HUNTSVILLE — Redstone Arsenal will open its gates to the public to celebrate Oktoberfest this month with food, games, and fun for all ages.
“Being a good neighbor is always our goal, and Oktoberfest is a chance to invite our surrounding communities in to celebrate the fall season and connect with friends old and new,” Garrison Commander Col. Brian Cozine said.
The celebration began in the 1990s when the Germans who made up the installation workforce requested a festival akin to the world-famous one held annually in Munich.
“We don’t make claims that this is comparable to the original,” said Stephanie Stone, an lead coordinators. “This is certainly an Americanized version, and it’s something our surrounding community continues to anticipate and embrace.”
The three-day event begins Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. A ceremonial keg-tapping is set for 6 p.m. and the festivities continue through Sept. 17.
Carnival rides, German food, live music, and a craft biergarten are at the arsenal’s community activity field, just inside Gate 10 off Patton Road. The gate will be open to the public.
The hours are:
- Sept. 15: 5 p.m. to midnight
- Sept. 16: noon to midnight.
- Sept. 17: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission is:
- $15 admission gets you into Oktoberfest to enjoy the atmosphere and live music. German food and beverages are available for purchase.
- $25 includes admission and unlimited rides. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
- Once inside, separate admission to the craft biergarten is available for $35. This includes a souvenir tasting glass and the opportunity to sample from more than 60 taps. The biergarten is open Friday from 6-11 p.m., Saturday 6-11 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
- Parking is included with admission.
