News

Actions

Attend Oktoberfest at Tempe Beach Park

Posted at 6:40 AM, Oct 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-14 07:46:32-04

Oktoberfest is kicking off this weekend at Tempe Beach Park. Organizers are expecting thousands to attend over the weekend.

This is the 45th year for the festival. It's a family-friendly event, but there's more to it than beer and brats. 

The money raised benefits Tempe Sister Cities. It essentially helps high school students in Tempe go to a sister city in countries like France, Peru, Germany and China to name a few.

Organizer Bobbi Jones says, "We send them out to nine of our eleven different sister city countries. They bring back a brother or sister and they get a full American experience. Our motto is bringing the world together one friendship at a time."

There will be some new activities this year. Sunday will be Superhero day. The best costume will win a prize. Also new this year, Spaten four-on-four soccer tournament. And warm up your pipes for karaoke Friday.

Four Peaks Brewing Company is a sponsor of the event. Employees say they are bringing their Oktoberfest ale so you can save the trip overseas. 

Zach Fowle with Four Peaks says it is "made with the same ingredients, same specifications and we even tweak our water to mimic the water in Germany so it's going to be as authentic as you can get without, you know, taking a trip over to Germany."

Admission is free. It'll run Friday from 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.