Modified Oktoberfest event set for Sept. 23-25

A revised 2021 Great Northwest Oktoberfest is moving to Whitefish businesses with events being held Sept. 23-25.

The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce recently canceled the larger Oktoberfest event that had been planned over two weekends at Depot Park due to Covid-19 restrictions. However, the chamber is now organizing a new modified event holding events at three locations during the weekend.

Events will take place at the Great Northern Bar & Grill, Casey’s and the Montana Tap House.

"Oktoberfest may look a little bit different this year," said Chamber director Kevin Gartland, "but it's gonna be the real deal ... great German food, beer, music and dancing, along with all of the usual Oktoberfest nonsense — stein-holding, log-sawing, chicken-dancing and the coronation of a new Hop Queen."

Events will run on Thursday, Sept. 23 at the Great Northern Bar from 5 to 11 p.m., on Friday, Sept. 24 at Casey’s from 5 to 11 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 25 at Montana Tap House from noon to 8 p.m.

Advance tickets are on sale at the chamber offices and each of the businesses hosting events. Admission is $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Thursday and Friday events are for 21 and older only, and children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult on Saturday afternoon.

Thursday, Sept. 23 is locals night, so those showing a Flathead Valley ID get a free beer.

On Friday, Sept. 24 Hop Queen candidates will take to the stage for the qualifier event before being crowned on the final evening of the event on Saturday. Friday’s event also includes music, dancing and stein-holding.

On Saturday, kids’ day activities take place from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday’s event also includes German music by Europa, the Hofbrau stein-holding championships and performances by Schuhplattler Gruppe Alpenrose.

For more information and a schedule of events, visit http://www.whitefishoktoberfest.com/