Peaceful Side Social will host its annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from noon to 5 p.m., bringing regional craft beer, Bavarian festival fare and traditional Oktoberfest games to the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
This year’s festival expands its craft beer lineup with seasonal releases from Peaceful Side Brewery and guest taps from four East Tennessee breweries: Crafty Bastard Brewery, Abridged Beer Company, Monkey Town Brewing Company and Gatlinburg Brewing Company.
The Oktoberfest menu will feature the return of roasted Bavarian-style half chickens alongside grilled bratwursts, giant warm beer pretzels, seasonal sides and traditional accompaniments designed to pair with the afternoon’s beer selections.
“Oktoberfest is one of those events that brings together everything we love about gathering in Townsend: good food, great beer and a reason to spend the afternoon outside together,” said event organizer Tanya Myers. “We’re especially excited to bring back the half chickens and pretzels and welcome some of our fellow East Tennessee breweries to celebrate with us.”
Festival-goers can also compete in o\icial Steinholding contests conducted under traditional competition rules, along with additional lawn games and activities throughout the afternoon.
Admission to the open-air, family-friendly festival is free. Food, beer and merchandise will be purchased using festival tickets.
A limited number of commemorative 20-ounce Oktoberfest steins are available during the online presale and have historically sold out before the event. Guests using a
commemorative stein receive a 20-ounce pour for the same number of festival tickets as a standard 16-ounce pour at participating brewery taps throughout the event.
Presale festival ticket bundles are also discounted from event-day pricing. Advance ticket and stein packages range from $25 to $85.
Tickets and commemorative steins are available at peacefulsidesocial.com/event/oktoberfest-2026.