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Yes, we know it’s September, but that is how you know this festival is legit. Munich’s Oktoberfest is actually the last two weeks of September, officially starting this year on the 19th. So if the Germans do Oktoberfest in September, then Tennessee will too. Come out to the Nashville Farmers Market the next two weekends and enjoy Volksfest, Middle Tennessee’s only true Munich-style Oktoberfest.
Volksfest at the Farmers Market was a big hit last year and this year will expand to two weekends. The kegs will be tapped the first weekend on Sep. 12 & 13. The following weekend, on the 18th, Volksfest will have a new Friday session as part of the Night Market. Then, Volksfest will continue Saturday the 19th and come to a close on Sunday the 20th. The Friday session will run from 4 to 9, Saturdays are 11 to 8 and Sundays will be 11 to 6:30. The festival is in the open air pavilions on the north side of the Farmers Market.
Entrance to the event is free, you just pay for your commemorative stein and bier und essen (that’s beer and food, y’all). You won’t need Euros or Deutschemarks at Volksfest, just tokens, which are $5 each. A token will get you a stein full of beer and food is one or two tokens, depending on what you like. The commemorative stein is $5 and you will need a stein to drink.
Riffs will be cooking up tasty brats, schnitzels and other German treats. Besides good food, you can’t have Oktoberfest without good beer, so traditional German beers from Franziskaner, Hofbräu and Spaten will be tapped.
Unlike most beer fests, Volksfest is kid and dog friendly, so bring the whole family. Dogs must be well behaved and on a leash. Children do not have to be leashed, but that is each parent’s prerogative. The carnival atmosphere, bounce houses, face painting and games will keep children entertained for hours. TVs will be showing college and pro football so sports fans won’t miss their games. The oompah sounds of the Musik Meisters, a Nashville-based polka band will fill the festival grounds. The band is the real deal and will be playing every hour at the top-of-the hour.
Proceeds from the Tennessee Volksfest will support Best Buddies of Tennessee in their mission to creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Hope we see you out there. Prost!