Oktoberfest Begins this Weekend in Leavenworth

The annual Leavenworth Oktoberfest celebrations begin this weekend near the Festhalle on the east end of town.

Organizer Amy Gustin says the event raises money for Projekt Bayern, but also supports their economy.

"It's money that stays right here locally. A lot of people do it for their Christmas money. They come up, work six days and have their whole budget for Christmas."

All the beer drunk at Oktoberfest comes from Germany, but they will also sell wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

Gustin also noted that the alcohol content in German beer is a little higher than American beer so it's important to be prepared.

"We also pay to have the State Patrol do a DUI emphasis, so don't drink and drive because we have got them out there. We don't anybody drinking and driving."

Gustin says there are options like Uber, Lyft, they have a shuttle, taxis or have someone drop you off.

If you don't want to pay to get into the event, you can still enjoy a part of the festivities and the town, according to Gustin.

"We do a procession at noon every Saturday that goes right down Front St. and comes right into our gates. So what you'll find is that a lot of people get confused and I'll get emails that say, 'Can I even go shopping during Oktoberfest?' and the answer is absolutely."

Oktoberfest runs for three weekends this month and raises money for Projekt Bayern which helps promote the old Bavarian theme in the town to increase tourism.