Escape to Bavaria or at least North Georgia’s closest cousin by heading to Helen and find beer, brats and bands.

The longest-running Oktoberfest in the United States gets under way for the 46th year Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Helen Festhalle in downtown Helen. It allows visitors to experience a German Oktoberfest in the borders of Georgia, said Helen Chacon, executive director of the Helen Area Chamber of Commerce.

Oktoberfest will include two long weekends of fun followed by nonstop with polka, authentic folk music and other tunes, including vintage rock and country, through Oct. 30. People can even hit the dance floor for the “Chicken Dance” played on an accordion.

Launching the activities for the first weekend will be the Oktoberfest parade, coordinated by the Helen Area Chamber of Commerce. The parade steps off at noon Sept. 10.

During the week, the Festhalle will be open from 6-10:30 p.m. Weekend hours will be from 6 p.m. to midnight Fridays, 1 p.m. to midnight Saturdays and 1-7 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $8 Monday through Friday, $10 on Saturday and free on Sundays, according to the Helen Chamber website (www.helenchamber.com/oktoberfest.html). All Festhalle activities are at 1074 Edelweiss Strasse in Helen.

Sixteen different German bands are lined up for this year’s Oktoberfest. Chacon said visitors may check out the bands on You Tube to see which best matches for their tastes.

After visitors are done dancing or listening to the music, they may indulge their taste buds into the festival’s fare. German beers, wines and cuisine including wurst and sauerkraut, cabbage, strudel are on the menu. Pretzels, popcorn and other snacks also are available.

Nearly 2 million visitors make the pilgrimage to Helen annually for Oktoberfest. Packages for groups are available. It includes a tour of historic sites and points of interest in and around Alpine Helen.

For more information, call 706-878-1908, email helenchamber@helenchamber.com or visit www.helenchamber.com/Helen/Oktoberfest.html.