Mount Angel’s Oktoberfest Boosts Entire Community

Mount Angel, OR. No wonder they’re all smiles at Oktoberfest, the community festival has distributed nearly three million dollars to nonprofits since its inception in 1966 and that distribution doesn’t include the money earned each year by 50 local non-profit food booths. For most of these organizations, Oktoberfest is their most important fundraiser of the year. Oktoberfest runs from September 14th through 17th in the quaint town about an hour south of Portland. Most events at Mount Angel Oktoberfest are free, only three of the venues have a cover charge.

The Webertanz and the Engelberg Dance Troupe perform at 12:15 each morning. Mt. Angel School Children are a big part of this group, including the First Graders.

This year, a special collaboration with Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB) means festival goers can enjoy a unique Pacific NW take on a Bavarian Session Ale with the limited edition release, Mt. Angel Volksbier on tap at the 52nd Annual Mount Angel Oktoberfest.

“Mount Angel Oktoberfest is pleased to partner with Hopworks Urban Brewery,” said Monica Boschler, Mount Angel Director of Marketing and PR. “Giving back to our communities and supporting family are highly valued shared goals”

There are 3 New Bands on the schedule for 2017: Oberkreiner Juhej – from Slovenia, great biergarten style
Dopplebockers – local Oregon band; traditional polka for the Biergarten
Chardon Polka Band – from Ohio; Polka meets Punk!

From Oktoberfest:

Did you ever wonder why Oktoberfest is celebrated in September? Even in Munich the bulk of the festival occurs in September. Oktoberfest has come to mean a celebration of German Culture in the fall season. Most fall festivals come at the end of the harvest when the crops are in and everything sits in the lager house. It is time to celebrate the year’s hard work and praise the Creator’s bounty with a grand harvest festival. Few harvest festivals in Germany are called OKTOBERFEST. In Mount Angel, Oktoberfest always starts the second Thursday after Labor Day – about when the hop harvest is in. Another reason for celebrating Oktoberfest in September is that the weather tends to be more cooperative. We can attest to that in Mount Angel.

The venue pricing varies a bit by day and time:

All Festival Pass: four day ALL FESTIVAL PASS/Wristband for $30.00 unlimited entry to all venues for all 4 days at any time. Most economical choice for those with an extended stay, and once on your wrist your wristband allows quick entry any day, any time!

Day Passes: Day passes are available for each day of the festival and are used for unlimited entry and reentry to the 3 venues on that day only. A pass purchased before 5:00 pm is good through the remainder of the day – no additional evening charge. A different colored wristband will be used for each day of the festival.

Day Pass pricing:

Thursday: Before 5:00pm -$5 After 5:00pm – $8
Friday:* Before 5:00pm -$7 After 5:00pm – $12
Saturday: Before 5:00pm -$10 After 5:00pm – $15
Sunday: Before 5:00pm -$10 After 5:00pm – $10

*Friday is our Saluting Our Armed Forces Day – a $2 discount is offered to those who are serving or have served in our Military. Sponsored by Les Schwab Tires and Mount Angel Oktoberfest. Not valid with other discounts.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.