After a year of preparation and more sponsors and entertainment than the previous year, Costa Rica’s Oktober Beer Fest is here. The fourth edition of the festival inspired by the German tradition since 1810 is taking place at Parque Viva in Guácima October 15th and 16th.
For the second consecutive year the festival is hosted at this venue and Pablo Formal, producer of the event, says the event center meets the need for this yearly production. It is a wide space without divisions, perfect for a memorable experience, to integrate friends and neighbor businesses.
Formal added that the idea to imitate the world’s largest beer festival in Munich, Germany came about because of the need for activities of entertainment in the country. Since most Ticos enjoy a good beer it made sense to create such event and this year marks the 4th anniversary of Oktober Beer Fest. Much of its success comes from making it family friendly with free admission for children under the age of 12, a farm with animals and jumping houses.
During the two-day festival, beer lovers can enjoy a wide range of drinks from Germany, United States, Panama, England, France, Belgium, Colombia, El Salvador, the Netherlands, Russia and the Czech Republic. Gluten free beer will also be available, and to compliment the variety of drinks attendees can sample traditional dishes from Germany and Costa Rica. Some of the Food trucks that will be present include Ventanita Meraki, Fufo’s Dogs, Papata, Witches, Hard Rock Café and The Beer Factory.
One of the main attractions of this event is the music and this year Molotov’s performance on Sunday will mark the closing for the grand event. Molotov is well known for their singles “Frijolero” and “Gimme Tha Power.” The last time this Mexican band performed in Costa Rica was back in 2012 at the National Stadium.
National performances from Un Rojo, Cocofunka, Ojo de Buey, Las Tortugas, La Milixia, Diesel, Dtour, The Beagirls and Kurt Dyer will take place throughout the two-day event. Some of the international groups taking center stage at Oktoberfest 2016 are Colombian singer, Jimena Ángel and Nicaraguan band, Leche de Burra.
According to Formal, this year’s ticket sales already surpassed last years, confirming the largest Costa Rica Oktober Beer Fest event. General admission ticket cost is ¢ 12,000. VIP entrance admission varies between ¢ 15,000 and 20,000. Tickets can be purchased at boleteria.cr, the Fresh Market, Hard Rock Cafe and The Beer Factory, in Escalante.
Doors open today, Saturday October 15, 2016 from 11 a. m. to midnight and Sunday, October 16, 2016 from noon to 10 p. m. Transportation will be provided by La Limo, Carpe Chepe La Carreta and The Bus to help avoid people drinking and driving.
For those who are a less timid and are willing to dress up in the traditional German outfit will receive a free beer courtesy of the Costa Rica Oktober Beer Fest 2016 production.
By Brenda Sotelo
