Break out the lederhosen and bring your appetite. Oktoberfest is returning to Redstone Arsenal this weekend with German food, live music, carnival rides and a couple of new ways to join the fun.
Redstone Arsenal Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation will host its 29th annual Oktoberfest Friday through Sunday at the MWR Activity Field, 3732 Aerobee Road.
The three-day festival will feature traditional German favorites including schnitzel, bratwurst and warm pretzels, along with German beverages served in traditional steins. Carnival rides and games will run throughout the weekend.
“We are thrilled to welcome our neighbors across the Tennessee Valley back to Redstone Arsenal for the 29th annual Oktoberfest,” said Stephanie Stone, MWR marketing and special events manager.
Live entertainment includes two-time Grammy nominee Ted Lange and the Alpen Power Band.
This year’s festival also introduces “Hammer-Zeit,” a traditional German game in which participants take turns trying to drive nails into large wooden stumps. The activity is open to adults 18 and older, with closed-toe shoes and provided safety glasses required. Alcohol is not permitted in the playing area.
Hammer-Zeit will be available Friday from 6 to 10 p.m.; Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Festivalgoers will also have a chance to take a swing at something considerably less traditional.
As part of its 75th anniversary celebration, Redstone Federal Credit Union is bringing a life-sized “Human Claw” to Oktoberfest on Friday and Saturday. Participants will be suspended over a pit of prizes and lowered down to grab gift cards.
The credit union plans to distribute 329 gift cards worth up to $250 each, with $7,500 in prizes available through its Acts of Brightness initiative.
Oktoberfest runs from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
General admission is $15, while admission with unlimited carnival rides is $25. Parking is free.
The festival is open to the community. More information is available through Redstone Arsenal Family and MWR.
Got a tip for OTR? Send your tip to [email protected] with related photo/video, your name, phone number, and e-mail address.
