Plant Riverside District is delighted to announce the third annual Oktoberfest celebration, which will showcase a blend of old and new German traditions from Wednesday, October 4 through Saturday, October 28, including the return of the popular Savannah Wiener Dog Races. All family-friendly festivities will take place at Plant Riverside District, located on Savannah’s historic riverfront at 400 W. River St.

“We’re delighted to host Savannah’s biggest and best Oktoberfest event at Plant Riverside District,” said Richard C. Kessler, Chairman and CEO of The Kessler Collection. “We warmly invite everyone to head down to Plant Riverside District to enjoy incredible live music, authentic German food and family-friendly fun.”

On Saturday, October 7, Plant Riverside District will host the 2023 Savannah Wiener Dog Races, which will be organized by Savannah’s Waterfront. Registration begins at 10 a.m.; with races starting at 11 a.m. in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. Race heats are open to Dachshunds as well as “Almost Wiener Dogs,” with proceeds benefitting Savannah’s Waterfront. The grand prize winner will receive a special trophy as well as a $100 credit for Yappy Hour at Electric Moon. $25 entry fee per dog. Click here to submit your dog’s online entry form.

“We’re thrilled that Plant Riverside District will be the new home for the Savannah Wiener Dog Races and that this exciting tradition is returning to River Street,” said Julie Musselman, Executive Director of Savannah’s Waterfront. “It’s such a fun tradition and an ideal way for local residents and visitors to celebrate Oktoberfest in Savannah.”

Every Saturday from 1-4 p.m., Plant Riverside District will feature a range of free German-themed activities. The Rhinelanders will perform live polka music at 1 p.m., followed by a Strudel Walk Competition at 1:30 p.m., Keg Bowling Competition at 2:30 p.m. and Stein Holding Competition at 3:30 p.m. Special prizes will be awarded to winners in each category.

Oktoberfest 2023 at Plant Riverside District will officially kick off on Wednesday, October 4 at 7 p.m. with a free outdoor concert featuring the Uni-Big Band Halle in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. This special live performance will feature talented musicians from Halle, Germany, which is Savannah’s “sister city,” and is co-presented by Plant Riverside District and the Teutonic Council of Savannah and sponsored by The Halle Foundation of Atlanta.

Founded in 1993 by Conductor and Director Hartmut Reszel, the internationally acclaimed Uni-Big Band Halle features students and teachers from Martin Luther University in Halle, Germany and Wittenberg, Germany. The band specializes in big band-style jazz, pop standards and original compositions and has performed across Europe, South America and beyond. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson will introduce Uni-Big Band Halle Conductor/Director Hartmut Reszel and will offer reflections on Savannah’s ongoing relationship with Halle, Germany.

Throughout Oktoberfest, the exceptional restaurants at Plant Riverside District will serve specialty beers as well as authentic German food. Featured Oktoberfest beers include Southern Barrel Helles Lager, Yuengling Oktoberfest, Commonhouse Wise One Hefeweizen, Teufel Hunden, Spaten Lager and Sam Adams Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest is a popular annual festival in Munich, Germany that is traditionally held over a two-week period in late September and early October. The event originated in 1810, as part of the official celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who was later known as King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. All Munich citizens were invited to join in the festivities, which eventually became known as Oktoberfest.

For more information about Oktoberfest 2023 at Plant Riverside District or to view a complete entertainment schedule, visit www.plantriverside.com.