
Time: 9 p.m. – 4 a.m.
Cost: $20
Age: 21 and over
The Atlanta Halloween Ball – Saturday, October 30
Put on your fancy clothes and your masquerade mask to enjoy a night of music, dancing, comedy, and unlimited cocktails to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The couple with the best mask ensemble will win a free cruise.
Location: The Fox Theatre’s Egyptian Ballroom, 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Time: 8 p.m. – Midnight
Cost: $125 early bird special
Age: 21 and up
