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?
Are there rides, games, activities etc., besides the shops, food, bands, etc.?
Hi James, Helen Oktoberfest kicks off with a few notable activities including the “tapping of the keg” at local bars and restaurants and there is a parade through town on the first Saturday of Oktoberfest. There is a lot of dancing in the Festhalle and the chicken dance is played often. Most local places find some way to join in on the fun — expect to hear live music throughout Helen on Oktoberfest weekends.
There are also a couple of other Helen events that coincide with the Oktoberfest schedule like the ArtOberfest Arts & Fine Crafts Festival (10/22/21 – 10/23/21) that will include local vendors, face painting, and more. Check the Alpine Helen / White County calendar for details about specific dates.
I landed on your site because looking for suggestions about horseback riding. And I feel Dahlonega would be my best option for that.
The Helen Oktoberfest looks very close by and would make a great excursion to see while I’m there. Are these 2 towns really close enough to see both in a day?
Hi Ann, Helen and Dahlonega are only 25 miles apart from each other and the drive between them is quite scenic. If you have some spare time on your fall trip to Dahlonega, it’s definitely a unique experience to see the big German-themed Oktoberfest in the middle of the Georgia mountains!
Hello there! Thank you very much for sharing this article on the alpine fun at the annual Helen ga Oktoberfest. I must say I really did enjoy going through this article as it’s such an interesting place tucked into the mountains. This is really cool because I love celebrating Oktoberfest and I never knew this alpine village existed in Georgia. I would really love to experience this Oktoberfest because of the love I have for German food and eventually they’re would be bear also. thanks for this
Hi Sophie, Helen is a neat little town and makes the perfect spot for Oktoberfest celebrations. I hope you are able to join the fun at the 50th annual Oktoberfest starting on September 9, 2021!
Oh, this is so sad as I have always wanted to be a part of Oktoberfest and I was already thinking that this year would be my year to join in on everything. What you shared is good atleast now I would be very prepared for the one that they will be putting together next year for sure. It’s really good, thank you very much.
Hi Jackie, It stinks that the main events were not able to happen in 2020, but at least we have had extra time to plan for a fun event in 2021!
Definitely this is a shock to me too when I found out because we always attend the Oktoberfest. It is always fun and then this year turned out to be how it is, we can only hope for better days, going forward. Hence, seeing all of these, I am delighted to say I value what had been shared and thus far was really good. Thank you for sharing
No one expected that the official Oktoberfest events would be cancelled for 2020 but hopefully the 2021 event will be the best yet!
Hello dear, thanks for sharing the information with us. It’s helpful to know this information — especially where to find legal advice for the local area should one need it (hopefully not, but better to be prepared). I’m also glad that you shared some ideas for what to wear to Oktoberfest. I don’t think I’m all in for the lederhosen, but a blue Trachten shirt will be just right! Thanks!
Wearing Trachten shirts for Oktoberfest is a great way to show spirit while enjoying the unique German food and music!
Heloo over there, thanks for sharing all the details about the Helen Oktoberfest for 2020. I am very happy to see the band schedule with links to some of the band websites. It’s great to listen to the Oktoberfest bands online to help me get excited and in the Oktoberfest mood while I plan the details of the trip. Thanks for the links to the cabins and also for the ideas about what to wear to Oktoberfest… it’s not often that lederhosen are a wardrobe option!!
Nice! It’s great that you’re enjoying the Oktoberfest spirit while planning out the details of the trip!! I’m glad you enjoyed the tips and links for what to wear to Oktoberfest. You can obviously wear anything you like (no special attire is required), but it’s much more fun to dress more authentic and show a little more spirit!
Hi there thanks for the review. The Oktoberfest Celebration in Helen, GA is One of the Best in the U.S. Oktoberfest is a German tradition celebrated around the world, dating back to the early 1800s to celebrate the marriage of a prince and princess. I was privileged to be in the fest last year and I can tell you I had a great time because there was lots of activities
It’s great to hear that you had such a great time as a participant in Oktoberfest last year!
Excellent website that covers almost everything you need to know to have an enjoyable visit to this replica Bavarian town . From lodging, food, local transportation, map identifying everything,activities for Children and Adults, what to bring and not to bring and clothing that can be purchased for the atmosphere of the visit. There is a list of expected weather in the Georgia mountains at that time of year. Unforeseen conditions are provided for emergency services and Police will be evident throughout to make sure that it is an enjoyable occurrence for everybody. I do have one question and that is; what is the nearest major airport if sombody is coming from a distance that they could fly into?
Hi Edward,
Helen is located in the Northeastern Georgia mountains, and is about a 1.5 – 2.0 hour drive to three major airports: Atlanta, GA (ATL), Chattanooga, TN (CHA), and Greenville, SC (GSP).
There are a few other small regional airports in the area for those who are flying in with their own aircraft (these smaller airports do not have commercial passenger service).