Soulard Oktoberfest

The Soulard Oktoberfest is always a good time if you've got a fun group of people to go with.  They've always got a good selection of German beer, and craft STL beer (Shlafley) is also available. This year it seemed like they had less beer vendors, meaning longer lines, which was a bit annoying at times.  I got the Groupon which included a pretzel ($5 normally) which was gross -- soggy, overly salted and smelled/tasted like smoked meats. A couple years go they moved the location to 3rd and Geyer, which is nice if it's rained that day b/c its all paved. They have at least 3 stages with live music, with some pretty authentic German bands playing to set the atmosphere of the festival.  Liter beers are $12, which isn't bad since they are craft or imported and liters are 34 ounces.  IF you wear lederhosen you get in for free! They had plenty of porta-potties which is always a plus for outdoor beer festivals!

Pros: good beer, good times
Cons: long lines for beer at times

Let me start by saying I love Oktoberfest.  I accidently stumbled upon it quite a few years ago when it was held by the market.  I've purchased VIP tickets the past couple of years.  We always had a great time when it was held in the park.  Last year was just beyond disappointing and a total waste of time and money.  First off the location was awful it felt like you were in a prison yard.  It was so dark not nearly enough lighting.  The people who purchased a VIP ticket really were at the disadvantage. The VIP ticket holders had to get their beers on the complete opposite side of the festival, away from all the music and entertainment.  So while non VIP ticket holders were purchasing beers, and standing around listening to the bands and enjoying themselves, VIP ticket holders would have to hike to the complete other side, then stand in a long line and you were gone from the bands and the rest of your friends for about 45 minutes. It felt like the whole time you're walking back and forth to get drinks. The food portions for the VIP people were almost nonexistent as well.  

The worst part of the whole experience is when my husband's VIP wrist band was taken away last year.  We were at the festival for a total of 2 hours. We were with another couple who also purchased VIP tickets.  One of girls that were with us, that had a VIP band had just finished getting a full beer and she wanted to use the restroom.  She asked my husband to hold her beer, his beer was almost gone so while he waited for her he poured a little bit of her beer in his mug; an overzealous security guard came out of nowhere, didn't ask any questions, ripped off his band and said you're done. (Keep in mind this is ALL taking place in the VIP area, the girl is in the VIP bathroom)  The guard obviously knew he was a VIP since he had a wrist band on, so clearly he wasn't taking "free" beer.   He asked 0 questions just assumed he knew what was going on and took away the band that we paid almost $100 for.  Our friend got back from the bathroom and we tried to explain the situation and he said you're done and just walked away.  I totally get people try and cheat the system all the time, (there's even a previous review written about someone who snuck in the VIP tent). All 4 of us standing there had the bands we paid for.

We generally go with a huge group of people; I'm not even sure if we will ever go again.  It feels like the whole mood of the festival has changed.  It seems like they want people to purchase these VIP tickets, and make it sound like your getting this awesome deal, then each year make it more and more difficult to get drinks and really take advantage of the VIP privileges.  They really need a new location, and either scratch the VIP package all together or only sell so many VIP tickets so you can really enjoy yourself and not spend the whole time waiting in really long lines.

Oktoberfest in St. Louis is exactly what it sounds like....A drunken good time!

It varies from year to year but, results are always the same. There is music, food and of course BEER! I love the bands they have play and the food is always great.

I have bought tickets to be in the tent before with all-you-can-eat German food and 10 full liters of beer and have also gone the other way where I just buy my beers and food as I want them. I usually end up spending less going the second route but, all in all either way is a great way to spend the day.

I notice lots of people dress up in lederhosen for obvious reasons and always love to see all the different varieties of them.

Living Social and/or Groupon have had deals in the past for admission as well.