The San Antonio Riverwalk is one of the top tourist attractions in the U.S. Even as a resident of almost 10 years, I still believe there’s a bit of magic at the Riverwalk. You can almost always find a celebration honoring one of the many cultures that has deep roots in our city. That includes a strong German heritage. Now you can experience that rich German culture and hospitality at one of the Riverwalk’s newest and most entertaining attractions – the San Antonio Biergarten.
What better time to start than the return of OKTOBERFEST – September 25th to 27th and October 2nd to 4th, 2015! The San Antonio Bier Garten launched its first OKTOBERFEST last year, to much acclaim and standing room only. In addition to live German music and some dancing, you may want to prepare yourself for some good ol’ fashion Bavarian FUN, including:
OKTOBERFEST Sing-A-Longs – My favorite has to be Sierra Madre. Yep, a widely-know ballad that usually closes the celebration has Spanish-language chorus. Give it a good try:
“Sierra, Sierra Madre del Sur,
Sierra, Sierra Madre, oh, oh,
Sierra, Sierra Madre del Sur,
Sierra, Sierra Madre.” (Find full lyrics and other popular OKTOBERFEST songs online.)
Stein Holding Contest – In a traditional Stein Holding Contest, contestants hold a 1-liter stein of beer (which weighs about 5 pounds) out in front of them at shoulder level for as long as they can. No beer can be spilled, no elbows can be bent, and extended arms must be kept parallel to the ground. The winner is the person who can keep their stein aloft the longest. (Today.com)
Alp Horn Blowing Contest – Well, the picture below explains it all, queridos.
Close to the Alamo, shaded by our native live oak trees, the Bier Garten offers authentic Bavarian fare, including sausages, pretzels, sour kraut balls and ice cold beers with one of the largest selections of import and craft beer on the Riverwalk. Wine is also available, and while you might have a hard time finding Margaritas in Germany, you can find them here — pues claro, this IS San Antonio!
Relax with friends and have a fun-filled OKTOBERFEST experience right here in the River City. Thanks to our friends at The Mad Dogs International, one winner will win a pair of VIP tickets (Admit 1 + Guest for Buffet and Bier) to next weekend’s OKTOBERFEST Celebration (October 2, 3, 4th). Enter the giveaway below and Good Luck – Viel Glück – Buena Suerte!
