The Asheville Downtown Association's Oktoberfest pours tastings from more than 20 local breweries, cideries, wineries and distilleries, with German food, music and games. How the Prost Pass works and how to plan your afternoon.
Asheville takes its beer seriously, so it's no surprise the city's Oktoberfest is built around local brewers. Asheville Oktoberfest is an afternoon street party downtown with tastings from regional breweries, cideries, wineries and distilleries, German-style food, live music and Oktoberfest games, plus plenty of lederhosen and dirndls in the crowd.
Who Runs It
The festival is produced by the Asheville Downtown Association, the self-described voice of downtown, whose mission is to make working, living and exploring in downtown Asheville more joyful. In 2026 the event was presented by Fields Automotive. Asheville Oktoberfest returns each fall, and the association announces the date, location and tasting lineup on its events calendar.
When It Happens
Asheville Oktoberfest is a single Saturday afternoon in early fall. The 2026 festival was Saturday, October 3, from 1 to 5 p.m. The dates box at the top of this page shows the next festival as soon as it's posted.
Where It Is
For 2026 the festival moved to Coxe Avenue in the heart of downtown's South Slope brewery district, putting the party steps from some of Asheville's favorite breweries, restaurants and shops. The location can change from year to year, so confirm it with the Downtown Association's listing before you go.
Tickets: The Prost Pass
Tastings require a Prost Pass. 2026 pricing: $25 in advance or $35 on the day, a $10 savings for planning ahead. The pass includes a commemorative Asheville Oktoberfest tasting glass and beer tastings from the participating breweries. You must be 21 or older to buy a Prost Pass or drink.
What to Expect
- Tastings from more than 20 local breweries, cideries, wineries and distilleries.
- German-style food from local food vendors.
- Live entertainment, including German tunes to dance along to.
- Spirited Oktoberfest games.
- Costumes. Lederhosen and dirndls are encouraged.
Getting There and Parking
The South Slope Brewery District is part of downtown Asheville. The City of Asheville runs four downtown parking garages that are open to the public 24/7, with the first hour free and $2 an hour after that, up to a $15 daily maximum. Since this is a beer festival, walking in from a downtown hotel or taking a rideshare is the easier option.
Make a Day of It in the South Slope
Holding Oktoberfest on Coxe Avenue puts you in the middle of Asheville's brewery district, so the festival is easy to fold into a longer afternoon. Burial Beer Co. is a South Slope brewery with a rustic taproom and live music, and Wicked Weed runs a brewpub and its Funkatorium sour-beer taproom downtown. If you'd rather eat than drink after the tastings, our Asheville neighborhoods guide has ideas for the area.
Tips
- Buy your Prost Pass ahead. It's $10 cheaper than buying on the day.
- Bring your ID. You'll need it to buy a pass and to drink.
- Dress the part. A little lederhosen goes a long way.
- Stay in the South Slope afterward. The festival ends in the late afternoon, and the neighborhood's breweries are right there. Our list of the best breweries in Asheville will help you pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Asheville Oktoberfest?
It's a Saturday afternoon in early fall. The 2026 festival was October 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. Check the dates box at the top of this page for the next one.
How much does it cost?
In 2026, a Prost Pass with a tasting glass and beer tastings was $25 in advance and $35 on the day.
Where is it held?
In 2026 it was on Coxe Avenue in the South Slope brewery district downtown.
Is it 21 and up?
You must be 21 or older to buy a Prost Pass or consume alcohol.
Who organizes Asheville Oktoberfest?
The Asheville Downtown Association.
Planning a fall trip? Our fall in Asheville guide and our first-timer's weekend in Asheville cover the rest of your visit.
Details about businesses mentioned in this article (hours, offerings, atmosphere, and more) may change or may not be fully accurate. Spot something that needs a correction? Let us know and we'll fix it right away.
