Celebrating The German Festivities Of Oktoberfest Near Greenville, SC

Do you celebrate Oktoberfest? There are several Oktoberfest events 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!

Looking for more seasonal fun this fall? Check out the Kidding Around Guide To Fall Festivals Near Greenville to Check Out This Year

This article includes:
What is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest Events in Greenville, SC
Oktoberfest Events in Spartanburg, SC
Oktoberfest in Helen, GA
German Food Restaurants Near Greenville, SC

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!

2022 Oktoberfest Events near Greenville, South Carolina

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

• Oktoberfest at Carolina Bauernhaus (Anderson) | September 16th @ 5 pm
  Live music from 7-10 pm, full German dinner menu starting at 6 pm, Stein Hoisting at 7 pm.
  
• Oktoberfest at HabiTap | September 16 – October 16th
  A month-long celebration of Oktoberfest, with food pairings, specialty beers, and more!
  
• Tetrad’s Marzen, Beers & Brats Oktoberfest 2022 | September 17th
  Prizes, Bratwurst, pretzels, live music, beer, and more! Starts Saturday at 2 pm.
  
• Fireforge 4th Annual Oktoberfest Weekend | September 23rd – 25th
  Live Music, Commemorative Steins, beer & food all weekend long.
  
• Pangea Brewing Oktoberfest | September 24th
  Food and beer specials and costumes are encouraged!
  
• Simpsonville Arts Foundation Oktoberfest | September 30th
  Free event with live music, food, beverage vendors, and more.

• Oktoberfest at 13 Stripes Brewery | October 2nd
  Oompah band, music, food, and lots of celebration.
  
• IronHill Brewery Oktoberfest | September 16th – October 2nd
  Bavarian-inspired food featuring everything from Jagerschnitzel, and Hackbraten to Oktoberfest Egg Rolls, as well as a medium-bodied lager
  
• Oktoberfest in NOMA square | October 7th and October 8th
  Live music and more in the Square in front of the Hyatt Downtown
  
• Oktoberfest 2022 at Brewery 85 | October 8th
  Annual Oktoberfest festivities!
  
• Oktoberfest at The Community Tap | October 15th
  German-style brews on tap, German wines, raffles, and more.

2022 Oktoberfest Events In Spartanburg, South Carolina

• Ciclopstoberfest | September 30th – October 2nd
  Special edition brews, german inspired menu, live music, and karaoke.
  
• SpartOberfest – Spartanburg’s Oktoberfest | September 9th and 10th
  Weekend of food, fun, a 5k/10k, and more to benefit Jesus Our Risen Savior Catholic Church

2022 Oktoberfest Events Across The Upstate of South Carolina

• Walhalla Oktoberfest | October 21st – 23rd
  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.
• Octobeerfest | October 8th, 2022 at 12 pm
  Jocassee Valley Brewing hosts the Octobeerfest, including authentic German food, beer, and music!

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 212 years of Oktoberfest!