VERNON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — Mountain Creek Resort, located in Vernon Township, will welcome the fall season with the return of its annual Oktoberfest and Fall Fest celebrations, featuring live entertainment, seasonal food and drinks and family-friendly activities.
The resort’s 42nd annual Oktoberfest will be held Sept. 19 and 20 at the base of the mountain, featuring German beers, traditional cuisine, live entertainment and activities. Mountain Creek’s fourth annual Fall Fest will follow, running Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 26 through Oct. 25.
General admission to Oktoberfest is $25 per person, with free admission for children ages 6 and younger. Admission includes live music, family entertainment and seasonal activities.
Adults can participate in Oktoberfest competitions including musical chairs, stein-holding, partner-carrying, hay bale toss, sack races, beer barrel roll, pie eating and a lumberjack challenge.
Children will have their own activity area with tower of steins, mini pie eating, musical chairs and butternut squash bowling. Other activities include scenic sky rides, a petting zoo, face painting, inflatables, balloon animals and lawn games.
Scenic sky rides will be free during Oktoberfest, while Mountain Coaster rides will be available for $24.99. VIP packages are available for $125 and include access to a VIP tent with buffet and bar service, private restrooms and a commemorative stein with one complimentary fill.
“Oktoberfest and Fall Fest have become some of the most anticipated weekends on our fall calendar, bringing families, friends and our local community together,” said Evan Kovach, Resort General Manager, Mountain Creek Resort. “There’s something special about creating traditions that people look forward to each season, whether that means competing in an Oktoberfest game, enjoying Fall Fest with the kids or simply spending time together surrounded by the beauty of Vernon Valley. We love being a place where our community can come together, celebrate the season and make memories.”
Oktoberfest will feature more than 10 varieties of German and domestic beers, along with cider, seltzer and canned cocktails. Wine will be available at a dedicated tent, while the Biergarten will offer a selection of liquors.
Food offerings will include German pretzels, bratwurst, vegan bratwurst, pork schnitzel sandwiches, potato pancakes and sauerbraten sandwiches, along with burgers, pulled pork and french fries.
Additional offerings from the Show Kitchen and Pitmaster Keith’s BBQ will include alligator nuggets, wild boar tacos, Schweinshaxe, tomahawk steaks, crispy duck drumettes, duck fat fries, half roasted rabbit, baby back ribs and smoked turkey legs.
Following Oktoberfest, Fall Fest will begin Sept. 26 and continue every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 25.
Fall Fest activities will include live music, seasonal food and drinks, lawn games, Patchy’s Pumpkin Patch, pumpkin painting, a hay maze and pumpkin-themed games.
Scenic sky rides will be available for $14.99, while a $29.99 Adventure Package includes a sky ride and Alpine Mountain Coaster ride. Guided hikes will be offered at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. with the purchase of a sky ride ticket.
Mountain Creek Zip Tours will also be available Thursday through Sunday, with night tours offered each weekend in October.
For more information, deals and daily operating hours, visit MountainCreek.com.
