Oktoberfest Brings German Music, Food and Festive Fall Fun to Körner’s Folly
The 16th Annual Kernersville Oktoberfest returns to Körner’s Folly on Saturday, October 3, 2026, for an afternoon of German-inspired food and drink, live music, and festive fun. Presented by First Citizens Bank, the annual fundraiser supports the preservation of one of North Carolina’s most distinctive historic places.
This year, Oktoberfest will feature a special musical partnership with Piedmont Wind Symphony (PWS), continuing a year-long collaboration between the two organizations. The PWS German Band will perform live during the festival, filling the grounds of Körner’s Folly with music inspired by the traditions at the heart of Oktoberfest.
A PWS German Band performance is about much more than the music. Audiences are invited to join the festivities through sing-alongs, group dances, stein-holding competitions, and plenty of audience participation alongside lively German favorites. Full of music, laughter, and a few surprises along the way, the PWS German Band brings an interactive Oktoberfest experience that is not to be missed.
The collaboration is an especially natural fit for Körner’s Folly as the designer, artist, and decorator Jule Gilmer Körner was the son of German immigrants, and German cultural traditions remained an important part of the Körner family’s life. Today, Oktoberfest brings that history into the present as a lively community celebration. Guests can explore the whimsical 22-room historic house before enjoying an afternoon filled with live entertainment, German-inspired food and beverages, local vendors, games, and plenty of opportunities to gather with friends. The festival unfolds across the Körner’s Folly campus, pairing the energy of a fall festival with a feeling that could only exist in Kernersville.
“Oktoberfest is one of those days when everything we love about Körner’s Folly comes together,” said Suzanna Ritz Malliett, Executive Director of the Körner’s Folly Foundation. “There’s history here, of course, but there’s also music, food, laughter, and this incredible mix of people enjoying the place together. You can wander through one of the strangest houses in America, hear live German music, raise a glass with your neighbors, and discover something unexpected around the next corner.”
The 2026 celebration will also feature local brews by Gypsy Road, Little Brother Brewing, Folly’s Draft & Snack, Social Habit, Stardust Cellars, Red Oak/Fitz on Main, and RH Barringer. Seasonal bites to delight the palate will include tastings by C&H Cafeteria, Cake & All Things Yummy, Lowes Foods, Walmart Neighborhood Market, The Gaslight on Main, and of course, bratwursts hot off of Savery’s Grill. Make sure to sign up for this year’s Oktoberfest Games presented by Savage Roasters Coffee at check-in inside the Visitors Center on event day.
Oktoberfest is part of the Körner’s Folly Foundation’s continuing effort to keep the historic site active, welcoming, and connected to the community it has called home for more than a century.
16h Annual Kernersville Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 3:00 - 6:00 PM
House Tours Begin at 1:30 PM
Körner’s Folly
Tickets: $45 in Advance; $55 at Gate; Ages 21+
Information and tickets: https://kornersfolly.org/events/16th-annual-kernersville-oktoberfest/
About Körner’s Folly
Built in 1880 by artist, designer, and decorator Jule Gilmer Körner, Körner’s Folly is a 22-room historic house unlike any other. No two doorways or windows are exactly alike, ceiling heights range from approximately five-and-a-half to 25 feet, and the house includes original murals, decorative arts, imaginative architectural details, and the oldest known private little theater in the United States. Today, the Körner’s Folly Foundation preserves the site and welcomes visitors through tours, programs, exhibitions, and community events throughout the year.
About Piedmont Wind Symphony
Founded in 1989, Piedmont Wind Symphony has been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of classical music. As one of the few non-military professional wind symphonies in the United States, the symphony is committed to innovating and evolving wind ensemble music. Through its dedication to artistic excellence and creative programming, Piedmont Wind Symphony continues to make wind music relevant and inspiring, engaging audiences across the Winston-Salem and Forsyth County community and beyond.
Piedmont Wind Symphony Contact:
Brianna Cantwell
Executive Director
Piedmont Wind Symphony
Körner's Folly & Oktoberfest Media Contact:
Suzanna Ritz Malliett
Executive Director
Körner’s Folly Foundation
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