Photo courtesy of Penn Brewery

By Alyse Horn

Penn Brewery is celebrating Oktoberfest on September 16-18 and September 23-25, and Linda Nyman, director of marketing, said she is expecting thousands of people to visit the brewery over the next two weekends.

The event will run from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.  on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. On Fridays and Saturdays after 8 p.m., only attendees over the age of 21 are allowed at Oktoberfest.

Nyman said there is no cover fee to get into the event, but attendees can purchase a VIP package that allows them to gain access to an express beer line, private indoor bathrooms, reserved seating and more.

Also, because parking is always tight, Nyman said the brewery will be running a free shuttle on Fridays and Saturdays between the event and the strip district parking lot that is located at the end of the 16^th Street Bridge.

Nyman said Oktoberfest has been happening at the brewery for over 20 years and the highlight for her every year that she has participated in the socialization between attendees.

“I enjoy the fact that you see so many people that are happy,” Nyman said. “They are dancing and singing and you see them really let go of the electronics. To me that is really awesome.”

Nyman said every year there are some changes made to the event based on the feedback received from previous years. This year there have been some changes to the menu and VIP packages, as well as the addition of the free shuttles. She also added that the event is rain or shine and the weather forecast should not deter attendees.

“That’s why we have festival tents,” Nyman said.

To find out more about the event or to buy VIP tickets, click here.