Oktoberfest Returns To The Kirkland Waterfront On Friday

KIRKLAND, WA — Oktoberfest returns Friday and continues through the weekend at Kirkland's Marina Park, marking the first major event of the fall season. Lederhosen are recommended but not required to attend the beloved annual event, which features a variety of imported German beers and local craft selections. Sunday is also Dog Day at Oktoberfest and will host the much anticipated Wiener Dog Races.

Here is the 2021 schedule for Kirkland Oktoberfest, from the organizers:

• Friday, Sept. 24 (4 p.m. - 11 p.m.)
  • Traditional tapping of the Firkin opening ceremony, The S-Bahn Band, Bavarian Beer Garden Band, Bonnie Birch Bavarian Band, DJ Kourosh, Bavarian Handshake World Record attempt, Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest Contest, Stein Hoisting, Keg Rolling, games of thrill and skill.
• Saturday, Sept. 25 (Noon - 11 p.m.)
  • Special guest Nite Wave, The S-Bahn Band, Bavarian Beer Garden Band, Bonnie Birch Bavarian Band, DJ Indica Jones, Willkommen Platz Market (all-ages), Bavarian Handshake World Record attempt, Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest Contest, Stein Hoisting, Keg Rolling, games of thrill and skill.
• Sunday, Sept. 26 (Noon - 6 p.m.)
  • 8th Annual Great Kirkland Wiener Dog Races (all-ages), Wiener Dog Costume Parade, Rotary Duck Dash (all-ages), Bavarian Beer Garden Band, Willkommen Platz Market (all-ages), Bavarian Handshake World Record attempt, Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest Contest, Stein Hoisting, Keg Rolling, games of thrill and skill and the infamous Morgenfahrt .5K Fun Run/Walk/not really a Race... well, it's practically a parade, to be honest.

Drivers should expect a few street and parking lot closures around the event through the weekend, including:

• The Lakeshore Plaza and auxiliary lot will be closed from Friday at 4 a.m. to Sunday, September at 11 p.m.
• Lakeshore Plaza and Kirkland Ave. from Lake St. to the City dock will be closed from Friday, at 4 a.m. to Sunday at 11 p.m. Vehicles parked in closed lots or on closed streets will be towed.

According to city officials, Oktoberfest organizers expect 5,000 people to attend the event. Learn more about the event and how to buy tickets on the official website.