The Smoky Mountains are known for their grandeur year-round. Winter brings a wonderland of snow and ice, summer is alive with lush green trees, and spring ushers in wildflowers and stirring wildlife. But fall…fall is the crown of the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s the time when the landscape completely transforms. The leaves on the trees begin to change, effectively painting the mountains with hues of gold, red, and orange.
It’s one of the most popular times to visit the Smokies because of the scenery, but it’s also a favorite because of everything happening in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Fall festivals are in full swing, including the ever-popular and internationally celebrated Oktoberfest. In Gatlinburg, this cultural festival is held at an attraction that’s a Gatlinburg classic – Ober Gatlinburg!
This year, Ober Gatlinburg’s 7th Annual OktOBERfest will be held from September 23-October 30. Held each October, it celebrates some of the time-honored traditions of the original OktOBERfest in Munich, Germany. There is an abundance of activities geared for all ages, so everyone is welcome! From great food to family fun, there really is something for all ages.
The Bavarian cuisine is one of the main highlights of OktOBERfest. Most of the food is German inspired and is derived from recipes from traditional Bavarian festivals. Dishes include schnitzel, bratwurst, strudel, turkey legs, pretzels, and sauerkraut, among many. Salty to sweet, they have it all. If there is not a taste for German food in your palate, you’ll have several other options on site, at eateries offering meals to fit any taste and budget. You can even get some creamy fudge to finish off.
And of course, what would OktOBERfest be without some great beer choices? The delicious, authentic German food at Ober is perfectly paired with a great selection of beers. The Outdoor Bier Garten is open every day for beer sampling, and a beer tent will be available for festival-goers who are 21 and over.
Along with the authentic German cuisine and beer, you can also look forward to outdoor games and the Bavarian Fun Makers Oompah Band – an annual favorite. The band dresses in authentic lederhosen while performing traditional Bavarian folk dances, oompah music, sing-a-longs, yodels, and more! They perform several times each day during OktOBERfest, so get ready to tap your toes, sing along, or hop up and join the dancing!
When you have had your fill of yodeling, schnitzel, and Bavarian beer, you can enjoy everything else that Ober Gatlinburg has to offer. Check out the new Ski Mountain Coaster, cool off at the Indoor Ice Skating Rink, ride the Alpine Slide, take the kids on the Chair Swing, head up the mountain on the Scenic Chairlift, wind your way through the Amaze’n Maze, play a round of mini golf, test your skills at the full arcade, or meet new friends at the Wildlife Encounter. And remember to bring your camera along to capture the memories as well as the gorgeous views of the changing leaves from high above the City of Gatlinburg!
This is an event you won’t want to miss! Allow Ober Gatlinburg to provide you with an experience that you will never forget!
Year-round fun at Ober
Beyond OktOBERfest in October, Ober Gatlinburg is a top spot for family fun in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. While you’re here for OktOBERfest, start planning your next vacation to Gatlinburg for the winter. You can go skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Ober! When spring and summer roll around, try the water raft rides or let the kids get some energy out at Kiddie Land.
Cabins For YOU partners with Ober Gatlinburg
We know you value your hard-earned money and want to get the most out of your Gatlinburg vacation. So Cabins For YOU and Ober Gatlinburg have teamed up to offer you $2 off adult and $1 off child tram tickets when you stay with Cabins For YOU!
Also be sure to check out our Gatlinburg cabins at Cabins For YOU for a great place to stay after fun days at OktOBERfest at Ober Gatlinburg. You’ll find comfortable living rooms, great deck spaces with mountain views, full kitchens where you can try your hand at your own German dishes, and lots of extras like games, private home theaters, private indoor pools, and more!