“From the beginning, the goal was to educate Charlotte residents about the craft brewing movement, and place special emphasis on the growing number of breweries in the Southeast. In the 16 years since its founding, the festival has grown to become one of the largest beer festivals in the Southeast, and was named one of the Top 10 Fall Beer Festivals in the country by www.roadtripsforbeer.com in 2010. The festival is a nearly 100 percent volunteer-run event. Festival organizers have donated around $500,000 to local Charlotte charities.”
That is the description of an amazing event held in Charlotte every year, the Charlotte Oktoberfest. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, September 27 at the NC Music factory.
When you attend this fundraising event, not only do you have the opportunity to sample over 350 beers from over 100 breweries but you also are assisting the charities Oktoberfest supports. This year’s event will raise money for three deserving charities:
- Kids Rein – a program that provides therapeutic horseback riding for children struggling with physical, emotional, and learning disabilities
- Classroom Central – an organization that supplies school items for children living in poverty
- Camp CARE (“Cancer Ain’t Really the End”) – a program that runs summer camp and year round activities for Charlotte children who have, or have had cancer, as well as their families
Along with the sampling of brews, Oktoberfest attendees will also be treated to live music from the bands U-phonik (an alternative group originally from Canada and now resides in Charlotte) and StellaRising (a female fronted band).
Ticket prices are $65 for premier admission and $45 for general admission. Premier admission allows entry into the event 1.5 hours early. Tickets are on sale now at CharlotteOktoberfest.com.
All in attendance must be 21+ with a valid picture ID and a printed or digital ticket. Lawn chairs, blankets, cameras, umbrellas and bottled water are permitted. The following are not permitted: pets; firearms or other weapons; coolers, mugs or other drinking vessels; food or beverages of any kind with the exception of bottled water. Free parking is available at the NC Music Factory.