Oktoberfest is back at Alton Towers! Last year was the first time the park had run an Oktoberfest event and we had a great time, but this year the park has taken on peoples feedback and expanded the event even further. The main difference to last year is that the event is now more spread out, with the main stage/arena still on the Towers Street lawns and a small more laidback venue located in the Munity Bay Courtyard, called Bierkeller.
Bierkeller is still full of Oktoberfest magic, never fear! This new area is more laid back and aimed towards families. During the day, the area still has entertainment but is more toned down and not as loud. During our short stay in Bierkeller, we noticed 3 acts rotating, an Oktoberfest Sing-A-Long, an accordionist and live music. Complete with its own bar and hot food we really liked Bierkeller, the theming in and around the area is very cool and not too over the top. Unlike the main stage, all of the tables are still individual to give guests some room/privacy.
The main home of Oktoberfest is on the Towers Street Lawns, full of live entertainment, music and a new dancing show for 2021 called the Lebhaft Tanzen Show. Be warned, once you sit down, you might not leave until it's dark! There's never a dull moment at the Oktoberfest, entertainment starts a 1pm every day and continues an hour past park close meaning guests around the park, when leaving, can catch a glimpse of what they've missed and potentially sit down for one last drink and enjoy Oktoberfest.
As with last year, the park has installed more food stands on the lawns such as Brawursts, Churros, Marshmallows, and many more! New for this year is the Wunderbar... a 2 story shipping container bar giving you great views over the event.
On the main stage, there are 3 shows where guests can sit back and enjoy a beverage. However warned, some shows do require some guests interaction. Especially if you catch the German Jukebox who love to get you up on your feet dancing!
The Darwin Show: Darwin is back for another year of adventures, join Darwin and his friends as they play music, have a dance and a magical adventure. This show is more aimed at families with children.
German Jukebox: Back by popular demand German Jukebox are back for another year of playing traditional German music and teaching guests some of the dances you would find if you went to Munich for Oktoberfest. Compared to last year there is more interaction with the audience, two big issues of last year was table service was introduced halfway through the event and because of coronavirus people had to keep a 2meter distance, so guests interacting with each other was discouraged.
Lebhaft Tanzen Show: New for 2021, the Lebhaft Tanzen Show is a dancing show full of 20 actors dancing to some german songs. With sharp dancing and choreography, this show is unlike anything we've seen before! The only downside is Lebhaft Tanzen show is only performed during peak times, Friday - Sunday so if your visiting during the week you won't catch them.
With all the extra entertainment and new theming around the area, Oktoberfest is set to be a big hit again this year! We love the huge inflatable steins that glow in the dark this year the stage on the lawn has two entrance archways. One straight from Towers Street and another from Munity Bay. Pick up a stein and sit on the long tables, just as if you were at Munich Oktoberfest!
We really enjoy Oktoberfest at Alton Towers, the extra acts and two stages evenly spread out the crowd. The extra food stands are great but can be very expensive compared to normal food stands operated by Merlin. It would be nice in future events to have special music around the park and maybe expand the area into 3 areas, keeping the same two stages but having something in the huge space opposite Hex and next to Woodcutters. Until next year... Prost!
