Nestled amidst the vibrant cultural tapestry of Vancouver, Harvest Haus is a beloved
autumnal tradition that has been captivating the hearts of locals and visitors alike for years.
As we delve into the inspired history and traditions that have shaped this remarkable event, you'll come to appreciate the unique blend of German folklore, community spirit, and the celebration of the harvest season that defines Harvest Haus as one of Vancouver's staple seasonal events.
The roots of Harvest Haus trace back to Germany's Oktoberfest, a world-renowned celebration of Bavarian culture, music, food, and, of course, beer. Inspired by this grand tradition, Harvest Haus made its debut in Vancouver in 2014, introducing the city to a taste of German gemütlichkeit (a sense of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer)!
While Harvest Haus's commitment to celebrating the harvest season and Bavarian culture has remained steadfast, the event has ventured through various locations in Vancouver over the years.
Each venue has added its own unique charm and character to the festivities, keeping the experience fresh and exciting for attendees.
From its early days at Queen Elizabeth Plaza and Concord Pacific Place to its recent residency at the PNE Forum, Harvest Haus has made its mark across the city.
Each location has provided a unique canvas for the event's immersive experience, allowing it to transport attendees to a traditional Bavarian village setting, complete with festive decor, live music, and a bustling Marketplatz.
Harvest Haus has seen the creative influence of different production teams over the years, each contributing their unique vision to the event.
The inception of Harvest Haus can be attributed to the team at The Social Concierge, who first brought this Bavarian-inspired celebration to Vancouver. Their expertise in curating immersive and unforgettable experiences has set the stage for the event's success.
In recent years, Feaster Co. has joined forces with TSC to collaborate on the project, bringing their own blend of creativity and community engagement to the festival, and our EMM Creative Arts Co. Founder, Erica Marrello has been behind the scenes running Beverage Operations since 2016!
A hallmark of Harvest Haus is the joyful embrace of Bavarian tradition, and this includes the attire.
Attendees are encouraged to dress up in traditional lederhosen and dirndls which can also be found at the Harvest Haus Shoppe, for those who are still looking to add a little more Oompah to their weekend, adding an extra layer of authenticity and fun to the festivities.
The sight of our Halle guests donning these iconic Bavarian outfits creates a colourful and festive atmosphere that evokes the spirit of Oktoberfest in Munich itself.
Over the weekend, attendees have the flexibility to choose from different seating times, allowing them to tailor the experience to their preferences. Whether it's a daytime gathering or an evening extravaganza, Harvest Haus accommodates various
schedules and prides itself in it's ability providing merriment for all!
To partake in the festivities, attendees can purchase "gulden", the official currency of the event, which serves as the key to indulging in the culinary delights, delightful beer selections, and captivating entertainment on offer.
At its core, Harvest Haus is a celebration of the harvest season.
The event typically takes place in October, aligning with the fall harvest (as well as traditional Oktoberfest), and it's a time when the bounty of the region is celebrated with gusto.
Guests have the opportunity to savour the flavours of the season, with a wide array of traditional and contemporary culinary delights on offer, including sausages, pretzels, and hearty stews.
But what's a Bavarian celebration without beer?
Harvest Haus (and our Bar Operations team!) takes this aspect of the tradition very seriously.
The event offers a carefully curated selection of both local and imported beers, ensuring that attendees can enjoy a wide range of brews served in quintessential Harvest Haus steins.
These iconic vessels, filled to the brim with the finest brews, add an even more authentic touch to the festivities, allowing guests to raise a toast to the season in style.
The ceremonial Keg Tapping, lead by our legendary Burgermeister which opens each sititng is the perfect example of the emphasis on celebration, communal joy and great quality beer at the event right from the start!
One of the most charming aspects of Harvest Haus is its commitment to providing authentic-style Bavarian entertainment - Live bands, traditional folk dancers, and accordion players bring the event to life, creating an atmosphere that transports attendees straight to the heart of Germany. The lively music and infectious energy encourage visitors to dance, sing, and immerse themselves in the spirit of the festival.
Harvest Haus has not only become a fixture on Vancouver's cultural calendar but also a testament to the power of community and camaraderie. It's a place where people from all walks of life come together to revel in the joy of the season, make new friends, and create lasting memories. The communal long tables along with ample standing (and dancing) room encourages strangers to become friends, fostering an environment of inclusivity and togetherness.
In the heart of Vancouver, Harvest Haus has grown into a cherished annual tradition that seamlessly weaves together the historical roots of Oktoberfest with the vibrant tapestry of the city's culture.
Through its celebration of the Autumn season, commitment to authenticity, and focus on community, this event has earned a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
As Harvest Haus continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the enduring magic of cultural celebration.
We are so excited to be back again this year! See you at the Halle this Friday and Saturday!
Don't wait on tickets! We are almost sold out harvesthaus.com and don't forget to follow along at @emm.creative on Instagram for exclusive behind the scenes! Prost!! 🍻
Written by EMM Creative Arts Co. - 09.08.2023
EMM Creative Arts Co. (c)
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