Don your dirndl, brush off your beer stein and get ready for the High Country’s take on the world’s most famous fall festival, Oktoberfest.

Sugar Mountain Resort will host the 24th annual Oktoberfest from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11 and 12, rain or shine. Admission, parking and shuttle service are free.

A 200-year-old tradition, Oktoberfest is an annual celebration of Bavarian food, drink and culture. The Munich festival lasts more than two weeks and is known internationally for its food and beer. It’s also a time for fun, music, rides and games.

Sugar Mountain’s Oktoberfest brings all these traditions together for a genuine Bavarian celebration.

An Oom Pah Band will set the Oktoberfest tone with authentic Bavarian music. Harbour Towne Fest Band will perform from noon until 4 p.m. on each day of the festival. The Valle Crucis Middle School band will also perform on Saturday at 2 p.m.

While you’re tapping your feet to the music, enjoy some genuine German cuisine, including bratwurst, knockwurst, sauerkraut, strudel and pretzels, beginning at 11 a.m. If German food is not to your preference, hot dogs, hamburgers, cotton candy, kettle corn, funnel cakes, candy apples and other festival foods will be on hand. Wash it all down with a Bavarian brew, Spaten beer. First brewed in 1872, Spaten is the world’s first Oktoberfest beer.

To keep the young ones entertained, the children’s activity center, located in the Ski School Play Yard, will be open from noon until 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Hayrides, inflatable bounce houses and a chance to meet Sugar Bear and Sweetie Bear are a few of the fun things that make Oktoberfest fun for the whole family.

With fall colors in full swing, take the opportunity to see it all from above with Sugar Mountain’s round trip ski lift ride. Going all the way up to Sugar Mountain’s 5,300-foot peak, there is a breathtaking panoramic view of fall foliage. The ride takes approximately 45 minutes and run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Lift ticket prices are $12 for a one-time ride and $25 for an all-day ticket. Children aged four and under ride free with a paying adult. Groups of 20 or more can buy one-time ride tickets for only $8. Advanced reservations are required.

Peruse the wide variety of wares from local artisans and craftsmen at the festival. More than 40 vendors will offer handmade items such as pottery, woodwork, instruments, toys, soaps, artwork, food, jewelry, books and furniture.

Commemorate your Oktoberfest experience with t-shirts and souvenir items for sale under the tent on the main celebration deck.

For more information, call Sugar Mountain Resort at (828) 898-4521 or click to www.oktoberfest.skisugar.com.