Oktoberfest is an event many people dream of attending. Unfortunately, with it being set in Munich, Germany, not everyone can make it out to enjoy the festival. However, many cities around the world host similar events that bring the experience closer to home.

If you are in and around the Florida area, you may want to check out the German American Society of Pinellas Oktoberfest. It is advertised as Tampa Bay’s most authentic Oktoberfest. Read on to find out what you can expect when you visit.

About the German American Society of Pinellas Oktoberfest

The German American Society of Pinellas Oktoberfest takes place in the organization’s facility which features 2 bars, a functional kitchen, and a stage with electrical hookups. It’s located in Pinellas Park, FL. The event will be taking place outside under the big tent and inside in the Main Hall.

The event spans multiple weekends. In 2022, it will be taking place on September 30 and October 1,7, 8, 14 and 15. It will be open from 5 – 10 PM.

Admission is $10. Children 12 and under get in free. It is also free for military members with active military IDs.

Guests who make an additional $20 contribution towards the organization will get a commemorative t-shirt. Guests who contribute an additional $35 will get 2 t-shirts.

The festival was voted ‘Best of the Bay’ for its authenticity.

Events and Activities

Here are some of the events and activities the Oktoberfest will offer.

• Keg tapping ceremony: The opening of the first keg is a traditional way to start most Oktoberfests.

• Live music: This will include a mix of traditional and modern music. Guests will be encouraged to learn and participate in dances.

• Bier stein holding contest: Men and women will compete separately. The ones who can hold out their beers the longest with the least amount of spillage wins.

• Parade of Flags: Volunteers will march down the city streets proudly showing flags that represent their heritage.

• Kinder Corner: A variety of children’s activities will be available.

• Vendors: Ursel’s Boutique and other vendors will be selling traditional German goods and other wares.

Food and Drink

The festival will be offering a variety of German foods that are on-site and made from scratch. The Apfestrudel (apple strudel) is a crowd favorite.

Guests can also enjoy a variety of imported Bavarian beers that will rotate throughout the event. Wine, soft drinks, hard seltzer and schnapps will be served as well.

Other menu items include:

• Kartoffelpuffer (German pancakes)

• Pretzels

• Bratwurst/ bratwurst platter

• Leberkase/ leberkase platter (a fine ground specialty loaf made from pork and beef and served on bread)

• Schnitzel / schnitzel platter (breaded pork cutlet on bread)

• Sauerkraut

• Red cabbage

• Pickles

• Schwarzwalder kirschtorte (black forest cake)

About the German American Society of Pinellas

The German American Society of Pinellas was founded in 1951. It serves to promote the customs and traditions of German Americans.

The facility is a destination for comraderies and celebration. The organization uses it as a base to host its Oktoberfest, Fasching (Mardi Gras), Maifest, Mother’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Veteran’s Day, Christmas, New Year’s, and other joyous events.

Not everyone can make it out to Germany for Oktoberfest. Fortunately, there are plenty of cities across the world that celebrate in their own way. Pinellas Park stands out for an authentic event that can’t be missed. Will you be making plans to attend this year’s festival?

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