KENNER, LA – For three consecutive weekends in October, Kenner's Rivertown will come alive with German food, music and beer as the Deutsches Haus hosts its annual Oktoberfest, a longstanding tradition from the organization dedicated to preserving German culture, language and heritage in the New Orleans area.
Each Friday and Saturday from October 7 through October 22, 2016, visitors will enjoy live music performances, unique events and German food and beer. The first beer keg will be tapped at the festival's 6:00 p.m. opening on Friday, October 7, by Acting Kenner Mayor Mike Sigur.
The Oktoberfest's 5th annual dachshund dash will begin at 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, and beer stein holding contests will be held throughout every day of the festival. An Oktoberfest 5K Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, October 8, with a start time of 5:00 p.m.
The Oktoberfest menu will feature a variety of traditional German foods each weekend including Deutsches Haus’ famous cabbage rolls, schnitzels, bratwurst, knackwurst, weiswurst, rot kohl, kassler ripchen, pork loin, sauerbraten, German meatloaf, brat burger, German pizza, a variety of German cheeses, large-style Bavarian pretzels and Bavarian nuts. German desserts including ice cream, cake, strudel and Oktoberfest cookies will also be available.
There will also be German and craft beers to enjoy, including the Deutsches Haus locally brewed Oktoberfest Bier, along with red and white wines and a large assortment of ice-cold Schnapps.
Oktoberfest will feature live music performances from opening until closing each festival day. Yodel Blitz Band, a yodel-blitzing group providing polka dancing, beer drinking music, will perform live on the first and last Friday. Das Ist Lustig, a traditional German and Alpine music group will be performing on Friday, October 14. The 610 Stompers will perform at 7:30 on Saturday, October 15. Other German bands will be playing throughout the festival.
"Oktoberfest is a wonderful event that holds a special appeal for every member of the family," said Acting Kenner Mayor Mike Sigur. "I urge everyone to head out to Rivertown in October to enjoy the great food and music and learn a little about the German culture while having a fantastic time."
On the three weekends of the festival, the doors will open on Fridays at 4:00 p.m. and close at 11:00 p.m. On Saturdays, the festival will run from 1:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Admission is $8 at the door. There is no charge for children under 12. Members of the active military are welcomed without charge.
"Kenner is a wonderful host to us and we look forward to this year being the biggest and best Oktoberfest yet," said Keith Oldendorf, President of the Deutsches Haus.