Fort Benning MWR and the Qualified Recycling Program present Oktoberfest!
Fort Benning’s cherished fall tradition is back and better than ever! Join us for an unforgettable weekend from Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18 at Fort Benning’s Oktoberfest, sponsored by Qualified Recycling Program, at Uchee Creek Campground & Marina!
Get ready to put on your Dirndl or Lederhosen, gather the family, and join us for an authentic Oktoberfest celebration with three days of family-friendly fun, delicious German and local food and brews, traditional German music, and more!
A shuttle service to and from Fort Benning is available for DoD ID Cardholders on Saturday.
The Maneuver Center of Excellence Band will serenade us with the German and American national anthems as Fort Benning’s leadership taps the keg on Friday, at 6 p.m. Once you hear “O’Zapft is” (it’s tapped), the party begins!
Head over to the Oktoberfest Festzelt, sponsored by Russell County Commission, where authentic German bands will keep the energy high all weekend long. And for those who love a good Biergarten, indulge in an authentic German Schnitzel or Bratwurst and savor German brews at one of our many Biergartens scattered around the Festzelt.
Step into our Kinder Wiesn (children’s area), sponsored by Toyota Auto Group, for an unforgettable adventure. Dive into a world of endless fun and excitement designed just for kids. With a fantastic lineup of free activities, your little ones will be entertained from dawn till dusk. Imagine the joy on their faces as they bounce on inflatables, soar on quad jumps, and unleash their creativity with arts & crafts.
Join the Drum Circle, get wild with Krazy hair, and watch their imaginations come alive with face painting.
Get ready for an epic transformation - the Uchee Creek Activity Center turns into a German Sportheim (Sports Club) – the ‘End Zone’, where you can savor your Bratwurst while catching all the thrilling football action.
Cheer on legendary College rivalries like Alabama vs. Tennessee and Auburn vs. Georgia, plus every other college football and NFL game that weekend, all on a massive screen!
Explore the pumpkin patch, and enjoy thrilling rides on the ferris wheel, teacups, and merry-go-round. Don't miss our annual Best Kinder Dirndl and Best Kinder Lederhosen Competition - it's a celebration of cuteness and tradition!
The legendary Johnny Koenig, the Polkastar himself, will electrify the festival with his dynamic performances and irresistible tunes, guaranteed to get everyone dancing and having a blast!
But wait, there's even more excitement in store! The Sonnenschein Express is back at Fort Benning, bringing the spirit of Alpine Oktoberfest with their lively show band. Get ready to sing and dance along to their traditional instruments and songs.
And let’s not forget the Maneuver Center of Excellence Band, captivating the community with their incredible entertainment.
The Dirndl Dash 5K and Lederhosen Leap 10K, sponsored by Double Time, runs kick off the festivities on Saturday. Don’t forget to pre-register to secure your t-shirt!
Saturday is action-packed filled with excitement! Enjoy the fun with our Dog Costume Contest and cheer on the speedy pups at the Dachshund Derby. Unleash your competitive spirit with a variety of adult games, including keg tossing and beer pong, and so much more!
As the sun sets, the excitement continues with the thrilling Stein Hoisting and the prestigious Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest competitions in the Festzelt.
On Sunday, immerse yourself in tradition with a special Crossroads church service in the fest tent at 11 a.m., and experience the authentic Wiesn church service, a cherished Munich Oktoberfest tradition.
Fort Benning’s Oktoberfest is dog-friendly (leashes required). No visitor’s pass is required if entering via Alabama Highway 165.
(No outside food and beverages are permitted at this event.)
And check out last year’s pictures!
