photo by Rock City
Rock City’s German-themed fall festival returns for its 17th annual celebration, every Saturday and Sunday during October from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., beginning Oct. 7. This distinctively Deutsch event features live music, specialty entrées and beer as Rock City celebrates the German heritage of co-founder Frieda Utermoehlen Carter.
Fall foliage frames all the views, including Legacy Lane, where food and fun is plenty. Experience live German music at the Rock City pavilion, with performances from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
by The Musik Meisters on Oct. 14, 15, 21 and 22, and The Wurstbrats on Oct. 7, 8, 28 and 29.
Have a pretzel and a pint. Rock City is serving up German beer and pretzels with beer cheese sauce, bratwursts with mustard, turkey legs, German potato fries and Black Forest cake. Guests can also enjoy warm caramel-dipped apple slices, cotton candy and boiled peanuts. A visit to the Fudge Kitchen for some autumn-themed fudge flavors is also a must.
Rocktoberfest offers many themed activities and entertainment every weekend. Swing by the Geode Building to buy and paint a tiny pumpkin. On Legacy Lane, meet crowd-favorite Jerry the Mime as he acts out silent street-style performances. Or grab the attention of caricature artist Dennis Hart, as he hilariously sketches guests free of charge. Get close to a raptor. Watch as owls, hawks and a vulture soar overhead in the birds of prey shows. This educational program is led by Wings to Soar, a local nonprofit that cares for non-releasable birds. Rock City Raptors hosts six shows throughout the day from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Visit www.seerockcity.com/rocktoberfest for all event times and activities, and to purchase tickets in advance.
Rock City continues to sell pink survivor merchandise during October in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A portion of each survivor birdhouse product sold during the month is donated to the CHI Memorial Foundation’s scholarship fund to aid students whose parents have battled breast cancer. Along with pink birdhouses, other survivor items such as pink T-shirts, mugs and shot glasses are available onsite and online at www.seerockcity.com/survivor.
"Rock City is one of the South’s most popular natural attractions," officials said. "Known for its unique geological and botanical wonders, the enchanted, 4,100-foot walking trail is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, a large waterfall that cascades down Lookout Mountain and the Swing-A-Long Bridge that spans nearly 200 feet."
Swing-A-Long Bridge
photo by Bryan Peasley