We all have that special time of year that we look forward to. For beer- and schnitzel-lovers, it's Oktoberfest.
Originating in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, Oktoberfest traditionally starts on the third weekend in September and ends the first Sunday of October. What is Oktoberfest? It's essentially a beer festival that isn't complete without German fare, dirndls, lederhosen and live music.
While Munich is home to the mothership of all Oktoberfest celebrations, you can find festivities around the globe, and Vancouver is no stranger to this beer-filled good time. And would you believe that Vancouver Alpen Club keeps the party going until the end of October?
Oktoberfest at Vancouver Alpen Club — Photo courtesy of Vancouver Alpen Club
Vancouver Alpen Club has been serving German cuisine in their Bavarian-themed restaurant since 1935, and they host their own Oktoberfest party for locals to enjoy and yodel their hearts out.
What can you expect at this party? For one, people of all ages imbibing in a stein of beer (or shot of jägermeister) and having a good time on a Saturday night.
You can wear what you like, but if you have access to a dirndls or lederhosen, do yourself a favor and wear it. Not only will you get plenty of high fives, but you'll alo fit right in with the others wearing them.
Live music and dancing is a big part of Oktoberfest, and when the live music stops, you can be sure Nena’s 99 Luftballons will quickly follow when the DJ takes the stage.
After plenty of beer and dancing, grab a seat at one of the communal tables and tuck into some German dishes.
After a couple of drinks, a pretzel always hits the spot — Photo courtesy of Vancouver Alpen Club
For 2015, there are four different nights to celebrate Oktoberfest with Vancouver Alpen Club:
- Saturday, Sept. 26
- Friday, Oct. 2
- Friday, Oct. 16
- Saturday, Oct. 17
The doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the party goes until 2 a.m., so be sure to wear comfortable shoes you can dance the night away in.
Tickets for Oktoberfest can be purchased online, and it's a good idea to get them ahead of time because they usually sell out. With your ticket, you'll receive a stein upon entry to the party.
No minors are allowed, and all guests must be 19 years of age or older. Make sure that you bring your government-issued identification to get in.
With all that beer, you'll likely want to catch a cab or take public transportation. You can get to Vancouver Alpen Club from downtown by bus and Skytrain, and it only takes about 20 minutes.
Feel like party hopping? There are a number of other Oktoberfest celebrations going on throughout the city on various different dates. So if you play your cards right, you might just be able to hit them all.
Prost!
