PENDLETON — German food, German beer and German music will help raise money for scholarships in this year’s eighth annual Oktoberfest Pendleton on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2-9 p.m. at the Happy Canyon Arena.

“We want people to come out, celebrate one of the last days of summer and have a good time for a great cause,” Oktoberfest Pendleton Board President Erica Stewart said.

At the center of the festivities is a variety of beers, both local and imported. A “Drinker Pass” ticket — $18 in advance or $20 at the door — includes entry into the event, a collector’s stamped pint glass and two beer tokens to sample various beers, ciders and hard seltzers. Additional beer tokens can be purchased at the event. A non-drinker pass is $5.

“This year, for the first time, we will have some German beer choices for the people drinking beer,” Stewart said. “One of them is from one of the oldest breweries in the world. We had to get special taps to use these kegs because they are not standard. We’re really excited about that.”

That beer will come from Weihenstephaner Brewery in the southern part of Germany, established in 1040.

For those who prefer different drinks, Oktoberfest will have selections of sodas, water, wine from Cerebella Winery and specialty cocktails provided by the Pendleton Underground Tour’s Shamrock Bar.

“Whatever your libation is, we have something for you,” Stewart said.

There will be courtesy rides for those who need a safe way home.

Other activities include German music, live music by Brass Fire Band from 6-9 p.m., kid’s games, the Hill Meat Company’s Bucking Pig, grape stomping with Cerebella Winery and “stein hoist” competitions where participants try to be the last one with their arm raised high holding a stein filled with water.

Gift vendors will also be onsite, and there will be several raffle baskets.

“We encourage everyone to dress up and wear their lederhosen and dirndls, and we did have a best-dressed contest last year,” Stewart said. “There’s something for everyone, really.”

In 2023, 36 students applied for scholarships. However, the program only had enough funds to award three.

“There were a lot of really deserving kids, but we didn’t have enough money,” Stewart said. “We want to really knock the ball out of the park this year so we can give out more scholarships. We really, really want to be able to give out more scholarships.”

The event also benefits several local organizations. Each year, the board has an application process for organizations to supply volunteers to help run the event — selected organizations are paid for helping put on Oktoberfest. This year’s organizations are City Club, Kiwanis Club, Panama Educational Tours, Rough Riders Pendleton Ice Sports Boosters and Young Life. Other organizations will raise funds as vendors.

“The (Pendleton) high school culinary truck is going to be there serving brats, pretzels, schnitzel and all the German favorites, and then PSA (Pendleton Swim Association) will be there doing their hamburgers and nachos and drinks,” Stewart said.

In addition to the youth program vendors, this year’s Oktoberfest will feature Kona Shaved Ice from the Tri-Cities and Old-Fashioned Kettle Corn, as well.

Oktoberfest Pendleton also has a number of sponsors, including title sponsor Hill’s Premium Meats and platinum sponsors Elkhorn Media Group, Hodgen Distributing, Risk Strategies, CHI St Anthony Hospital and Prodigal Son Brewery and Pub, there also Diamond, Gold, Silver and Bronze level sponsors.

To purchase tickets, see the beer list or find more information, visit oktoberfestpendleton.org or search “Oktoberfest Pendleton” on Facebook.