Haus Party Brings Oktoberfest to Vancouver

If you’re feeling disappointed that summer fun is coming to an end, don’t despair – Harvest Haus is Here

Fall is kicking off in VanCity with a celebration inspired by one of the biggest parties in the world: Oktoberfest.

The inaugural Harvest Haus is coming to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza (Georgia St. at Hamilton St.) from October 2 to 5, and bringing with it the German influences you love. (Think beer, schnitzel, sauerkraut and steins.)

Harvest Haus organizer Scott Emslie says the set-up will be inspired by the national houses that popped up during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

“I thought it was really cool with the different houses throughout the city, and most of the Vancouverites I’ve spoken to have a little nostalgia about the 2010 Olympics. We’ll have that house feeling – the whole area will be tented; the main tent is the Harvest Haus Hall. It’ll definitely be a cultural experience.”

The event will consist of two four-hour seatings each day – one in the afternoon and another in the evening – where attendees will sit at long tables and enjoy German delicacies (we repeat, beer and schnitzel) as well as theatrical entertainment and musical performances imbued with German and European spirit. And if you’re itching to wander, there will be a patio, dance floor and other tents to explore.

Whether you’ve partied at Oktoberfest or not, this will be a celebration new to most Vancouverites.

“It’s a very cool experience. Vancouver doesn’t have many events like this and I think people are going to be pretty excited when they see everything we’re putting together for this event,” says Emslie.

So pull on your lederhosen, raise a glass and get ready to shout “prost!” at the top of your lungs. Who says Vancouver is a no-fun city?