Palisades Tahoe embraces the beginning of fall with the 16th annual, ever-popular Oktoberfest on September 23, where the Village magically transforms into a miniature Bavaria complete with authentic German beer and food, Bavarian music and performances, and popular Oktoberfest themed games.

Palisades Tahoe’s Oktoberfest supports the local community with proceeds from beer sales benefitting the High Sierra Lacrosse Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports student athletes developing skills in the growing sport of lacrosse. Last year’s Oktoberfest raised $20,000.

Entry into the festival is free, and festival-goers must be 21 years or older with a valid ID to purchase beer. Oktoberfest 2017 takes place Saturday, September 23 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Lederhosen, dirndls and a festiva attitude are highly encouraged.

“The annual Oktoberfest is one of the most popular festivals in the Village, said Caroline Ross, executive director for the Squaw Village Neighbourhood Company. The great food and music combined with fun and competitive games makes it accessible for all ages and we’re thrilled to be supporting our local community and the High Sierra Lacrosse Foundation for the 10th year in a row.”

Oktoberfest 2017 will feature Bitburger Premium Pilsner, Kostritzer Black Lager, Benediktener Oktoberfest Lager, Benedicktener Weissbeir and more traditional craft Oktoberfest brands. A .5-liter Palisades Tahoe Stein will be available for purchase for $20—with two beers included in the price. Additional beers are available for $5 each. Bratwurst sausages, schnitzels, pretzels, and non-alcoholic Root Beer Floats will be available from local restaurants and vendors.

Guests of all ages are invited to participate in the hilarious and exciting OktoberGames featuring a Keg Rolling Race, a Brat Toss and a Stein Holding Competition.

1:00 p.m. Keg Rolling Race: Roll an empty keg through a challenging course. The player with the fastest time wins.

2:30 p.m. Brat Toss: Toss a bratwurst to come to rest on a beer keg, with each round adding distance and difficulty.

4:00 p.m. Stein Holding Competition: Two full 1-liter steins are held at shoulder height. The last person standing wins.

Bavarian musical guests and performers at Palisades Tahoe’s Oktoberfest include Joe Smeill and his 20 piece Bavarian Band with the Amenrausch Schuhplattler Bavarian Folk Dancers in the Events Plaza, and The Alpentanz Kapelle Band with the Alpentanzer Schuhplattler Bavarian and Austrian Folk Dancers in the Funitel Plaza Area.

For more information on The Village at Palisades Tahoe Oktoberfest, visit www.squawalpine.com or call (530) 584-6266.