JOSEPH — Alpenfest began in 1976 when a group of immigrants wanted to celebrate Swiss-German heritage in Wallowa County. Today, 48 years later, the tradition continues with music and dance, German food and German beer.

Alpenfest will be held Sept. 26-29 in Enterprise and Joseph.

This year includes a special dedication to Joe Ehrler, a founder of Alpenfest, who died this year. Part of the proceeds from this year’s festival will be donated to a trade school scholarship for local students in honor of Ehrler.

The festival begins Thursday, Sept. 26, from 6-9 p.m. with a ceremonial keg tapping at Terminal Gravity, 803 SE School St. in Enterprise. Entry is free, and the evening features food, music and beer — including the special batch brewed just for Alpenfest.

Weekend events

A free outdoor Alpenfair will be set up at the Joseph Community Center on Friday from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (partnered with the Wallowa County Farmers Market) and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. In addition, a pancake breakfast will be offered from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday at the farmers market for $12.

Alpenfest board member Stefan Hasselblad said this year will feature more food and drink options, more vendors, and more activities for kids and families, including a barrel train, beer stein holding competition, and games like cornhole, ring toss and more.

Indoor concerts are planned for Friday and Saturday featuring crowd favorites The Polkatones, a seven-piece polka band, The Tirolean Dancers of Oregon, a traditional Swiss-German dance troupe, and alphornists Gayle and Phil Neuman.

Friday’s performance is 6-10 p.m. Saturday has two shows — a matinee from 1-4 p.m., and a night concert from 6-10 p.m.

Advance tickets for the concerts are $12 online at www.oregonalpenfest.com and $15 at the door. Tickets for veterans and first responders are $5 and kids 16 and under are free.

This year the menu has expanded. In addition to the normal bratwurst meal, there will be pretzels, German chili and other special menu items.

The biergarten will feature Terminal Gravity’s annual specialty beer, along with other local favorites. Lighter beers, non-alcohol options and wine will also be available.

Schedule

Thursday, Sept. 26

Music, food and tapping of the Alpenfest beer, 6-9 p.m., Terminal Gravity, 803 SE School St., Enterprise.

Friday, Sept. 27

Alpenfair: noon to 6 p.m., Joseph Community Center, 102 E. First St. This outdoor celebration of German-Swiss culture features German food and beer, live music, kids games and handmade crafts. Free admission.

Concert: Performances by The Polkatones, The Tirolean Dancers and alphornists Phil and Gayle Neuman, as well as authentic German food and drinks; 6-10 p.m.; Joseph Community Center. Admission is $12, $5 for veterans/first responders and free for age 16 and younger.

Saturday, Sept. 28

Alpenfair: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Joseph Community Center.

Pancake breakfast: 9-11 a.m.; Wallowa County Farmers Market, $12.

Matinee concert: 1-4 p.m., Joseph Community Center. Admission is $12, $5 for veterans/first responders and free for age 16 and younger.

Night concert: 6-10 p.m., Joseph Community Center. Admission is $12, $5 for veterans/first responders and free for age 16 and younger.

Sunday, Sept. 29

Alpenfair: noon-3 p.m., Joseph Community Center.