Biers, Bratwurst, and Wet Bier Guts?

Yes!

It appears they listened!

Who are they? The organizers of the Oktoberfest, which is coming up this weekend.

In the past, I have been less than enthusiastic about the changes to the initial Oktoberfest in Des Moines. The original festival was right outside of the Hessen Haus on 4^th Street. But, the decision was made to move it over to the Principal Park parking lot because it was getting too large, or so they say. I believe it was actually due to politics, which isn’t that far of a stretch.

Anyway, luckily, whatever the reason, the festival has been moved back to its original location and out of the concrete platform that is the parking lot. Now, don’t kid yourself, the festival will still be on concrete, but it will be right next to the only Authentic German Bier Hall, which makes so much sense it is comical it was moved in the first place.

This year’s Oktoberfest is going to be epic. For starters, there will be Bier Gardens, Authentic German Food, all for only $10 admission (that includes a commemorative mug, access for both days, and a drink ticket). It all starts at 4pm this coming Friday when the official Golden Keg is tapped. Depending your fancy, on Friday night the Bier Maiden contest will be at 9:30 and, for the ladies, the Wet Bier Gut Contest will be at 11:30 on Saturday night.

Honestly, outside of the usual Oktoberfest themed events, the contests, etc, the festival is a really great time and very highly suggested. There will be Polka lessons and demonstrations, as well as live music for the entire family. Yes, there will be debauchery, it is Oktoberfest after all, but that will be long after the kids go to bed.