Chattanooga Oktoberfest brings many downtown to celebrate

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga Oktoberfest festivities took over the First Horizon Pavilion from October 14-15.

Eventgoers rocked their dirndl and lederhosen while sipping on various brands of beer.

One Chattanooga couple said they looked forward to dressing up and partaking in the event.

“Dressing up is always so fun and we have our matching outfits here. So that’s what I was excited about. And just trying all the good beer has been fun, listening to the live music… It’s just been great. We’re newer Chattanooga residents and we’re also beer enthusiasts. But we’ve just been looking to get involved in local events and came out here to have a great time,” Maddy Hitel and Ryan Mahan said.

First-timers and avid Oktoberfest attendees came out for a weekend full of food and German-inspired activities.

“I’m telling you this is the party of the year. It is so much fun, it’s the third year I’ve been, and every year it just keeps getting better. It’s amazing. This is the ‘it’ party of Chattanooga all year long,” Julie Cochran said.

The popular event brought people near and far to celebrate downtown.

“I actually came down from D.C. to this Oktoberfest. Cause I heard about it…. And wanted to hang out in Chattanooga and check it out. It’s been an amazing visit, so much fun. All the people are so friendly and wonderful, and it really is a great party,” Joel Sachs said.

The annual event open to people of all ages with free admission.

Festivities carried out most of the day on Saturday and from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

With Chattanooga Oktoberfest 2023 coming to a close, attendees can look forward to events next year.

“When you own lederhosen, you have to take in as many Oktoberfests as you can. I’ve only been to two so far this year, this will make my third a trifecta of Oktoberfests. I feel like I did this season well,” Sachs added.