Raise a stein at downtown Asheville Oktoberfest

Celebrate Asheville Oktoberfest at Pack Square Park with local beer, music, and games—an easy fall event to anchor your October weekend.

Start date

3 October, 2026 1:00 PM

End date

3 October, 2026 6:00 PM

Event details

Asheville Oktoberfest returns to Pack Square Park (80 Court Plaza) on Saturday, October 4, 2025, running 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the first event since Hurricane Helene forced cancellation of the October 2024 celebration. In a significant shift, the Asheville Downtown Association’s largest annual fundraiser will offer free general admission for the first time, with an optional Prost Pass ($25 presale, $30 day-of) providing a commemorative tasting cup and 20 samples from participating breweries.

The festival showcases 20+ Western North Carolina beverage producers, each pouring up to three styles for 60+ total beverages. Past participants have included Burial Beer Co., Green Man Brewing, Catawba Brewing, Highland Brewing, Hi-Wire, and Wicked Weed. Food vendors include Haus Heidelberg German food truck and Blunt Pretzels.

The recurring musical headliner, Lagerhosen, provides authentic Oompah entertainment, while Asheville Sports and Social Club hosts the popular Stein Hoist and Lederhosen Relay competitions.

Note: The event is 21+ only with valid ID required for entry.

Parking downtown includes the Buncombe County Parking Garage at 164 College Street directly across from Pack Square ($1 per half hour, $12 daily maximum) and the Civic Center Garage at 68 Rankin Avenue (first hour free, then $2.50 second hour, $1.25 per hour thereafter). Over 700 metered street spaces charge $1.25-$1.50 per hour until 6:00 PM.

Pack Square sits just 2-3 miles from Beaver Lake (5-8 minutes) and 10-12 miles from Lake Powhatan. Lake Lure lies 28 miles southeast (44-47 minutes), while Lake James requires about an hour at 45-50 miles.

Adjacent to the park, Pack’s Tavern (founded 2010) occupies the beautifully restored 1907 Hayes & Hopson Building at 20 South Spruce Street, a structure with Prohibition-era history as a moonshine distribution point featuring underground tunnels. The Lobster Trap (opened March 2005) at 35 Patton Avenue has been voted WNC’s top seafood restaurant every year since opening, partnering with Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch for sustainable sourcing.