Panama City Beach Oktoberfest kicks off for the weekend

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. ( WMBB ) – Put on your lederhosen or dirndl and head to the Panama City Beach Oktoberfest in Aaron Bessant Park.

The German-inspired outfits date back to what Germans would wear in the early 1700s.

With over 30 vendors, games, and entertainment, there’s something for everyone. For the kids, there’s face painting, bounce houses, and cornhole.

Kids 12 and under can come in for free.

The event promoter first got the idea after attending the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.

“The promoter had gone to Oktoberfest in Germany and thought enough of that to bring to our area. And that’s kind of how the Panama City Beach Oktoberfest idea was born,” PCB Oktoberfest Marketing Director Grant Wittstruck said.

Since it first began, the event has grown over the years. Now there’s more beer, more food, and more vendors.

And the German beer is authentic.

“Our German beer, it actually came from Germany. We had to put our order in six months ago. And so not all Oktoberfests have that in our area,” Wittstruck said.

If you don’t like beer, they have cocktails, wine, and seltzers. And you can find a variety of authentic German specialties. There are pretzels, schnitzel, and all kinds of bratz.

Some local vendors came out just for the festival. Like Ruben Salazar of Carmen’s Corn and the Creation who came from Texas.

“There is a lot of Oktoberfests, but Panama City Beach is where to be. Come on out and come see us,” Carmen’s Corn and Creations owner Ruben Salazar said.

Three bands are playing traditional German music throughout the weekend.

There is also a stein hoisting competition, alphorn-blowing contests, and best-dressed competitions.

Panama City Beach Oktoberfest will be open at noon on Saturday and Sunday.

To buy your tickets, click here

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