Behind the Scenes of KC Oktoberfest 2024: A Fun Chat with Cathy Holle

Let’s be real—fall isn’t really fall until you’ve had your fill of beer, bratwurst, and Bavarian vibes. And if you’re in Kansas City, KC Oktoberfest is the event that brings all of that to life. But what makes this festival so special? What’s the secret sauce behind the fun?

We sat down with Cathy Holle, one of the creative geniuses behind KC Oktoberfest, to get the full scoop on what you can expect this year. Spoiler alert: it’s gonna be epic. So grab a pint, get comfy, and let’s dive into the details.

KC Oktoberfest: From Humble Beginnings to Big-Time Fun

Every great tradition has to start somewhere, right? KC Oktoberfest is no exception. Cathy gives us a peek into how this event started small but quickly grew into something big, bold, and packed with Bavarian flair.

Q: Since when do you host your Oktoberfest?

Cathy: "KC Bier Co. opened in 2014, and we held a small Oktoberfest at our brewery for the first four years. But space became a problem, so in 2018, we decided to move to a larger venue. This will be our 6th Oktoberfest, but we had to skip 2020 because of the pandemic."

Who knew that a small brewery Oktoberfest would blow up into one of the biggest parties in town? Kind of like that backyard barbecue that outgrows your yard and spills onto the street! KC Oktoberfest moving to a bigger space in 2018 was like leveling up. It's not just about fitting more people—it’s about creating room for bigger vibes, more activities, and a full-on Bavarian experience. Similar to the Oktoberfest tents in Munich that expanded over the years to accommodate larger crowds, this shift let KC Oktoberfest grow while keeping that charming Bavarian feel we all love.

Big Crowds, Bigger Fun

With more space came more people, and KC Oktoberfest hasn’t stopped growing since. Last year’s numbers were impressive, but this year? Cathy’s got some big expectations.

Q: How many visitors do you expect this year?

Cathy: “Last year, we had approximately 15,000 visitors over our 1.5-day event, and our goal is to reach 17,000 this year.”

Yeah, you read that right—17,000 people. That’s a whole lot of beer-loving, brat-craving festival-goers ready to celebrate like there’s no tomorrow. And the thing is, once you experience KC Oktoberfest, it’s pretty hard not to come back for more. It’s like Oktoberfest’s irresistible charm—the same way Oktoberfest’s history saw it grow into the massive, must-attend event it is today, KC Oktoberfest is quickly becoming the Midwest's own unmissable fall fest.

Beer: The Heart and Soul of Oktoberfest

Okay, let’s get down to business—because we all know the real star of Oktoberfest: the beer. And if you’re wondering how much beer we’re talking about, brace yourself. Cathy's about to drop some jaw-dropping stats.

Q: How much beer are they going to drink?

Cathy: “A lot! Last year, we went through 381 half barrels of beer and 58 cases of wine.”

Whoa. That’s enough beer to keep Kansas City buzzing for weeks! And the best part? It’s not just about the quantity—KC Bier Co. brings the quality too.

Q: Signature beer of the event?

Cathy: “Our signature beer is our very own Festbier. We make all the beer for the event and offer five different types of bier and one cider, all brewed by KC Bier Co.”

So yeah, if you’re a beer lover, KC Oktoberfest is your playground. You’ll find everything from classic brews to special flavors that’ll make you feel like you’ve been transported straight to a Munich beer hall. 

Brats, Pretzels, and More: The Real Oktoberfest Feast

Let’s be real: Oktoberfest food is the stuff of legends. From sizzling brats to giant pretzels, this is the kind of food that makes you want to loosen your belt and dive right in.

Q: How many brats do they eat?

Cathy: “We had multiple food vendors last year, so I’m not sure about the total number of brats. But from our food tent alone, we sold 1,300 brats, and there were three other vendors selling brats as well. My guess is around 5,000 brats in total!”

5,000 brats. Now, that’s a feast. And of course, no Oktoberfest is complete without the famous Bavarian Pretzels. Whether you’re devouring a bratwurst or tearing apart a giant pretzel, everything tastes better when you wash it down with their Festbier. It’s like Bavarian comfort food heaven.

What to Wear: Go Big or Go Home

If you’ve been thinking about breaking out your Lederhosen or Dirndl for the event, now’s your time to shine. Nothing says Oktoberfest like the traditional Bavarian look—and trust us, it’s part of the fun!

Q: Lederhosen, cheap costume, or jeans and t-shirt?

Cathy: “We’d love everyone to wear traditional garments—it’s all part of the fun! But it’s not required, so feel free to come as you are.”

So, whether you go all-out with authentic gear or keep it casual, you’ll fit right in. If you’re feeling unsure about how to rock your Lederhosen, check out How to Wear Lederhosen for a quick guide to nailing the look. It’s your chance to channel those Bavarian roots and really get into the spirit of things.

[Click Here To Start Building Your Outfit|https://bavariatrachten.com/pages/outfit-builder]

Entertainment for All Ages: More Than Just Beer

Sure, the beer and brats are a huge draw, but KC Oktoberfest is so much more than that. There’s a whole lineup of activities that make this event fun for everyone—young, old, and everyone in between.

Q: Which activities do you have at Oktoberfest?

Cathy: “We have three stages with live music, a children’s area, and a Glockenspiel stage with performances happening nine times over the 1.5 days. There’s also roaming entertainment, an exhibit on German migration to the Midwest, and the KC Library has a display on the history of the Crown Center area—which, by the way, used to be one of the first bier gardens in Kansas City!

We’ve got 35 Hammerschlagen stations—last year, we went through 250 lbs of nails, and this year, I’ve got 300 lbs on hand. Plus, there’s Cornhole, giant Connect Four, giant Jenga, and giant Bier Pong.”

It’s a full-on fest. From games like Hammerschlagen (who knew pounding nails into a tree stump could be so fun?) to live music and even cultural exhibits, there’s something for everyone. Want to make sure you don’t miss anything? Avoid the rookie mistakes by checking out Oktoberfest Mistakes 2024 and make sure your festival game is on point.

Take a Souvenir Home: Oktoberfest Shopping

No festival is complete without grabbing a little something to remember it by, right? KC Oktoberfest has plenty of vendors, so you can take a piece of Bavaria home with you.

Q: What to buy?

Cathy: “This year, we have 23 marketplace vendors, and we’re promoting it as Kindlemarkt comes early!”

Whether it’s a traditional German Nutcracker or something to decorate your home for the fall, the marketplace has you covered. Plus, it’s a great way to support local artisans and bring a little Oktoberfest charm into your life.

Final Thoughts: Why KC Oktoberfest is the Best Party in Town

As we wrapped up our chat, Cathy left us with one final thought about what makes KC Oktoberfest stand out from other events.

Q: What do you offer that others in your area don’t?

Cathy: “The best party ever! We’ve got great music, food, and fun, but what really sets us apart is the bier. We make true German bier, with ingredients sourced straight from Germany, so you’re getting the real deal here.”

Prost to Another Year of Fun!

Kansas City Oktoberfest is more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of Bavarian culture, community, and great beer. Whether you're coming for the music, the food, or the family fun, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, mark your calendars, grab your Lederhosen, and get ready to raise a stein at KC Oktoberfest!

[Click Here to Learn More About KC Oktoberfest!|https://kcoktoberfest.com/]