Welcome to Oktoberfest in New Orleans! This is a celebration of German heritage and culture that you will love. Come and enjoy a never-ending lineup of live entertainment, German music and great New Orleans jazz. The one thing about Oktoberfest is that there is something for everyone in the family – no one is too young or too old.

I. WHEN IS OCTOBERFEST/NOLA IN 2021?

Basically it’s a weekend in October that stretches into two more in November. Here’s what it looks like spelled out:

Ø Friday, October 29 to Saturday, October 30

Ø Friday, November 5 to Saturday, November 6

Ø Friday, November 12 to Saturday, November 13

II. WHERE IS IT HELD?

This festival is held at Deutsches Haus: a social club in New Orleans. It is located at 1700 Moss Street, New Orleans, LA 70119. Phone: (504) 522-8014. This means it is 12 minutes (or 2.9 miles) from the French Quarter via Esplanade Avenue. This club is across from City Park (on Bayou St. John). There is an outdoor Beer Garden located under majestic oak trees.

III. IS THERE ANYTHING FOR CHILDREN?

Absolutely! You’ll find “The Kids Korner” where the little ones will find a variety of games and prizes. The attractions also include: children’s songs and fairy tales as well as free arts and crafts. Has your child ever been to a dachshund race? This is not to be believed!!

IV. WHAT FAMOUS BEERS ARE OFFERED?

At this fest you will find German “Biers” ranging from well-known brands such as Becks and Spaten to offerings such as “Köstritzer gibt Momenten Seele” – a centuries-old black beer that is know for its unique taste and slightly sparkling character.

V. WHAT TYPE OF GERMAN FOOD IS OFFERED?

You’ll never go home hungry – that’s for sure. The menu in 2021 includes traditional festival food as well as German home cooking. Fast food includes French fries and chicken nuggets or, the items that teenagers love.

The menu varies from week-to-week. That said you find entrees such as beef goulash with Spätzle noodles, roasted pork loin with a delicious mushroom sauce and even German meatloaf with bacon. All of these entrees sound absolutely delicious.

VI. WE HEARD THERE WAS DANCING – RIGHT?

Of course, we want you and yours to REALLY enjoy yourselves – so bring your dancing shoes!! The music is great: everything from Ompah to the popular Chicken dance. Note: keep an eye out for the German Chicken dance – you have to see it, to believe it! Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

By the way, the Crescent City Navy Brass Band has been invited to play – this is a group of professional musicians on loan from the Navy. They’re terrific – you’ll love them!

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? After months of lockdown at home -- you and yours deserve a real good rooting/tooting time! The whole family will enjoy themselves at this Fest. C’mon, don’t over-think – just pack up the family and come. (On a personal note: my husband and I went to Rolf’s, a German restaurant on Third Avenue and 22nd Street in NYC for years – the food was/is fantastic.)

PLEASE CHECK THE WEB if you are looking for any changes or more information about the events described in this blog.