Fort Liberty’s 3rd annual Oktoberfest is free and open to the community, with something for everyone. It will be held Sept. 28, noon to 7 p.m. at the Iron Mike Conference Center on Rock Merritt Ave, Fort Liberty. Visitors can expect a beer garden, food vendors, giveaways, music, and a fall market featuring local makers and artisans.
According to April Olsen from the Fort Liberty Public Affairs Office, the beer garden will feature a variety of craft, German beverages and collectable steins.
She explained the significance of the festival and steins saying, “A lot of military have served a tour in Germany, and it's just a huge tradition in Europe.”
The stein will feature the Fort Liberty FMWR (Family Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) logo and the word “Oktoberfest.” She recounted military personnel returning from Europe with entire stein collections and described the 2024 Fort Liberty Oktoberfest stein as equally collectible.
Traditional foods will also be available, in addition to a food giveaway conducted by the Gary Sinise Foundation. The Gary Sinise Foundation is committed to “honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.” Their Oktoberfest giveaway will feature 250 free meals for soldiers and their families and will take place throughout the festival.
Traditional foods served by vendors will include brats, pretzels, spicy mustards, and more. Fort Liberty’s new Pink Label Bakery, which operates out of the Iron Mike Conference Center will also be present.
They’ll serve many of their usual offerings such as cupcakes, strudels, muffins, and savory pastries. Olsen described the selection as, “All kinds of amazing treats,” and confirmed, “All of this is absolutely homemade.”
Food won't be the only homemade creation available at the festival. Last year’s gathering featured over 30 vendors in the fall market section. Olsen and Kelley Monroe, Business Manager with Fort Liberty’s FMWR, shared stories of two young women selling their handmade creations. One was nine years old and sold soap, the other was saving for college and sold homemade slime. Olsen and Monroe described the young women’s entrepreneurial spirit as, “amazing.” Interested community members can access vendor applications on the FMWR website until the deadline, Sept. 25.
“Last year we had a really good turnout with vendors,” Monroe said. “They were all very happy.”
After browsing locally made goods, visitors can enjoy several other attractions. Monroe recommended visitors spend some time relaxing.
“We'll have a big tent. You can sit down and enjoy the band throughout the day. We also have a trail behind the Conference Center where you can come and…walk the trail,” she said.
The band will be playing traditional German music and will likely be performing in folk costumes, according to Monroe.
She also highlighted the bounce houses, a favorite with the younger crowd. While geared toward children, Monroe said mothers enjoying themselves in last year’s obstacle course bounce house, “It's just kind of a fun event that they can do.”
She said many visitors come and spend the whole day visiting each of the attractions.
Monroe and Olsen emphasized that civilians who have never ventured on post before can get a free pass. It only requires a driver's license. Passes can be requested at the All American Gate Visitor Center, or online.
The best way to get started online is by querying “Fort Liberty Visitor Pass Request” in your search engine.
Last year's Oktoberfest attendance was approximately 500, according to Monroe. This year, she hopes to see even more of the community enjoying the rich and entertaining atmosphere.
Olsen agreed.
“Oktoberfest is just another example of the many opportunities that our FMWR Directorate has throughout the year helping to improve the quality of life for soldiers, families and civilians who work with our community partners.”

(Photo: Oktoberfest guests show off their best outfits at the 2023 festival on Fort Liberty. Photos courtesy of Fort Liberty Public Affairs Office)