German American Society of Pinellas County

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2011 Oktoberfest
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2010 Oktoberfest Photos 2
Celebrate our 60th Anniversary
at 

Tampa Bay's

Best O'Fest 

Oompah at its best!

Walk through the doors of the Oktoberfest Village and be transported to a world of family fun, good times and good cheer. A place where there are no strangers and authentic German food and German beer are served by friendly staff some wearing traditional German tracht. Link arms, schunkle and join your newly found Oktoberfest friends in the singing of Ein Prosit or hit the dance floor and polka the night away!

 

The German American Society's annual Oktoberfest begins with fanfare, a Parade of Flags and the ceremonial Keg Taping by our Burgermeister with the pronouncement "O'Zapft Is" (it is tapped). Our colorful, festive celebration features live bands, dancing under the big tent, Oompah music, Bavarian folk dancers (Gulf Coast Enzianer Schuhplattler Verein), a Children's Kinder Korner, German Beer and Wine plus delicious German food from our kitchen (see Menu)!

Drehorgel

Helmut’s button box and Authentic Drehorgel (street organ)

Masskrugstemmen

Each night we’ll conduct a beer stein holding contest called  “Masskrugstemmen.” It translates loosely to the lifting of a liter mug of beer and is a well-known competitive Bavarian sport.

The “Masskrug,” a 1 Liter Stein is held with one arm, completely stretched out and parallel to the floor. The goal is simple: Hold a filled stein as long as possible! Those who have done it know it sounds much easier than it is!

No matter what kind of experience you are looking for Oktoberfest 2011 offers something for everyone! You, your friends and family will have a GREAT time! Around Oktoberfest we call it “Gemuetlichkeit”. It has no direct English translation, but essentially means "coziness."

Admission is $6, children 12 and younger are free. A $2 off discount coupon is available on this website. The festival uses  "Oktoberfest Festival Money". Patrons buy tickets for food and drink upon entering the Oktoberfest. Festival Money is used in all festival locations except the vendors market.

History

Once upon a time, long ago in a far away land known as Bavaria, a Crown Prince, who later became King Ludgwig I, married the beautiful princess Therese Von Sachesen-Hildenburghausen. The loyal soldiers in the Prince's Guard thought a horse race to be a fitting way to celebrate the happy event.  King Max, proud father of the Prince, gave his consent to the races and so they became the finale of five days of wedding festivities.

So began Oktoberfest! It is now held each year for 16-days in late September and early October in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It is one of the most famous events in Germany and the world's largest fair, with some seven million people attending every year.

Parking on-site is free Getting to Oktoberfest is easy. Click on this map!

ATM - available8098 66th ST. N.
Pinellas Park, Fl 33781
Driving Directions
Click the map to open an interactive map in a new window.