Lake George Oktoberfest to feature polka bands, Bavarian food and beer

It has become the highlight of Columbus Day Weekend in Lake George Village. The 6th Annual Lake George Oktoberfest gets underway this Friday evening, Oct. 7, at 5 p.m.  A giant tent, housing a stage, dance floor, picnic tables, pans of steaming brats and a beer wagon, will replace traffic in the middle of Canada Street.

A carnival midway with rides and games, bounce houses, pony rides, a rock climbing wall, arts and craft vendors and food vendors will surround the tent and line the sidewalks at Shepard Park. The event, which runs through Saturday, Oct. 9, is hosted by Adirondack Pub & Brewery. Admission is free.

The music is non-stop throughout the weekend with a full lineup of polka bands on stage in the bier garden and a wandering accordion player mingling with the crowd.

Lake George Oktoberfest Live Music and Performance Schedule:

Friday, Oct. 7

•  6 –10 p.m.  Polka Jets

Saturday, Oct. 8

• 12 – 5 p.m. Herb’s Accord-A-Tones
• 6 – 10 p.m. Tony’s Polka Band

Sunday, Oct. 9

• 12 – 5 p.m.  Syracuse Austrian Dance Troup Edelweiss Schuhplattlers
• 12 – 5 p.m. Inseldudler

The Adirondack Pub & Brewery will be under the tent serving up Bavarian sausages, schnitzel, German potato salad, spätzle, giant pretzels and other Bavarian favorites. On tap will be a selection of the brewery’s craft beers. The festivities include Oktoberfest-themed competitions for the adults including stein hoisting and keg tossing.

The Lake George Village Oktoberfest Times:

• Friday, Oct. 7: 5 to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 8: Noon to 10 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 9: Noon to 5 p.m.

Many shops on Canada Street join in the festive atmosphere by rolling racks of merchandise out to the sidewalk and offering special pricing. Leaf-peepers will note that, although the fall foliage season is a little behind schedule this year, the past few days have seen increasing colors throughout the mountains surrounding Lake George.

The Adirondack Pub & Brewery will hold their own Charity Oktoberfest at their 33 Canada Street location on Oct. 15. More than a dozen New York State breweries, wineries and cheese makers will be attending this outdoor festival and offer samples to all ticketholders. Tickets for the Adirondack Pub & Brewery Oct. 15 Oktoberfest are available at Brown Paper Tickets. Proceeds will benefit the Adirondack Mountain Club.