Organizers Are Nixing Oktoberfest 2021 in Tempe, Citing the Delta Variant

Organizers canceled the event citing COVID-19 and concerns about possible government regulation.

August 31, 2021

Image: Cool down with a cold one at Four Peaks Oktoberfest.

Cool down with a cold one at Four Peaks Oktoberfest. Alexandra Gaspar

With 3 days left in our summer campaign,
we have a new $10,000 goal!

Phoenix New Times members have already contributed more than $7,000 - can you help us hit our new goal to provide even more coverage of current events when it’s needed most? If New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal

$10,000

$8,500

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "21251496",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "21327862",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "16759093",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "17980324",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "21934225",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25          
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "17980324",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17012245",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

Set your lederhosen aside for another year: The Four Peaks Oktoberfest scheduled for October 8 to 10 at Tempe Beach Park has been canceled due to concerns about the Delta variant of COVID-19, according to Mike O'Hara, one of the event's organizers.

"Given the current situation surrounding the Delta variant, potential local government restrictions, and the financial burden to produce the event, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Four Peaks Oktoberfest," O'Hara and fellow event producers Lauren Gearhart and Paul Sheard wrote in a formal statement issued on August 31.

A longtime staple of the local festival scene, the event is the state’s largest Oktoberfest celebration. It transforms Tempe Beach Park into a traditional German celebration complete with a beer garden, German food, live music, dancing, and carnival fare. It benefits the Tempe Sister Cities program and is one of the largest events held each year in Tempe.

The Tempe Office of Tourism projected that Oktoberfest 2021 would draw 20,000 people and have a total economic impact of over $300,000.

The city of Tempe is currently considering additional mitigation strategies for large events, which could include requiring ticket holders to show proof that they’ve been vaccinated. A city spokesperson says they expect to have something “summarizing the path forward” later today.

In the meantime, Oktoberfest fans can look ahead to the 50th annual Four Peaks Oktoberfest, which organizers plan to present in October 2022.

Lynn Trimble is a former Phoenix New Times contributor.

A message from Culture Editor Jennifer Goldberg: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Phoenix's vibrant culture and arts scenes.

Support Today