Celebrating The German Festivities Of Oktoberfest Near Greenville, SC

Looking for Oktoberfest events? There are several places celebrating Oktoberfest in Greenville and across the Upstate for you to enjoy, but do you know why people celebrate Oktoberfest or when the event started? KAG has the in on what, where, and why of Oktoberfest, plus we’re sharing all the local Oktoberfest events so you can celebrate, too!

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The Origin of Oktoberfest in Germany

First, let’s talk about how this party got started. Over 200 years ago, a Bavarian crown prince married a princess, which resulted in days of drinking, feasting, and horse races.

I wanted to know why this marriage has been celebrated since October 12, 1810.

It turns out that those horse races were so popular, they decided to do it annually, and that’s why the party continues today. Although, oddly enough, those horse races are no longer a part of the celebration.

To get down to the truth, I consulted my cousin, Frau Roe. She’s a German teacher locally and my go-to for all things Bavarian-related.

Me:
So Frau Roe, Why do we celebrate Oktoberfest? Is it because of racehorses, love, or something else?

Frau Roe:
“Today, it’s more of a festival atmosphere, carnival rides, lots of food, lots of beer, still celebrated in the same spot under all those tents. Many Bavarians wear traditional clothing to celebrate history. (Lederhosen and Dirndl) So, while it has changed a lot over the years, the original reason is still in the hearts of the Bavarians. It’s definitely a celebration of heritage! ”

Now that we know the what and why let’s find out where!

2023 Oktoberfest Events near Greenville, South Carolina

For more local options, Oktoberfest celebrations can be found at numerous places around the Upstate.

• Oktoberfest at The Southern Growl | September 16th at 11:30 am
  Bavarian beer, food, and music (event is for those in their 20s-30s)
  
• Oktoberfest at Carolina Bauernhaus (Anderson) | September 16th from 2 pm – 6 pm
  Live music from the Ragin’ Cajun Accordion Delight David Donar, brats with haus made kraut, pretzels with beer cheese, beer on tap
  
• Tetrad’s Marzen, Beers & Brats Oktoberfest 2023 | September 16th from 1 pm – 10 pm
  Prizes, Bratwurst, pretzels, live music, beer, and more!
  
• Fireforge 5th Annual Oktoberfest Weekend | September 22nd-24th
  Live Music, commemorative mugs, beer & food all weekend long.
  
• Oktoberfest at The Warehouse | September 23rd from 7 pm – 10 pm
  Live music, food and drink specials
  
• Oktoberfest at 13 Stripes Brewery | September 25th – October 1st
  Oompah band, music, food, and lots of celebration
  
• Pangea Brewing Oktoberfest | September 30th
  Food and beer specials and costumes are encouraged!
  
• Oktoberfest in NOMA square | October 6th and 7th
  Live music and more in the Square in front of the Hyatt Downtown
  
• Oktoberfest at The Community Tap in Travelers Rest | October 7th from 2 pm – 9 pm
  German-style brews on tap, German wines, raffles, and more.

2023 Oktoberfest Events In Spartanburg, South Carolina

• Keg & Cellar’s Oktoberfest | September 29th – 30th from 9 am – 10 pm
  Live music, food trucks, 12 German beers on tap
  
• SpartOberfest – Spartanburg’s Oktoberfest | September 23rd
  While the 2023 SpartOberfest is canceled, the 10K-5K Pretzel Run is still happening at 8 am.

2023 Oktoberfest Events Across The Upstate of South Carolina

• Walhalla Oktoberfest | October 20th – 22nd
  For 40+ years this South Carolina town has been celebrating its German heritage with a weekend-long celebration. German food, American food, artisan vendors, carnival rides, and fireworks on Saturday night, make this a great family-friendly Oktoberfest to mark on your calendar.

The Country’s Longest Running Oktoberfest: Helen, GA

For hard-core Oktoberfest fans, the longest-running celebration in the US is just a short ride to the mountains of northern Georgia.

Helen, Georgia, the alpine town, boasts the longest-running Oktoberfest celebration with a duration of a month. From the end of September through the end of October, the town hosts a celebration that’s been happening for 50+ years. My family loves Helen, and there’s fun to be had year-round there.

Fall in Love Anytime Of Year With This Bavarian Village Atop The Mountains Of North Georgia

Places To Enjoy German Food Year Round In Greenville, South Carolina

• Unterhausen Castle Cellar Pub | Simpsonville
• Schwaben House | Restaurant | Greenville
• Hans and Franz Biergarten | Greenville

Now that you know the what, why and when about Oktoberfest, throw on that lederhosen or dirndl and get ready to celebrate the 213 years of Oktoberfest!