Leavenworth Oktoberfest changes to street fair in 2021, will move in 2022
Oct 5, 2021, 2:38 PM
Leavenworth, Washington, in December 2018. (MyNorthwest photo)
(MyNorthwest photo)
Leavenworth Oktoberfest is a bit different this year as there will be no beer garden — and next year it will be in an entirely different location.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the 2021 version of the festival in the central Washington town is more of a large street fair that’s more family focused than beer focused. There will be no bands, shuttles, or beer.
“With so many small businesses and artisans struggling over the last year and half we thought we could give them a hand up and promote more of a Harvest Festival this year,” said Steve Lord, Oktoberfest Chairman, in a statement on Projekt Bayern’s website.
The plan is to host 100 unique local vendors, artists, and crafters for the first three weekends in October.
The group Projekt Bayern has put on Oktoberfest in Leavenworth for the last 24 years. But they say the city has denied their proposal for 2022.
Mayor Carl Florea had previously said that Oktoberfest was not a very popular festival for locals because it was focused solely around drinking.
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The 2022 Oktoberfest, beer garden included, will be moved to Wenatchee at the Town Toyota Center.
The 2021 version of the street fair in Leavenworth continues for the next two weekends.
