Oktoberfest Celebration at Camp Richardson

Beers, brats, and music are on tap at Camp Richardson Oct. 4-5, as Oktoberfest returns to the shores of Lake Tahoe. Now in its 20th year the annual event will showcase seven different autumn themed brews ranging from Drake’s Hefeweizen to Ninkasi Total Domination IPA.

Camp Richardson offers fun for the whole family, including the family dog, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 4-5. Activities include an owner and dog dress up contest, German food and desserts, craft booths, face painting, pumpkin patch, bouncy house, bungee platform, live music featuring the polka styling’s of the “Gruber Family Band,” and the event’s ever popular beer and wine garden. There will be shaved ice Sun Runners for the kids and added salad choices and chicken. And for those who can never get enough of good suds there are Ninkasi Total Domination IPA infused bratwurst. People interested in testing their capacity can sign up for the sausage eating contest by 1:30 p.m. at the pumpkin patch on Saturday. The showdown will take place at 3 p.m. on the main stage. Lederhosen are optional, but encouraged.

Vendor row will include more than 35 tents with many handcrafted and made in Tahoe choices like Tahoe Mountain Soap, Tahoe Bathworks, High Sierra Crystals, and RISE design apparel and hats.

There is still time to catch a ride on Camp Richardson’s Rum Runner cruise. Boats depart Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 and 3 p.m., for a 90-minute round trip cruise to Emerald Bay. Tickets are $49 for adults and $19 for children 12 and under. Spots are limited and reservations are recommended to guarantee a berth aboard the resort’s yacht.

Other contests during the two-day festival range from beer stein holding to yodeling, with winners receiving gift certificates for food, activities and lodging at the resort. Admission and parking in the Eagles Nest campground is free for Oktoberfest. Bikers will have easy access from town on the bike path and there are plenty of areas to lock up bikes.

Food and beer can be purchased with Camp Richardson’s Oktoberfest tickets available at the event.

The resort’s ice cream parlor and coffee and confectionery are open through Oct. 5, and there is still time to enjoy Tahoe’s Indian summer on the lake. Boat rentals, paddleboards, and water activities are available out of the marina until Oct. 15.