About Oktoberfest

FAC’s Oktoberfest begins on Friday of Columbus Day weekend with a buffet supper, followed by a welcome dance party as people arrive throughout the evening. The Saturday and Sunday daytime schedules include dance workshops, instrumental and singing workshops, “Culture Corners” (lectures by the guest teachers), a wine and cheese social, a guided nature hike and canoe ride, and the alternative of exploring the camp’s country roads and trails on your own.

Each evening features an international folk dance party with live music. The party programs include dances that we’ve just learned as well as old favorites that we request. After 11 pm, the fun continues at an after-party with lots of tasty food, socializing, and more dancing. Oktoberfest ends on Monday at 1 pm, after another dance session and lunch.

Hulbert Outdoor Center

Hulbert Outdoor Center is a scenic rural retreat, located in Vermont’s Upper Connecticut River Valley on the shores of Lake Morey. Over 500 acres of young forests, bluffs, and gently rolling countryside set a beautiful stage for the long weekend. Facilities at Hulbert include the Main House – a rambling farmhouse with a large dining hall and wood-floored dance hall; a historic barn; and additional smaller spaces for scheduled and spontaneous events.

Accommodations

Oktoberfest campers who lodge at Hulbert are housed in modern heated cabins, each having four bedrooms (with two pairs of bunk beds per room) and two bathrooms with showers. Campers bring their own pillows, bedding, and towels. See Camper info for camp rules and more suggestions on what to bring.

When you register for Oktoberfest, you may make roommate requests, if you have any, on the online registration form. If you wish to pitch a tent at Hulbert, call the FAC office for fees and be prepared for cold temperatures. You may also arrange your own alternative accommodations, while joining us at Hulbert for activities and meals.

Meals

Meals are served cafeteria style (breakfasts, lunches, and Friday supper) and family style (Saturday and Sunday suppers) in the dining hall. The menus accommodate vegetarians as well as omnivores. You may sign up for the vegetarian option and other special diets when you register for camp. Refrigerator space is available for camper use in the Main House kitchen.

Choose full-time or part-time participation options

Full-time Oktoberfest campers may register for lodging, meals, and activities. If you do not plan to stay overnight at Hulbert, you may register to join us full-time just for meals and activities.

Alternatively, you may register to attend Oktoberfest for a single day, joining us for all meals and activities. There is also an option for individual meals (registration required), workshops, and evening parties for separate fees.

The Registration page will list the Oktoberfest fees and forms soon.

Families are welcome at Oktoberfest

Though the teaching is geared to adult dancers, children over age 8 may participate in the workshops. All children are welcome at the evening parties. Participants who bring children are responsible for the safety and behavior of their children at all times at Oktoberfest.