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34th Annual Oktoberfest at Ruttger's

10/18/2019 - 10/20/2019

Description

The festivities mark the 34th year the resort has hosted the traditional German festival that features live entertainment, authentic German food and drinks, an arts and crafts fair and much more.
“The reason Oktoberfest at Ruttger’s has become an autumn tradition for thousands is simple - it’s a great party,” Ruttger’s President Chris Ruttger said. “There’s something magical about enjoying German beer and food while listening to authentic German festival music. It’s hard not to smile while wearing lederhosen.”
What’s new in 2019
Though Oktoberfest at Ruttger’s is steeped in tradition, there are a handful of new offerings at this year’s event, highlighted by the Cuyuna Brewing VIP Lounge. This limited-access area is reserved for the first 200 people who sign up. Cost is $25. Each VIP receives a collector’s Oktoberfest boot filled with Cuyuna Brewing Co. beer, plus they can lounge around bonfire pits enjoying s’mores. The biggest benefit is quicker access to beer.
New food and drink will be served this year, including hand-cut French fries, pickles on a stick and pretzel bites. In addition to the traditional Oktoberfest beers, Schell’s will be serving an IPA at the outdoor beer gardens, as well as White Claw Hard Seltzer, and special Oktoberfest Bloody Marys. The youngsters will enjoy a spate of new arts and crafts projects in the Kids’ Kamp building.
Traditional activities and events
The heart of Oktoberfest is the Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This year’s fair features more than 160 vendors selling a wide assortment of clothing, art, food and more. In addition to the Arts and Crafts Fair, attendees can enjoy children’s activities like a bouncy house and Kids Krafts at the Kids’ Kamp Building.
The Entertainment Tent will once again be a hub for partiers with an entire day of entertainment and beer on tap (pun intended). Back by popular demand, The Concord Singers, Alpensterne, and the Narren of New Ulm will take the stage beginning at 10:45 a.m. The blessing of the keg and ceremonial keg tapping is scheduled for 11 a.m.
Saturday night is the celebrated Oktoberfest Dinner Buffet, with all the favorite German specialties. Alpensterne will perform during the dinner buffet in Ruby’s Dining Room. Reservations are required for the dinner buffets, but Saturday’s arts and crafts fair and the daytime events are free admission. For more information and to make your dinner reservation, call Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge at 218.678.2885. See the dinner menus and schedule of events at ruttgers.com.