Fall color drives, waterfalls, wineries and a lively party
HELEN, GEORGIA—JUNE 2023—Each fall, seekers of lively festivities and those who cherish quiet mountain getaways head to Alpine Helen/White County, Georgia. Some take the roads less traveled, seeking fall color, waterfalls, wineries and cool mountain air. Others flock to the celebratory Bavarian-themed town of Helen for entertainment, dining, shopping and staying close to the action during Helen’s biggest party of the year.
Kicking off the fall season is the Helen Oktoberfest, the longest running of its kind in the United States, held from September 7 – October 29, 2023 with weeks of dancing, entertainment, food, and, of course, beer–and wine. The Helen Chamber hosts this a 53-year tradition featuring jovialität and fröhlichkeit, musicians, dancers and performers from Germany and German communities from many states. Why Oktoberfest? This Blue Ridge foothills area is often compared to Bavaria, which inspired Helen’s Alpine architecture, cobblestone pathways and gingerbread-laced buildings.
Starting at 6 p.m. on September 7 the riverside Helen Festhalle welcomes visitors for German bands, dancing and authentic food and beverages in an atmosphere like no other. At noon on Saturday September 9, the Oktoberfest Parade kicks off with a colorful swirl of costumed marchers and bands pumping out traditional music on drums, Alphorns, cowbells, accordions and more. The first keg-tapping of the festival will take place afterward at the Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Street.
In the Festhalle, see performers in traditional dirndls, Tyrolean hats and lederhosen, sample the beers and the best of the wurst (six kinds), German potato salad, red cabbage, potato cakes, American dogs, chicken fingers, desserts, snacks and more.
Helen’s Oktoberfest Festhalle is open September 7 – 24, 2023 from Thursday – Sunday and nightly from September 28 – Oct 29, 2023 (check times at the website). Festhalle Admission: Monday-Friday $10, Saturday $12, Sunday free. Active and retired military with ID, free; kids 6-12 half price; under 6 free. Check https://helenchamber.com/oktoberfest for group discounts and Friday/Saturday passes.
Check the schedule for additional events. For instance, those age 21 and over can participate in Helen’s traveling Oktoberfest keg-tapping ceremony on Saturdays that rotates to various biergartens, restaurants and taverns. In this German tradition an officiant says a few words, the crowd chants and then imbibes from the freshly tapped keg. Listen for these two phrases: O’zapft is! (It’s tapped!) and “Oans, zwoa, drei, g’suffa!” (One, two, three. . . drink!).
Events throughout the town add plenty of fun, while shops and dining establishments create their own festival ambience. Give local wine equal time! Take a break for serene vineyard and mountain views at several award-winning Helen-White County wineries. Each has its own personality and ambience, and several have special fall events. Check the events schedule for details closer to the season.
Oktoberfest Pro Tips
Helen has a road less traveled through town. Edelweiss Strasse runs virtually parallel to South Main Street, from the Budgetel Inn and Suites at the south end to the public parking at Chattahoochee Strasse on the north end. Visit during the week to enjoy fewer crowds. Early risers find more leisurely morning breakfasts and shopping before the party crowd gets started. Book accommodations well in advance. For more details go to https://helenchamber.com/index.html
Stay
Stay at the heart of the action in downtown Helen or head to the peace and quiet of a scenic mountain retreat. Pick from charming bed and breakfasts, quaint alpine-themed motels, cozy cabins, a vibrant collection of vacation rentals or a luxury boutique hotel. Whether you choose a remote cabin, a small property on the river or a branded hotel within walking distance of the Alpine Village, book early for this very popular celebration. Helenga.org/lodging
More Fall Events
Plenty more events are happening in Alpine Helen/White County in the fall, Here’s a downloadable guide to Helen, with a complete listing of events https://helenga.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Helen-Guide-2023.pdf For more details, check the Helen Event Directory.
Sept 2, 2023 Folk Pottery & Arts Festival
10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Sautee-Nacoochee Cultural Center
283 Highway 255 North, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia
706-878-3300
https://www.snca.org/snc/calendar/calendarLg.php?yyyymm=202309
September 12 – November 4, 2023
Color Me Autumn Art Exhibit
Helen Arts & Heritage Center
25 Chattahoochee Strasse, Helen, Georgia
706-878-3933
helenarts.org
September 17, 2023
Cannon Classical Concert
Sautee-Nacoochee Cultural Center
283 Highway 255 North, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia
706-878-3300
https://www.snca.org/snc/calendar/calendarLg.php?yyyymm=202309
Performance by Edgewood String Quartet at 2 p.m.
Through October 15, 2023
Mixed Media Masterpieces/Plein Air Trio: McGannon,
Cox, Negron Exhibition
Sautee-Nacoochee Cultural Center
283 Highway 255 North, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia
706-878-3300
www.snca.org/snc/home.php
September 23, 2023
Harvest Moon Dance
Hardman Farm State Historic Site
143 Highway 17, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia
706-878-1077
https://explore.gastateparks.org/events?p=148
Hardman Farm’s fall premiere event will bring the farm to life with live 1930’s jazz music, delicious food and beer and a night of dancing under the stars. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
September 23, 2023
Agrifest
Freedom Park
66 East Kytle Street
Cleveland, Georgia
706-865-5356
https://www.whitecountychamber.org/events/details/agrifest-2023-19978
Meet your favorite farm animals. Shop for locally made crafts, buy fresh produce and other locally produced goods from vendors at the White County Farmer’s Market. Enjoy local live music and play harvest-themed kids activities. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
October 21-22, 2023
Artoberfest Arts and Fine Crafts Fest
Helen Arts and Heritage Center
25 Chattahoochee Strasse, Helen, Georgia
706-878-3933
https://www.helenarts.org/
Enjoy two days of the region’s finest artists and craft persons showing original/handmade works. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. both days.
October 21, 2023
Mountain Farm Celebration
Hardman Farm State Historic Site
143 Highway 17, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia
706-878-1077
https://explore.gastateparks.org/events?p=148
Hands-on pioneer skills demonstrations, traditional craft vendors, local authors and historians, apple cider from a hand-cranked press, biscuits cooked on a wood-fired antique stove and much more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
October 22, 2023
Cannon Classical Concert
Sautee-Nacoochee Cultural Center
283 Highway 255 North, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia
706-878-3300
https://www.snca.org/snc/calendar/calendarLg.php?yyyymm=202309
Performance by Hiroya Tsukamoto at 2 p.m.