Politics & Government

Prost: Oktoberfest Comes To Renton

A new cultural event is coming to town: The Renton Oktoberfest, September 28-30.

Less than a year and a half into business in downtown Renton, the energy and enthusiasm of owners Dennis and Lydia Mascarinas remains unbridled. The couple transformed what was once a bar known for its bad wrap, shady characters and shootings into a family-friendly German-inspired gastropub.

In July the Mascarinas’ struck up a conversation with the about hosting an Oktoberfest. The discussion turned into a partnership and their dream became reality. Plans for the event quickly grew in scale from a block-party style celebration to a three-day fest at the Renton Pavilion Events Center, complete with a 3,000-square-foot outdoor beer garden.

In many ways, Renton remains undiscovered, Dennis said.

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“We want to do this as a regional event. Just like everything else we do, we want to pull people from outside and let them know what Renton has to offer,” he said.

City government has also been very supportive of their efforts to plan and execute Renton’s first true Oktoberfest celebration.

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Kellie Jordan, director of events for the Renton Chamber of Commerce, is excited for the event, which will serve as a fundraiser for the Chamber.

“The Berliner could have done it without us, but they wanted to contribute to the community,” she said of their new partnership, which also includes several nearby hotels that will offer shuttle service to and from Oktoberfest.

Such a large event will require the help of volunteers. Contact Jordan at (425) 226-4560 for more information.


Renton Oktoberfest, September 28, 29, 30:

This is the real deal when it comes to Oktoberfest celebrations, complete with mainstay activities and music, in addition to a few untraditional competitions.

The festivities will kick off Friday night with the official tapping of the keg. Check back later for more on who the special guest will be.

The Pavilion Events Center will be decorated in the style of a true Oktoberfest beer hall and the schedule is filled with musical performances by and Manuela Horn, also known as the Austrian Amazon, who rose to fame after her appearance on America’s Got Talent. German beer will be on tap and available in half-liter and full-liter portions (in addition to red and white wine for non-beer drinkers). Expect a full pig roast and German games throughout the weekend.

Friday night will continue with the Miss Oktoberfest competition (the Mascarinas' already gave a heads-up to at in Renton, so they should have a good selection of dirndls). Guys will get a chance to strut their stuff Saturday night during the David Hasselhoff look-alike contest.

The fun continues on Sunday, when the entry fee is waived for all active duty military and Renton Police and Fire personnel.

“We just want to take care of the people who take care of us,” Dennis said.

  • Friday Sept.28th;  4 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.
  • Saturday Sept.29th;  11 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.
  • Sunday Sept.30th;  11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Ticket Prices are: $15 single day entry (pre-sale)
  • $20 single day entry (day of event)
  • $30 single day entry + stein package
  • $55 Uber Pass - 3 day entry + stein and food package
  • 21+ only
  • Ceremonial tapping of the keg on Friday, 6 p.m.
  • Hotel packages are available through the website
  • Admission on Sunday is free for active military and members of the Renton police and fire department
  • The Renton Oktoberfest is a partnership between the Renton Chamber of Commerce and Berliner Pub
  • For more information please see the official Oktoberfest web site, keep tabs on the event via Facebook and participate in the conversation on Twitter (@DTROktoberfest).


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