Press Releases
Celebrate Oktoberfest in Missouri’s Rhine Village
During the first four weekends in October the City of Hermann, Missouri will be observing its annual Oktoberfest. This well preserved German village, located on the banks of the Missouri River, provides a perfect setting for traditional events to celebrate German heritage and culture.
A wide variety of activities are planned among the more than 150 historic buildings in the downtown area that includes more than a dozen antique shops, a number of specialty stores, museums, historic sites, art galleries, great restaurants, and quaint B&Bs and inns. There are also seven wineries and plenty of music, special food booths, and crafts demonstrations.
The glorious fall colors of Missouri provide a special accent to the historic community and the many activities sponsored by local organizations and businesses.
While there are many activities that occur each weekend there are several special events held on a specific weekends.
On October 6, a youth band from Hermann’s sister German sister city of Arolsen, will perform from 4-6 p.m. at the city’s downtown amphitheatre. There is no admission charge to hear this group that has performed in several countries.
On October 13-14 the annual Arts and Crafts Festival, sponsored by Hermann’s Brush and Palette Club will be held at the middle school on Highway 100 west. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers an exhibition and sale of many kinds of handcrafted items. It is a major event and has been held for over 50 years. There is no admission charge.
On that same weekend, October 12, a new bridge into Hermann will be dedicated, providing greater access to Hermann from Highway 19; it includes a protected bike path for easy access to the Katy Trail. Festivities will begin at 5:15 p.m. and feature music by the city’s band and fireworks. The bridge is named in honor of U.S. Senator Christopher Bond, who will attend the ceremony.
On the weekend of October 20-21, the Artists of Wine Country will open their studios, providing visitors a unique opportunity to watch the award winning artists at work and also look for Holiday gifts.
Every weekend there will be German music and food at the Hermannhof Festhalle; wine and beer gardens downtown with live entertainment; old time craft demonstrations at Red Barn Crafts & Antiques; the German School Museum and Deutschheim State Historic site with three historic buildings, and the White House Hotel built in 1868, will be open for tours; and all seven wineries along the Hermann Wine Trail will be open with special entertainment and activities.
While there are many scheduled activities during weekends, there are still plenty of things to do during the week in Hermann. Not only are there more than 50 bed and breakfast inns to choose from, but also the historic Stone Hill and Hermannhoff wineries, the German School Museum, Deustchheim State Historic Site and many other attractions.
Midweek visitors will also have a chance to enjoy performances at the historic Showboat Theatre. The Showstoppers Revue is scheduled for October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18 at 2:15 p.m.
Many communities promote Oktoberfest-type events in the fall, but this is the real deal. Hermann, Missouri offers The Oktoberfest.
Full details, including a schedule of events, are available at www.hermannmo.info or by calling the Hermann Welcome Center at 1-800-932-8687.
