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At long last it has arrived — the Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten’s official grand opening will kick-off at noon Saturday.

Although this past week’s soft opening allowed local residents to get a taste of what’s to come, the official kick-off features a ceremonial ribbon cutting, Masskrugstemmens contests throughout the day and music by local DJs, said Jennifer Lampert, one of the partners in the business. The Adlers Band will take the stage at 8 p.m.

Masskrugstemmen, a Bavarian feat of strength and endurance, requires each contestant to hold a 1-liter beer stein at arm’s length. The last arm extended wins the prize, most likely a gift certificate.

And while their 32 kegs featuring 29 varietals were tapped and the 60 styles of bottle beers popped during the preopening events, the grand opening promises an official cask tapping as well as a traditional German barrel tapping.

“It’s been fantastic,” Lampert said. “We could not have received a warmer welcome. It’s a great affirmation of what we are putting out there.”

In response to patrons’ early arrival, the hours have been extended, Lampert said. They will open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday and from noon to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The Lake Avenue restaurant, located at the corner of Press Plaza, brings partner and designer Andrej Ivanov’s vision of providing the Jersey Shore with an authentic beer hall into fruition.

With every detail paying homage to the Austro-Hungarian style, the 6,000 square-foot hall features communal dining tables where friends and strangers can enjoy Chef James Avery’s fare.

Avery, a local native most known for his work on Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, has crafted a menu that keeps in line with the Austro-Hungarian style.

Patrons can expect large meal offerings of everything from wursts, schnitzels, and goulash to a half-slow roasted organic chicken marinated with a hint of maple syrup and bourbon. Prices range $6 to $21.

Soon to come will be the 9,000 square-foot roof top deck that promises to hold 466 people. But until then, patrons can enjoy old school, vinyl-spun music by local DJs and twice weekly live music featuring jazz and blues musicians as well as horn and gypsy jazz bands.

Industry workers too are promised a Monday night treat. If you hold one of their beer cards or possess a pay stub, restaurant workers will receive a 50 percent discount, Lampert said.

“People in the service industry work really hard,” she said. “It’s a really hard job and we want to reward them for their service. I’m hoping Monday night becomes home for people who work in the industry.”

Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten is located at 527 Lake Ave. For more information, call (732) 997-8767, or visit their website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.

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