Oktoberfest is a much talked about event that everyone should attend in their lifetime. Celebrated in Munich, Germany, it honors the German culture including the food, the costumes, the music, and especially the beer. It provides much excitement for everyone involved.

Unfortunately, not everyone can make it out to Germany for Oktoberfest. That’s why it’s good to know there are locations all over the world that host their own versions of the festival. One of these is Fort Benning, an army base that straddles the Georgia-Alabama border.

Read on to find out what you can expect when you’re in town.

About Fort Benning Oktoberfest

The Fort Benning Oktoberfest takes place on Uchee Creek, the Fort Benning campgrounds. The 2022 dates have not been announced, but in 2021, the event happened from October 15 to October 17. Friday hours were 4-11 PM, Saturday hours were from 7 AM to 11PM and Sunday hours were from 10 AM to 6 PM.

The event is free to enter but you will need to purchase tokens to buy food. Tokens can be purchased in advance online or at the event. Unused tokens may be redeemed for full value if unused.

Events and Activities

Here are some of the events and activities you can look forward to at the Fort Benning Oktoberfest event.

Hoist a Stein: Fort Benning will be hosting a traditional stein hoisting event which requires participants to hold a full stein of beer with their arm outstretched. The one who holds their stein the longest with the least amount of spillage wins $500. There are separate competitions for men and women.

You can register for the event on Friday and Saturday and preliminary rounds are held both days. The final round takes place on Saturday.

10K Lederhosen Leap, 5K Dirndl Dash & Volksmarch: The 10K Lederhosen Leap requires participants to run a dirt course around Uchee Creek. It starts 10 AM on Saturday. Early registration is available for $30 and includes a free t-shirt for the first 150 participants. It goes up to $40 on the day of the event.

The 5K Dirndl Dash starts at 9:30AM on Saturday. The Dirndl Dash course is not as rough as the Lederhosen Leap course. People 6 and over can register early for $10. Those 5 and under can register early for $5. There will be a free t-shirt for the first 150 participants. Registration increases by $5 on the day of the event.

Both runs are limited to 300 participants each. Runners who complete the course receive a finisher medal.

The Volksmarch starts after the Dirndl Dash at 10 AM and involves a leisurely stroll around the Uchee Creek Campgrounds. It ends at 12PM. Those who complete the course receive an Oktoberfest pin. There is no registration required to participate.

Biergarten Entertainment: There will be a variety of bands performing at the Biergarten. Past performers have included the Sonnenschein Express playing traditional folk songs, Fort Benning’s own award-winning The Maneuver Center of Excellence Band and the Queen of Oktoberfest Manuela Horn aka the Austrian Amazon who dances, acts and yodels in a comedic fashion.

Other events include:

• A keg tapping ceremony accompanied by the playing of national anthems

• Pontoon boat rides

• The crowning of Mr. and Ms. Oktoberfest

• A keg tossing contest

• Beer pong

• Corn hole

• Keg rolling

• Stein relay

Kids’ Activities

Kids will be able to enjoy activities such as:

• A quad jump

• A petting zoo

• Teacup rides

• A Ferris wheel

• A Merry-Go-Round

• Inflatables

• Hayrides

• A Pumpkin Patch

• Arts n’ crafts

• Face painting

• Crazy hair

• Drum circles

• Library activities

• The Queen of Oktoberfest Kid Show

Canine Contests

There will be a variety of canine contests including a Dachshund Derby and a Best Dog Costume. You can sign your pet up at the registration table in the Biergarten.

Food and Drink

There will be a wide selection of food and drinks served at the event including the following items:

• Soft drinks such as soda, water, lemonade, tea, and Powerade

• Beer and steins of German beer

• German food such as schnitzel, currywurst, bratwurst and sausages

• Sandwiches including hamburgers, Philly cheesesteak and chicken

• Hawaiian food

• Alligator/ Shrimp

• Sweets like ice cream, milkshakes, cakes, funnel cake, Italian ices, and popcorn

Vendors

Vendors will be on site selling food, beverages, and souvenirs

What to do at Fort Benning

Fort Benning offers many recreational activities for families living on base that you can enjoy when you’re not Oktoberfest-ing. These include:

• Fort Benning Golf Course: Spend a relaxing day on the Fort Benning Golf Course. It’s open seven days a week and includes a driving range and disc golf.

• Topgolf Swing Suite: This activity center offers a virtual version of golf called Topgolf as well as other virtual games, a computer lab, a movie room, and pool tables.

• Recreational Shooting Complex: The complex offers rifle, pistol, and skeet ranges.

• Fort Benning Bowling and Entertainment Center: This is a terrific destination for family fun.

• Parks, Fishing and Hunting: There are plenty of areas in Fort Benning that are ideal for hunting, fishing, and hiking including Flat Rock Park, Cooper Creek Park, Lake Oliver Marina, Psalmond Road Supercenter and more.

• Fort Benning Gyms: Fort Benning has many fitness centers available for the military and their guests to get in shape. These include the Kefurt Fitness Center, the Audie Murphy Athletic Performance Center, the Whittington High Performance Center and more.

• Fort Benning Museums: The Fort offers a variety of museums where you can learn about military and general history. You can also visit the Coca-Cola Space Science Center which offers film screenings, activities, and simulators.

Not everyone can make it out to Germany for Oktoberfest. Fortunately, Fort Benning offers a fun alternative. Will you be making plans to get out there this coming season?

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