Oktoberfest Countown: Ein Prosit!

Oktoberfest at the River begins tomorrow at noon! Learn one of Oktoberfest’s favorite German toasts and head down to the Spokane Convention Center for three days of family-friendly fun , music , games , food and cheer .

Friday Highlights
Free admission until 3 p.m. The ceremonial Tapping of the Firkin with Mayor David Condon and special guest W. Stacey Cowles, publisher of The Spokesman-Review , takes place on Friday at 5 p.m., followed by the Stein Chase at 6 p.m. AlpenBand of California performs throughout the day, with Queen of Oktoberfest Manuela Horn takes the stage at 9 p.m.

Saturday Highlights
Test your muscular endurance at Stein Hoisting contests throughout the day, plus music by AlpenBand, The Oompa’s and Ma’s and Manula Horn. Watch college football in the Sports Haus and enjoy authentic German Paulaner beer and food from Das Stein Haus. Kids ages 12 and younger get in free all weekend.

Sunday Highlights
Admission is half-price on Family Day, courtesy of The Spokesman-Review . Enjoy games, NFL games in the Sports Haus. Wiener Dog Races begin at 3 p.m., and the Alpen Band plays all day. Prosit!

One additional special treat: Manuela Horn, the Austrian actress and cabaret performer who will host Spokane’s Oktoberfest on the River Sept. 25-27, 2015, is also an accomplished yodeler. During an interview this summer, she gave us a sample, with her yodeled rendition of Madonna’s “Like a Virgin.” Give it a listen here .