24th annual Oktoberfest returns to Camp Richardson Resort

A fall tradition in Lake Tahoe, Camp Richardson Historic Resort and Marina’s Oktoberfest returns for its 24th year Oct. 6-7, and it's back with more of everything. More food choices, beverages, and kids’ activities are lined up for the two-day festival that runs 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Entrance and parking for the event are free. All festival tickets for food and beverage booths, pumpkin patch and kids’ inflatable activities must be purchased with cash at the ticket booths.

Festival goers are encouraged to take advantage of the free bike valet in front of the Mountain Sports Center. Bikers will receive an ice cream coupon for the resort’s ice cream parlor when they valet their bikes. Free parking is available in the resort’s Eagles Nest campground on paved sites.

The festival is debuting a new layout and ticket booths will be placed in front of the festival entrance for ease of purchase.

Camp Richardson’s beer garden will be fully stocked with Oktoberfest and fall inspired brews, including two local brews from 50/50 Brewing Company and Alibi. Festival goers can choose from German Spaten, Sam Adams Octoberfest, Deschutes Hopzeit, St Archer German Ale, Ninkasi Oktoberfest, Drakes Hefeweizen, 50/50 Oktoberfest and Alibi Pilsner. The festival will also offer Crispin Cider and a choice of three wines for purchase.

In addition to the German inspired IPA infused brats and sausages, food choices will include roasted quarter chicken, Lager stew with bread bowl, strudel, and iced chocolate brownies with cherry preserves.

Camp Richardson’s ode to the Munich festival is well known for its range of family friendly activities from face painting and balloon art to bouncy houses. This year there will be new inflatable games including a basketball and football game for the children. The “Gruber Family Band” will play live polka music both days and will be accompanied by Marcia Sarosik’s dancers from Lake Tahoe Shining Stars on Sunday, Oct. 7.

Popular festival events include Sunday’s bratwurst eating contest. Interested contestants need to sign up by 1:30 p.m. at the pumpkin patch. The showdown takes place at 3 p.m. on the main stage. Lederhosen are optional but encouraged.

Other contests during the two-day festival range from beer stein holding to yodeling and costume contests for dogs and their owners. Winners receive gift certificates for food, activities and lodging at the resort.

Vendor row will include many handcrafted and made in Tahoe choices like Tahoe Nevada Love, Gina’s Face Painting, Inspired Balloons, Tahoe Henna, Sierra Essentials, 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 1:00 p.m., for a 90-minute round trip cruise to Emerald Bay. Spots are limited, and reservations are recommended to guarantee a berth aboard the resort’s yacht. The Rum Runner will run daily at 1:00 p.m. through Oct. 14.

The resort’s ice cream parlor is open through Oct. 7, and there is still time to enjoy Tahoe’s beautiful fall weather on the lake. Boat rentals, paddleboards, and water activities are available out of the marina until Oct. 15.

Camp Richardson’s General Store is open year-round, 7 days a week.

For more information on the Oktoberfest, visit www.camprichardson.com/oktoberfest.