How To Turn This Weekend’s Oktoberfest Into An OktoBeerFeast!

These 5 Tips Will Help You Get The Most Out Of Your Calgary Oktoberfest Experience This Weekend!

If you’ve ever travelled, you already know the importance of either staying with, or at the very least, learning about things from a local. Locals know the great spots to eat, the fastest way to get around, and the best ways to have a good time. Attending an event is a lot like travelling. Yes, you’re almost definitely going to have fun, but having the inside scoop will help you get the most out of your experience. With that in mind, Alberta Beer Festivals has put together 5 tips that will help you maximize your flugelhorn-infused pleasure at this weekend’s Calgary Oktoberfest.

Tip #1 – Get There Early! – There are a lot of reasons to get down to the event early this weekend. The first hour each day is ‘Half-Price Happy Hour’ – all drinks will require 1 Drink Voucher instead of 2. It will also be easier to get in, get a spot for you and your friends to sit, be first in line for some of the amazing casks being tapped, and to get the lay of the land. The earlier you get there, the more you save and the better your experience.

Tip #2 – Get Into The Spirit! – You don’t need to own a flugelhorn to have a great time at Oktoberfest (though it won’t hurt to bring it if you have one!).  Learn to sing some of the songs, dance some of the dances, and educate yourself about some of the history (www.albertabeerfestivals.com/sweet-oktoberfest-moustaches). A good example is if someone starts drumming on the table in one part of the hall, it’s a signal to join in until the whole hall is drumming away.  Getting dressed up is half the fun – and anyone who wears either dirndl or lederhosen to Oktoberfest this year will be entered to win a VIP experience including hotel and tickets to the Banff Craft Beer Festival in November.

Tip #3 – Beer, Cider, Spirits, Food, and More! – There is something for everyone at the event. There will be a selection of authentic Oktoberfest style snacks and meals at the event.  With 39 breweries each pouring at least 2 of their favorites, plus other beverages like cider and wine, there is no shortage of great things to eat and drink. On top of all that, each night there will be four one-of-a-kind casks being tapped – and if you are an adventurous soul – you’ll want to get in line early so you don’t miss out.

Tip #4 – Getting In, Getting Around, Getting To The Washroom, & Getting Home – The best tip for getting in quickly is to arrive early (plus remember that happy hour!). Barring that, there are things you can do to get in faster. Have your ticket and ID out and ready as you near the front of the line. Scanning your ticket off your phone? Maximize the brightness as it makes the ticket easier to scan. Once inside the doors, if you have pre-purchased a mug, hat, or drink vouchers, you’ll want to have those tickets out as well – each of these items can be picked up at the stations near the front. There are several washrooms on the main floor, but once things get busy, it might be faster to head down the North ramp to use the washrooms downstairs. This is also where the smoking area is outside. As always, we insist you get home safely. We’ll have $5 off coupons from Keys Please, plus a lot of taxis on site. We’ll also have shuttle service leaving on the hour starting at 9pm each night taking you to one of our sponsor establishments. And of course the Big 4 Building is just minutes from the C-Train line. No matter how much fun you’ve had, there is no excuse for not getting home safely.

Tip #5 – Go To The Source! – For a look at the map, a list of event times, a list of participating breweries, and all kinds of other useful information, go to: www.albertabeerfestivals.com/events-services/calgary-oktoberfest

CALGARY OKTOBERFEST – This Weekend at the Big 4 Building on Stampede Park!

Get Tickets At: www.myshowpass.com/2017-calgary-oktoberfest

Keep up to date with everything happening in the Alberta beer community by following us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram at @ABBeerfestivals and use the hashtag #yycoktoberfest to win great prizes!

To get the most out of your Oktoberfest experience, download the JustBeer APP for an interactive map, times of important highlights at the festival, a full exhibitor list, and to keep track of your favorite beers at the event www.justbeerapp.com

Thanks and we’ll see you at the event!

Bill Robinson