Celebrate all things fall and German at Iowa's oldest Oktoberfest in the Amana Colonies
The fall festival season is in full swing.
The Amana Colonies are known by some as “Little Germany” due to the area’s rich German roots. While the area might be considered quaint, during its annual Oktoberfest celebration, the colonies transform into one of the state's most lively and popular celebrations.
The Amana Colonies Oktoberfest has been an eastern Iowa staple for more than 50 years, offering cheers and good drinks.
This year's festival will run from Friday, Sept. 29 through Sunday, Oct. 1.
Admission is $10 for a one-day pass and $15 for a two-day pass at the gate. Tickets are available now and on the day of. Sunday activities are free to all.
The Amanas celebration has been running for the past 58 years, and visitors can expect classic Oktoberfest traditions again this weekend, including live music and lots of beer.
“We’re very excited to have back a lot of our band favorites that our folks have come to know and love,” said Stacey Colledge, executive director of Amana Colonies, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “Our businesses throughout the community will be having different events and activities for customers and patrons with child-friendly activities, so there is quite a variety of things going on.”
The celebrations kick off at 11:30 a.m. Friday with folk singing acts, and then later in the day at 2 p.m., the official keg tapping with Burgermeister at the Festhalle. Keg tapping is a tradition held at the original Oktoberfest celebrations in Germany. The keg tapping marks Oktoberfest’s official start when the mayor tries to tap the keg in the least of tries possible.
Activities for all to enjoy
The festivities continue Friday until midnight with plenty of traditional German food, including bratwurst and Bavarian pretzels, and interactive activations, like the yodeling contest. Musical acts will perform at different stages in the colonies, like Die Tieffen Keller Kinder, a polka ensemble Alpensterne, a diverse band that transports listeners to Germany through traditional folklore.
The celebration starts at 10 a.m. Saturday with the iconic parade. This year's theme is “Peace, Love and Polka!” The parade marches down Main Street, featuring folk dancing, traditional German music, and other dynamic demonstrations.
“Coming to [Oktoberfest] is a wonderful time and experience the Amana Colonies in its full flair,” Colledge said.
The entertainment continues all day with competitions like the brat and pretzel eating contest, while local shops will be open for browsing.
The party continues until 4:30 p.m. Sunday with live musical acts, including the University of Iowa low brass studio ensemble, Collegium Tubum.
Advance tickets are available at amanacolonies.com, or guests can purchase tickets upon arrival.
Oktoberfest Schedule of Events
Friday, Sept. 29
11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m: Barefoot Becky & The Ivanhoe Dutchmen
2 p.m.: Official Keg Tapping on stage with the Burgermeister
4:30-6:15 p.m.: Amana Colony Folksingers
*The yodeling contest will now be part of the Folk Singers performance!
6:30-9:00 p.m.: Die Tieffen Keller Kinder
9:30 p.m.-Midnight: Alpensterne
Saturday., Sept. 30
11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Alpensterne
12:45 p.m.: Brezel Schmeissen contest
2 p.m.: Brat Eating Contest
3-5pm: Alte Kameraden
6-8:30 p.m.: Alte Kameraden
9-12 p.m.: Alpensterne
Sunday, Oct. 1
11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Collegium Tubum (U of I Tuba Group)
12-2 p.m.: Alte Kameraden
2:30-4:30 p.m.: Alpensterne
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@presscitizen.com.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: The annual Amana Colonies Oktoberfest celebrate its German heritage
