Pay no attention to the weather. If it’s almost October, it’s oompah time at COEUR D’ALENE OKTOBERFEST, Sept. 21-22 throughout downtown Coeur d’Alene.
Getting your ticket is as easy as going online to coeurdaleneoktoberfest.com or calling 208-415-0116, ages 21+ only (children and designated drivers accompanying valid ticket holder will be admitted free). Your $25 ticket entitles you to a commemorative pint glass and eight 4-ounce tastings or approximately two full beers. Additional tastings can be purchased for $4 a pint or $1 for 4-ounces.
What’s beer without food? At the Bier Schmecken Halle — schmecken meaning taste — inside the Resort Plaza Shops, purchase traditional Deutsche cuisine: bratwurst (sausage) with all the fixings, kartoffelsalat (potato salad) and apfelstrudel (apple pastry). Did you dress up in your lederhosen or dirndl? Kostenlos essen (eat for free), and remember to say danke (thank you)!
This popular event features three biergartens plus nine tasting sites throughout downtown Coeur d’Alene, each serving a different beverage and all within easy walking distance: TAPHOUSE UNCHAINED, ALL THINGS IRISH, ANGEL GALLERY, CHRISTMAS AT THE LAKE, COEUR D’ALENE FRESH, T-BLUE BOUTIQUE, WOOPS! BAKESHOP, THE NYC PIANO BAR and FINE BREWED. Sample from more than 30 varieties of local and regional beers and ciders, like Soktoberfest from Sockeye, Georgetown’s Porter and Schilling’s Cider Lumberjack.
In addition to beverages and food (for purchase), Coeur d’Alene Oktoberfest features live entertainment throughout the weekend, starting Friday evening at the Prostgarten (Second Street and Sherman Avenue), a fun-filled outdoor tent whose name — prost — is the German word for “cheers!” The music begins at 4 pm with the Buckley Storms Band, followed by original and classic blues and rock from the Bobby Patterson Band from 6-9 pm.
On Saturday, check out the Ryan Larsen Band from noon-3 pm, Pastiche from 3:30-5:30 pm and Somebody’s Hero 6-9 pm at Prostgarten. The Festzelt, or festival tent, is on the Coeur d’Alene Resort lawn and features live music, as well: the Hankers from 12:30-3:30 pm, Take 2 from 4-5:30 pm and Hot Club of Spokane closing out the evening from 6-9 pm.
Oktoberfest happens to correspond to another great event racing through downtown on Sept. 22: the Coeur d’Fondo bicycle ride, a fundraiser for the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation which begins early in the morning and ends right downtown. Sehr gut!
Upcoming Events
Tony Jackson
SEPTEMBER 21
Tony Jackson has a huge following on social media (like 45 million views!), and his name is sure to start climbing the charts now that his first album just dropped. Jackson is performing in the Camas Room as part of the Country Up Close Concert Series. Tickets $10; Coeur d’Alene Casino; 7 pm.
Coeur d’Fondo
SEPTEMBER 22
Ready for a party on wheels? That’s what a Gran Fondo is. The concept began in Italy and is now taking Coeur d’Alene by storm, offering fun on bikes for families to the more serious century crowd. Choose your distance, 15, 37, 50, 88 or 116 miles, and then take in the beautiful views along Lake Coeur d’Alene and Idaho’s Scenic Byway which passes through forests and lakeside communities. Go to Visitcda.org for start times and registration information.
St. Joe River Cruise
SEPTEMBER 23
The fall colors are just starting to show and there’s no better way to enjoy them than a full day spent cruising the full length of Lake Coeur d’Alene to the St. Joe River. Watch for birds and wildlife while also learning about North Idaho history and enjoying a buffet lunch. $56.75 adults; children 12 and under free; 11:30 am-5:30 pm. Purchase tickets at cdaresort/com/discover/cruises/tickets.
