Alpine Fun at the Annual Helen Georgia Oktoberfest
Did you know that the longest-running Oktoberfest in the United States happens in Helen in the North Georgia mountains each year? Join the town of Helen this Fall to celebrate the annual Helen Oktoberfest!
Helen Georgia Oktoberfest 2025
Helen Oktoberfest 2025 starts on September 4th and lasts over seven weeks! Below are details on how to enjoy Helen’s most popular annual event.
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Helen Georgia Oktoberfest 2025
The 2025 Helen GA Oktoberfest dates are from September 4 through November 2. Make plans now to attend the festivities with the details below.
So, what should you expect at the annual Oktoberfest event in Helen?
Fussen Biergarten Helen GA Oktoberfest
The alpine mountain town of Helen looks like a Bavarian village all year round, but this small town packs extra oomph during Oktoberfest. In addition to the lively German music and attire, expect to find plenty of beer, wine, and traditional German foods, including pretzels, brats, and sauerkraut!
The weather may still be hot as festivities start in September—you may even find yourself sweating in your lederhosen! Take advantage of the warmer temperatures and float down the Chattahoochee River on a sunny afternoon.
Helen GA Things Do Tubing Oktoberfest
As the event nears its close in late October, the weather will be cooler, and the Georgia mountains will burst with gorgeous fall colors. Check the weather forecast in advance and dress accordingly to ensure your comfort.
Traffic can slow down considerably during peak hours, so give yourself extra time for travel. The biggest crowds show up when the fall colors of the leaves in the mountains are at their most colorful peak — this annual display attracts thousands of people to enjoy the natural beauty and coincides with the Oktoberfest schedule. Many hotels and cabins are fully booked during these weekends, so be sure to book your lodging in advance for the best selection.
Helen Georgia Oktoberfest Schedule
Helen Oktoberfest Festhalle in Helen GA in 2023
You will find that the entire Helen village gets wrapped up in the spirit of Oktoberfest, but the main event happens at the Helen Festhalle at 1074 Edelweiss Strasse. Check the Helen GA Oktoberfest calendar below and make plans to attend the festivities!
Helen Georgia Oktoberfest Dates 2025
Alpine Helen Oktoberfest 2025 Schedule
The 2025 Helen Ga Oktoberfest starts on Thursday, September 4th, and runs through Sunday, November 2nd. The Helen Georgia Oktoberfest schedule is
- September 4 – September 21: open Thursdays – Sundays
- September 25 – September 30: open daily
- October 1 – October 31: open daily
- November 1 – November 2: open daily
Helen Georgia Oktoberfest Hours
The official Oktoberfest events run long weekends (Thursdays – Sundays) from September 4th through September 21st. Starting September 25th, the Oktoberfest events are celebrated daily at the Festhalle!
Helen Oktoberfest is a family-friendly event. It offers half-price admission for kids (ages 6 to 12) and free entry for kids aged five and under. Active and retired military personnel receive free admission with a valid military ID. Plus, to top it off, everyone gets FREE admission to Helen Oktoberfest on Sundays! Save $5 on weekend admission with a combo Friday/Saturday pass for $25.
- SUN (FREE) • 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- MON ($10) • 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm
- TUE ($10) • 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm
- WED ($10) • 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm
- THU ($10) • 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm
- FRI ($15) • 6:00 pm – 12:00 am
- SAT ($15) • 1:00 pm – 12:00 am
Purchase your tickets at the door for the Helen Oktoberfest. Groups of 25 or more can request a group package with advance reservation & prepayment only.
Helen Georgia Oktoberfest Parade 2025
There is an Oktoberfest parade on the first Saturday of Oktoberfest to kick off the annual festival. The 2025 Oktoberfest parade Helen GA is on Saturday, September 6th, at 12:00 pm.
Get there early to find a great viewing spot along the Helen Oktoberfest parade route:
- Parade starts on Edelweiss Strasse near the Festhalle
- Turns left onto Chattahoochee Strasse
- Turns right onto Main Street
- Ends at Betty’s Country Store
The Oktoberfest parade route in Helen can also be viewed on the map of Helen GA Oktoberfest below.
Immediately following the parade, visitors (ages 21+) can attend the traditional annual keg-tapping events scheduled around town.
Helen Georgia Oktoberfest 2025 Keg Tapping
Helen Georgia Oktoberfest 2023 Keg Tapping Schedule
Visitors aged 21+ are invited to join the Helen Oktoberfest keg-tapping events around town. These events happen on Saturday afternoons during the first half of Oktoberfest. Bring $10 cash for daily participation. The 2023 Keg Tapping schedule was (check back close to the start of Oktoberfest to see updated schedules for 2025):
- Saturday, September 9th
- 1:30 pm – Helen Festhalle
- 3:00 pm – Cafe International
- 3:30 pm – Christoff’s 76
- 4:00 pm – Bodensee
- Saturday, September 16th
- 12:00 pm – Cowboys & Angels
- 12:30 pm – The Troll Tavern
- 1:00 pm – Alpine Brew Deck
- 1:30 pm – King Ludwig Biergarten
- Saturday, September 23rd
- 12:00 pm – Slice of Helen
- 12:30 pm – Bigg Daddy’s
- 1:00 pm – Bangkok
- 1:30 pm – Lacabana
- Saturday, September 30th
- 12:00 pm – Hofbrauhaus
- 1:00 pm – Betty’s Country Store
- 1:30 pm – Alpine Pizza Garden
- 2:00 pm – Two Tire Tavern
- 2:30 pm – Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe
- Saturday, October 7th
- 12:00 pm – McCoyne’s Brewery
- 1:00 pm – Chattahoochee Dog Haus
- 1:30 pm – Sweet Acre Farms Wine
- 2:00 pm – Monday’s Pub
- 2:30 pm – Spice55
See the interactive Helen GA Oktoberfest map below to help plan your trip.
Helen Georgia Oktoberfest 2025 Bands
Enjoy authentic live German music at the Helen Festhalle throughout Oktoberfest. Two great bands perform each week, and the music starts 30 minutes after the doors open each day.
The 2025 Helen Oktoberfest band schedule includes some of the top acts performing Oktoberfest favorites.
- September 4 – 7 with music from Terry Cavanagh & Alpine Express and Festhaus Musig
- September 11 – 14 with music from Polka Cola and Bavarski
- September 18 – 21 with music from Martin Gross und sein Sonnenschein Express and Autobahn Karl
- September 25 – 28 with music from Prost and Das Haus
- September 29 – October 5 with music from Zweifel Brothers and The Sauerkrauts (40th reunion)
- October 6 – 12 with music from Alex Meixner Band and Aaron Dussing Band
- October 13 – 19 with music from Alpenmusikanten and Sonnenschnapps
- October 20 – 26 with music from Europa and Mollie B and Friends
- October 27 – November 2 with music from Johnny Koenig Band and duoAlpenEchos
Arrive early for the best seats, or spend the entire time doing traditional dances on the Festhalle dance floor!
You can also find great bands at other places throughout Helen – click here to learn more about the top places for live music in Helen all year long!
Helen Oktoberfest Food Menu
Helen Georgia Oktoberfest Food Menu
The Helen Festhalle serves traditional German favorites like bratwurst, sauerkraut, leberkase, and German potato salad. Snackable standards like nachos, hot dogs, and cookies are available for picky eaters in your group.
Outside of the Festhalle, Helen is known for many great restaurants with German food and drink!
Helen Oktoberfest Lodging
There are many different options for lodging in Helen during Oktoberfest, but be sure to book in advance as most Helen hotels and rentals will sell out on peak Oktoberfest dates.
For the best experience, try to find a place within walking distance from downtown Helen. It’s a great time of year to be outside for a walk around town, plus vehicle traffic can be especially busy during Oktoberfest.
Helen Cabin Rentals
Many of the great vacation rentals in Helen are within walking distance of the center of Helen village. Choose from amazing Helen cabins, including riverfront rentals, or find rental houses, condos, and cottages. Find pet-friendly cabins in Helen or something big enough for a large group!
Helen Hotels & Motels
Stay with familiar brands and find perks, including free breakfast, parking, and internet access. Earn free nights or loyalty points with select rates. Find the best prices and search multiple hotel properties/brands with online travel agencies like Expedia, Hotels.com, Priceline, and Booking.com.
Helen Camping
Get a little closer to nature with a stay at a campground. Find primitive campsites and glamping options, or rent an RV for your camping trip.
Helen Oktoberfest Transportation
Helen Georgia Oktoberfest Main Street
The popular Oktoberfest event sees the small town of Helen (population 543) swell to greet thousands of visitors each year. This can stretch transportation resources like taxi companies, making finding a driver when you need one most challenging. Make plans in advance to ensure you get home safely.
- If possible, book Helen lodging within walking distance of festivities, and don’t drive during Oktoberfest
- If you will be drinking and cannot walk home, designate a sober driver or arrange for other transportation
- Visitors from nearby cities may find tour bus excursions that include transportation to Helen and back
- Local taxi service is available from Alpine Taxi at +1 (706) 969-5311
- For trips within Helen, you can opt for a horse-drawn carriage to take to you into town and back (service area and business hours are very limited)
- Alpine Carriage Company +1 (706) 892-8134
- Pegasus Horse Drawn Carriages +1 (706) 499-1159
- Rideshare apps (Lyft and Uber) do not show Helen as a city that they serve, but drivers may be in the area during peak times (it is not advised to count on this option)
What to Take to the 2025 Helen Oktoberfest
Plan and make sure you have everything you need during the festival.
Oktoberfest Essentials
You need only a festive spirit to enjoy yourself at the Helen Oktoberfest. Carry these essentials to ensure you have everything you need for a memorable trip!
- Take your ID – most places in Helen have a strict policy to check everyone’s ID
- Carry cash – many places do accept credit cards, but cash is often a preferred method to tip servers and musicians
- Wear an easy-to-carry crossbody bag to keep important items close while dining and dancing
- A unique beer stein can be as fun and festive as you’d like – plus, it will always stand out in a crowd!
- Carry a water bottle to make sure you stay hydrated during long days and nights of festivities
Dressing for Oktoberfest
Although dressing up for Oktoberfest is not required, you may find that it helps you to enjoy yourself just a little more. 😉
Oktoberfest Clothing for Men
Men can enjoy getting into the Oktoberfest spirit with a traditional and festive checkered trachten shirt, or add a festive pair of Lederhosen for extra oomph!
Octoberfest Clothing for Women
A dirndl dress is a traditional choice that fits in perfectly at Oktoberfest celebrations. Be aware that the way the knot is tied on the dirndl may signify relationship status — a knot on the left means single, a knot on the right means taken, a knot in the center may signify virginity, and a knot in the back can indicate a widow or a waitress!
- Oktoberfest Accessories – add an extra touch of fun with Oktoberfest-themed accessories like hats, socks, earrings, and glasses
- Oktoberfest Clothing for Children
- Kids can choose to get in on the fun by getting fully dressed up
- Kids can also add a fun accessory to any outfit
- Oktoberfest for Pets – If you are traveling with your dog (note that only documented service dogs are allowed into the Helen Festhalle), you may also want to dress up your pet for Oktoberfest
Additional Helen Oktoberfest Resources
The official events will be held at the Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA, but many other restaurants and places in Helen will also participate in other ways.
Enjoy a beer under the tent at Hofbrauhaus for 2025 Oktoberfest Helen GA
Check with your favorite local businesses to find other interesting Helen GA things do during the weeks of Oktoberfest celebrations. Look for live music performances, extended hours, and more!
Helen Oktoberfest Interactive Map
Use the interactive map of downtown Helen, Georgia, to find the Kickoff Parade route, the Keg Tapping stops, the main festival hall, and more!
Staying Safe at Helen Oktoberfest
While the festive environment usually brings out the best in people, law enforcement officers will help with crowd control and ensure that everyone has a great time.
If someone in your group needs legal advice or assistance, contact Corales Law for a free consultation. This Georgia legal team has years of experience and can answer your questions over the phone at (678) 961-3999. You can reach them at any time.
Helen Georgia Links
Visit these links to learn more about things to do in Helen, GA, in October and all year round!
- Helen, GA – best places to stay
- Helen, GA – best restaurants
- Helen, GA – best places for live music
- Helen Chamber of Commerce – official Oktoberfest website
- Oktoberfest Festhalle Friends, Helen, Georgia – Facebook group
Learn more about this local Oktoberfest event with Helen Oktoberfest videos on TikTok and YouTube.
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Helen Oktoberfest 2025
Have you been to one of the annual Helen Oktoberfest events? What are you looking forward to this year?
The article’s comprehensive guide to Oktoberfest in Helen is truly informative. I wish I had known about these insights when I attended last year – the tips on what to wear and where to stay would have been incredibly helpful in enhancing my experience. The recommendations on accommodations and the pet policy are particularly thoughtful, offering valuable guidance for festival-goers. Personally, I had the pleasure of attending the festival last year, and I can only imagine how much smoother my trip would have been with these helpful tips in mind. The festive atmosphere, the lively music, and the delicious German cuisine made for an unforgettable experience, and I’m eagerly looking forward to using this guide for an even better time this year.
Hello, Ashley! It’s great to hear you enjoyed last year’s festival and are ready for more fun at the 2023 Oktoberfest! I hope you have a great costume ready and a fun itinerary planned for your favorite bands and places to see. Stay tuned – the 2023 Keg Tapping schedule will be posted later today!
Enjoy!
It’s great to see a comprehensive guide that captures the essence of this vibrant event. From traditional German music and dancing to mouthwatering cuisine and festive parades, Oktoberfest in Helen offers a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. The inclusion of activities like beer tastings, arts and crafts, and live entertainment showcases the diverse range of entertainment options available. Your article has truly sparked my excitement to attend this year’s festivities and immerse myself in the rich cultural celebration. Thank you for sharing this fantastic guide to the Helen, Georgia Oktoberfest!
Hello, Lauren! Oktoberfest is Helen’s biggest annual event, and it’s smart that you’ve started the planning with enough time to find the perfect accommodations!
I hope you have a great time and get to enjoy all of the unique fall festivities at the 2023 Helen Oktoberfest!
I did not know that the longest running Oktober Fest is in the Georgia mountains. I find this surprising. Does Helen have a large population of German immigrants? There must be since Oktoberfest Helen GA 2022 lasted almost TWO MONTHS and its set to do the same this year! That’s a really long time!
(There’s an Oktober Fest in Chicago, where I’m from, but it’s only a 3 or 4 day event. There must be a large proportion of German people there. In Chicago, there’s every ethnicity…)
Whatever the reason, it’s obviously a good fit, or it wouldn’t keep happening. It does, actually, look like Bavaria.
Your website is really interesting. It’s making me want to go on a trip to Georgia. I’m, like 3/4 German. I might fit in there.
Thanks a lot for this!
Anna
Hi, Anna, The Helen GA Oktoberfest 2023 celebrations should be a lot of fun! Travel is up again so I would expect Helen Georgia Oktoberfest to have a big turnout, especially on the weekends and in October!! 🥨🍺
I can see enjoying a trip to Georgia for the OktoberFest. My sister-in-law lives in Jasper which is about 1.5 hrs from Helen, and I am 100% sure she and her husband would love to join me and my husband in attending this year, or maybe next year, gotta plan financially at least a little. We live in Colorado, so it’s a bit of a drive, the husband is terrified of planes.
My husband would enjoy the music and food, I would be there for the BEER!! We could both use some family time with his sister too. Thanks for writing such a great guide for the Helen OktoberFest.
Stacie
Hi Stacie! This would be a great opportunity to visit your sister-in-law and enjoy some of the fun events in North Georgia. If you do visit during the early fall, there are also wonderful harvest festivals that are a little closer to Jasper that you may also enjoy!
Hi there,
Thanks for the informative article, the Oktoberfest at Helen, Georgia sounds amazing!
I’ve attended a few in the UK and didn’t realise it was a thing over in the States.
It sounds georgous with the autumnal leaves and with the sourounding mountains looks like it makes a really magical experience! I hope I can attend!
Cheers!
Bren
Hi Ben, It’s great to start planning now as this is a very popular event. It’s smart to book hotel / cabin rental reservations early so that you can choose from the best selection of places to stay! 🙂
I had no idea such an extensive Oktoberfest celebration took place in the US let alone in Georgia! There must be a large German heritage in Helen. In the late 1990’s I went on a business trip to Munich with my wife in October. We were fortunate to have visited the Haufbrauhaus. Buxom wenches carrying a multitude of steins filled with beer were an amazing sight.
You provided incredible details about the event in Helen that would help anyone indenting to attend everything they needed to prepare as well as have a great time. I was amazed that you even covered clothing for pets!
Cheers.
Edwin
Hi Edwin, Helen’s Alpine identity comes from intentional city planning in the 1960s. The alpine look was mandated in 1969 in an attempt to attract tourists to the town after the logging industry had left. Now in its 50th year of Oktoberfest celebrations, the plan has definitely proven to attract tourists to the small mountain town!
I absolutely love October for all the fun festivals. This one looks like a blast! I see that it runs through November 7th, which is perfect because I’ll actually be traveling through that area on November 5th. I’m going to put it on my itinerary! I bet the area is gorgeous that time of year too!
Hi Alicia, It’s hard to know exactly when the peak fall colors will arrive each year, but late October and early November are always a good bet. I hope the trees put on a beautiful show for you on your upcoming trip to North Georgia! Enjoy!
Wow! That is a very long Oktoberfest… 6 week and a half longer than the one held in Germany if I am not mistaking? Your site is really well done and very informative. It seems it include all the information we need to book a trip. I am wondering, just curious, is there a lot of German resident in Helen?
Hi Olivier, Thanks so much. There are a few residents in Helen with German roots, and fortunately, some of them have started great restaurants and other businesses in town to add authenticity to your visit.
Wow, this looks like super fun and 8 and a half weeks on shows, parties, and drinking. I see that they have a different band and theme for each week, what fun. As a musician, this is the ultimate festival! I like that they have specific kid-friendly events too and I will be definitely taking a horse-drawn carriage ride. I would love to dress in some of these gorgeous clothes for the event. This is a must-do on my calendar. Everyone should enjoy some Alpine fun at least once in their lives.
Hi Lily, The weather is perfect right now and should make for a great Oktoberfest trip to Helen!