A woman in a blue shirt with a Rotary International logo speaking into a microphone at an outdoor event. She has short, wavy hair and is wearing a yellow wristband. There are tents and people in the background.

About our Oktoberfest

Learn about our mission, Oktoberfest’s rich history, & events over the years.

Blue gear with a white clock face inside, featuring black hour and minute hands.

GIVING BACK

IS BETTER

THAN BEER

Our mission is way bigger than just another beer festival.

We want to create a space to celebrate German tradition and culture, while also raising money for charity. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Town of Cary to bring the Triangle region an authentic Oktoberfest experience.

OUR IMPACT OVER THE YEARS

11

YEARS
RUNNING

$900k+

RAISED FOR
LOCAL CHARITIES

20K+

volunteer
hours

70+

charities
helped

Two men, one wearing a gray hat with a feather and a light blue shirt with a green tie, and the other with a bald head and black shirt, are smiling and toasting with plastic cups at an outdoor event. There are people and tents in the background.
A group of nine people standing indoors, holding a large check for $35,000 made out to the Miracle League. The background features a Rotary International banner and the American flag. The individuals are dressed in casual and business attire, smiling at the camera.
Logo for Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, featuring a treble clef and green leaves.

the power of partnership

The Apex Sunrise and Cary MacGregor Rotary Clubs have partnered with the Town of Cary and the Koka Booth Ampitheatre since 2014. Overtime, this celebration has grown into the biggest Oktoberfest event in all of North Carolina. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our partners and volunteers–a big cheers to you all!

Logo with an orange house and arrow pointing upwards, with the word NEIGHBORUP in blue below, and text indicating a merger of Dorcas Ministries and Western Wake Crisis Ministry.

our focus this year: Helping locals with FOOD INSECURITY

This year, we are excited to designate NeighborUp as our primary beneficiary!

NeighborUp’s mission statement:

“As neighbors, we’re called to lift each other up. At NeighborUp, we equip and empower our neighbors in need with basic essentials and valuable skills so they can continue their journey toward success—building a community where every neighbor thrives.”

All profits from Triangle Oktoberfest go to several local charities, with the primary beneficiary getting the largest share.

CHARITIES WE SUPPORT

U.S. Veterans Corps • Western Wake Crisis Ministry • Shelter Box International • Triangle Family Services • Hands on Peru • Feed the Kids NC • Tunnels to Towers • Fold of Honor • Women's Center of Wake County • Oxford Orphanage • Corral Riding Academy • Paws & Affection • High Hopes • Made 4 Me • I'm Not Done Yet (Shave & Buzz) • Coins for Alzheimer's Research • The Carying Place • Read and Feed • Note in the Pocket • Spirit League • Interact • Life Experiences • Dorcas Ministries • Interfaith Food Shuttle • Kingswood Elementary PTA • HD Reach • Operation Toilets • Military Missions in Action • Designed for Joy • Habitat for Humanity • DO JO • JOURNEYMEN OF THE TRIANGLE • Meg’s Smile Foundation • Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of NC • Operation BBQ Relief • NC Behavioral Health • YMCA OF THE TRIANGLE • Blue Light College • Communities In Schools •

Recurring Support for

LOcal Emergency Relief • Western NC Emergency Relief • rapid Disaster Response • Rotary DISTRICT 7710

The German coat of arms featuring two gold lions holding a shield with a blue and white lozenge pattern and a red and white mountain range, surrounded by a gold decorative border on a black background.

A little history lesson about the original Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest began on October 12, 1810, to celebrate the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. The citizens of Munich joined in the festivities on the fields outside the city gates, later named Theresienwiese, or "Wiesn" for short. The event included horse races and became an annual tradition, growing into the world's largest festival, celebrated globally today.

Some of our favorite memories

Some of our favorite memories

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want to become a part of our story?

Become a sponsor to join us in our mission. We love working with local small businesses seeking to support their community or German businesses looking to strengthen authentic traditions and culture.

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