Munich comes to Okere Falls

Okere Falls Store staff dressed up in traditional garb for Beerfest. Photo / File

Tickets for the Okere Falls Store Beerfest are selling out quickly, with Saturday night already booked out.

The popular annual event began on Monday and runs until Sunday.

Okere Falls Store owners Andi and Sarah Uhl have been running the Beerfest for the past five or six years. They had wanted to bring a new concept to Rotorua, Mr Uhl said.

"It's something different, we have both obviously been to the real Oktoberfest in Munich. We didn't just want to recreate the festival here, but thought it would be a great way to contribute to the community," he said.

Mr Uhl grew up 80km south-west of Munich and said the city's beerfest was a huge part of local culture.

"It is a traditional thing to do over there; it's once a year in your hometown. It's a bit like this in Okere Falls. Locals have been saying 'four more weeks til Beerfest'," he said.

Mr Uhl said the festival was a great way for the community to get together.

"It is a good week for people coming together. You get 20-year-olds from out of town chinwagging with 70-year-old locals."

He said with bands playing every night there was a lot to look forward to, particularly the Oompa band, who would play traditional Bavarian music on Saturday night. Visitors could also try a range of imported German and local brews.

Call the Okere Falls Store (07) 362 4944 or visit www.okerefallsstore.co.nz for tickets and more information.