Leavenworth Oktoberfest unveils 2024 beer lineup and new payment system

LEAVENWORTH — The Leavenworth Oktoberfest, recently recognized as one of the nation's top outdoor festivals, is set to return with an enhanced beer selection and a new cashless payment system aimed at reducing wait times.

The festival, scheduled for Oct. 4-5, 11-12, and 18-19, will feature a diverse array of German imports and local brews. The lineup includes five German and five local beers, along with non-alcoholic options, wines, hard kombucha, and cider.

Highlighting the German offerings are Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen and Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier, the latter rated as the world's top Hefeweizen. Local breweries are also well-represented, with the collaborative Leavenworth Festbier taking center stage.

Troy Campbell, Executive Director of the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, praised the local breweries' efforts: "Our local breweries have done another masterful job of capturing Oktoberfest in a keg with their collaboration Festbier, not to mention the other seasonal brews they'll have on tap throughout the month."

In a bid to improve efficiency, the festival is introducing a new smartcard wristband payment system. Ernest Palmer, Director of Events & Entertainment, explained the rationale behind this change: "We're constantly looking for ways to incorporate guest feedback and improve the visitor experience, and wait times have historically been a pain point that we believe will be greatly reduced with the new wristband payment system."

The wristband system is part of a broader effort to enhance sustainability. Palmer added, "Oktoberfest has been working toward being a zero-waste event since 2022, and this offering brings us one step closer to meeting the goals of our Destination Smart sustainable tourism management framework."

This year's festival will also feature expanded attractions, including a larger "Kinderplatz" area with a Ferris wheel and root beer garden. Adults can enjoy a new area in the beer garden for leisure games.

Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets, wristbands, and merchandise in advance through the official Leavenworth Oktoberfest website at www.leavenworth.org/oktoberfest. The organizers invite visitors to don their best Trachten (traditional Bavarian garments) for the celebration.