Oktoberfest 2017 :: An Insider's Guide

Fredericksburg's favorite festival is finally here! Oktoberfest 2017 kicks off on Friday in the center of town (Marketplatz). The festival boasts of four stages, dance contests (chicken dance - BRING IT ON), a Kinderpark, local artisan craft, German food and (of course) beer. The taller the beer cup stack, the better. Here are some tips on how to navigate Oktoberfest like a local:

Get there early(ish). The festival closes down at midnight (try not to turn into a pumpkin).
Feel free to dress up in traditional German garb, but it's not a faux pas to pass and wear denim. PRO TIP: Wear shoes you will be comfortable standing/dancing/drinking in.
Bring. Cash. You will need to buy food/drink tickets at the designated booths. If you don't bring enough cash (like me circa Oktoberfest 2016), you'll get stuck waiting in line for the ATM (and extra ATM charges are a buzzkill).
Be nice to the volunteers serving beer. They might just be sure to top off your souvenir cup with a smile. Also, be sure to keep your souvenir cups and stack them high! It's like a badge of honor.
Eat some German food. Vendors will be clustered together - the blend of smells will have your mouth watering all over the place. Be sure to try some potato pancakes with applesauce.
Participate in the chicken dance. Just. Do it.
Take a stroll through Kinderpark. They have a variety of festival games/contests to participate in (fun for kids and adults)!
Check out the artisan booths. Art, knick knacks and clothing GALORE. It's like weaving through a maze of creativity, while drinking beer or munching on a bratwurst.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $1 for kids ages 7-12. Kids aged 6 and under get in FO FREE.

For more information, visit the official Fredericksburg Oktoberfest website.

To recap...