NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The opening ceremony for the Deutsches Haus Oktoberfet 2024 included the annual tapping of the kegs. Lieutenant Governor Bill Nungesser and the German Consul in New Orleans, Susanne Veters Cooper had the honors. Nungesser is a lifetime member of Deutsches Haus and says the festival is one of the great events in the city. "This is a great example of coming together, so many cultures, celebrating the German heritage," Nungesser said. "It's just a great night, a cool night in Louisiana." New mission for ‘The Pharmacist’ targets fentanyl Oktoberfest 2024 runs Fridays and Saturdays through the end of the month. Festival organizers expect nearly 30,000 people to attend. Each year, about 4,000 pounds of German sausage, 2,000 pounds of German potato salad, and more than 5,600 pretzels are served along with 500 kegs of beer and 5,000 shots of Schnapps. Tickets are $10 but children 12 and under are free. Festival gates open at 4:00 in the afternoon on Friday at 1:00 on Saturday. Closing time is 11:00 all nights. Chicken dancing at the Deutsches Haus Oktoberfest 2024 (WGNO/Curt Sprang)Chicken dancing at the Deutsches Haus Oktoberfest 2024 (WGNO/Curt Sprang)22 flavors of Schnapps and 20 different German beers are among the beverages available (WGNO/Curt Sprang)Organizers expect to serve more than 4,000 pounds of German sausage and one ton of German potato salad (WGNO/Curt Sprang) Nearly 30,000 people are expected to attend. Oktoberfest 2024 runs Fridays and Saturdays through the end of the month (WGNO/Curt Sprang)Opening day included a 40 piece band from Germany (WGNO/Curt Sprang)Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and German Consul in New Orleans Susanne Veters Cooper participated in the opening ceremony including the tapping of the kegs (WGNO/Curt Sprang)Admission is $10, children 12 and under are free (WGNO/Curt Sprang) Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts FNF Week 6: Riverdale defeats John Ehret, 30-27 in overtime thriller FNF Week 6: Newman shuts out MLK Charter 44-0 FNF Week 6: Haynes Academy defeats Thomas Jefferson 30-20 FNF Week 6: De La Salle dominates Sophie B. Wright 47-14 FNF Week 6: East Jefferson defeats Bonnabel 17-7