“Roll out the Barrel” for Oktoberfest in Frankenmuth, Michigan is called “Little Bavaria” for the Bavarian style of the town. Frankenmuth is a popular Midwest vacation getaway area. Oktoberfest in Frankenmuth is a German style festival styled after the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.
Oktoberfest in Frankenmuth is September 20-23, 2007. The sounds of German music, sights of German dancing and the pleasure of the German cuisine and beer will fill Frankenmuth.
The original Oktoberfest was celebrated in Munich, Germany in 1810. The first Oktoberfest celebrated the royal wedding of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. The royal family shared their joy at the royal nuptials with the townspeople.
The festival was such a popular success that it was repeated the following year. Oktoberfest in Munich has become such a success over the years that it has become the world’s largest festival, drawing visitors from around the world.
Frankenmuth, Michigan holds a charming festival filled with German spirit and gemuchlicht. The weekend festival features traditional German food, authentic German beer, inflatable rides for kids, harvest activities, arts & crafts vendors, wiener dog races and Sunday German Worship Service.
While listening to that energetic German music, spectators can dine on German food, including apple smoked pork chops, bratwurst, apple strudel, funnel cakes and more.
Scheduled events include:
Thursday: 3 pm to 10 pm: Ted Lange & Squeeze Box, Gunzenhauser Blous’n, Schuhplatler.
Friday, 12 noon to midnight: Joel Zwerk, Ted Lange & Squeeze Box, Sorgenbrecher, Gunzenhauser Blous’n, Schuhplattler.
Saturday, 12 noon to midnight: Wiener Dog Races, Joel Zwerk, The Rhinelanders, Sorgenbrecher, Schuhplattler, Gunzenhuser Blaus’n.
Sunday, 12 noon to 6 pm: German Worship Service, The Rhinelanders, Gunzenhauser Blaus’n, Schuhpalttler.
Weiner Dog Races will be held at 1 pm on Saturday. Weiner dogs are officially called dachshunds. Dachshunds are associated with Germany, making the Weiner dog Races at Frankenmuth especially appropriate. Weiner Dogs races feature these adorable short legged dogs, which are usually family pets. The Weiner dogs are not professional racing dogs, but are family there for the fun and and socialization of the event.
Tickets to Oktoberfest are $8. Children under 15 are free.
There are some fine hotels in Frankenmuth, including:
Springhill Suites by Marriott. Three story half timbered building . Amenities include heated indoor swimming pool, whirlpool and high-speed Internet access. AAA Three Diamond. 989-652-7500
Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel and Waterpark. Zehnder family has owned the hotel since 1927. Indoor waterpark for fun and play features areas. There is a whimsical whirl hot tub and the Crooked Brook Creek lazy river. AAA Two Diamond. 800-863-7999
Bavarian Inn Lodge.The Bavarian Inn Lodge is on the banks of the Cass River. The Lodge has an authentic German atmosphere, with hand carved woodwork, imported German wall decor and Old World hospitality. Amenities include five indoor swimming pools and three whirlpools in the Indoor Water Park. Children’s Village, Lorelei Lounge and Rathskeller. AAA Two Diamond. 888-775-6343
Drury Inn & Suites. Half Timbered hotel modeled on Bavarian architecture which dates back to the original German settlers. Bavarian style hotel offers free hot breakfast, free high speed Internet access, indoor swimming pool, whirlpool and more. AAA Two Diamond. 989-652-2800
Fairfield Inn.989-652-5000
Frankenmuth is about 90 miles north of Detroit, MI and 300 miles northeast of Chicago, IL. Frankenmuth is a great destination for a weekend getaway, particularly during Oktoberfest.
Information subject to change.
