13th Annual Twin Cities Oktoberfest kicks off the festivities Friday night at the State Fairgrounds

German food, German music and plenty of local beers
Oktoberfest, Twin Cities, Minnesota, State Fair, Germany
It's more than just beer and brats. There's oompah music too! Photo credit (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

There will be a lot of German music, food, and of course beer at the Twin Cities' 13th annual Oktoberfest at the State Fairgrounds.

They'll have 23 beers on tap along with six bands performing over the two nights.

"We've got beers from four different breweries," says Oktoberfest co-owner Chip Meyer. "We have Utepils from North Minneapolis, we have Sociable Cider from Northeast, we have Lupulin from out in Big Lake and Lift Bridge from Stillwater.

Meyer, who spoke to the WCCO Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar, that while most Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S. import their beer from Germany, the Twin Cities version features only local breweries.

Meyer says that's among the reasons the Twin Cities Oktoberfest is rated among the best of its kind.

"Two years ago, we were voted the number four best Oktoberfest in the country, which just blew us away," explains Meyer. "We are so excited. One of the reasons is because everything we do is local."

They're located in the historic Progress Building on the State Fairgrounds which Meyer says adds to the ambiance of the festival.

Food offerings include multiple varieties of brats and German potato salad from Gerhard’s Brats, traditional German pretzels from Aki’s Breadhaus, savory and sweet pies from Sara’s Tipsy Pies, and candied bacon from Big Guy’s BBQ.

If you're feeling tough and competitive, you can participate in their stein holding competitions as well.

Oktoberfest is happening Friday 5:00-11:00 p.m. and Saturday Noon-10:00 p.m. and Meyer points out that they have a family-friendly event so feel free to bring children. It's free to get in and wristbands to purchase alcohol are available for $10.

Prost!

Featured Image Photo Credit: (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images)