Downtown Myrtle Beach will look a lot more like Munich on Saturday, Oct. 11, for the Sixth Annual Oktoberfest on the Boardwalk celebration.
Featuring a wide selection of German food and beers and six bands on the main stage, Oktoberfest pays tribute to Bavarian culture while also staying true to its roots as America's premiere vacation destination. Fun activities for kids and adults are also on the lineup.
Oktoberfest blocks off the main drag of Ocean Boulevard, between Eighth Avenue North and Mr. Joe White Avenue, along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk's Promenade section. Food and drink vendors and arts and crafts booths line the streets and sidewalks and a beer garden for the grown-ups is the perfect place to take in all the festivities while sampling some of the best autumn beers produced by local, national and international breweries.
The only major change to this year's festival is the location of the main stage, which will move from the middle of the Ocean Boulevard to the former Pavilion site. The new position will give guests more room to stretch out and enjoy the shows, and the view of the stage will now come with an ocean backdrop. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and beach blankets for the occasion.
This year's musical lineup will be headlined by Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, which packs an entertaining punch and has become a popular festival band. Opening acts include Joal Rush & The Wares, A Nickel Bag of Funk, the Matt MacKelcan Band, C2 and the Brothers Reed, Dino Capone's School of Rock, and the Channelheimer Oompah Band.
A roaming polka band, street performers and a foreign car show are among the many activities on tap for the day. Oktoberfest also has plenty of fun lined up for the little ones, including pony and camel rides, inflatable play areas, face-painting and fun games. The downtown attractions, shops, bars and restaurants also will be open to serve festival-goers and add to the party atmosphere.
Oktoberfest gets under way at 11 a.m., with live music starting on the main stage at noon. The headline act closes the festivities at 10 p.m., although past years have been known to go on later for an encore. Admission is free to the public, although a special VIP tent beside the main stage is available for $75. For more information, visit Myrtle Beach Downtown.
(Posted: 9/25/14)