Enjoy polka, schnitzel, and fun for everyone at Batavia Oktoberfest
Wilkommen! Join Batavia MainStreet and downtown Batavia businesses as they present their second annual Batavia Oktoberfest on North River Street.
Batavia Oktoberfest will be hosted on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6-7.
There will be beer from Sam Adams (presenting sponsor of the event) including Sam Adams Oktoberfest, Paulaner, and more, German food from local vendors including The Wurst Kitchen, Enticing Cuisine and Café 20, German bands, entertainment and more. Oktoberfest runs from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.
"A Step Above Dance has planned fun activities for the kids in our Kinder-land area, and the committee has plenty of music and entertainment that both kids and adults will enjoy," said Batavia MainStreet Executive Director Jamie Saam.
At Batavia Oktoberfest, Germans and their friends can dance to authentic tunes coming from the Gerald Subaru of North Aurora and Naperville Stage by Die Musikmeisters, Mike Knauf Band, the Johnny Wagner Band and new this year, The Chardon Polka Band.
Traditional German attire is encouraged. It will be celebrated through the Dirndl and Lederhosen contest. Other contests and fun will include a German spelling bee and traditional German dances by local dance troops like A Step Above as well as German dance troops.
The fest activities will kick off with the ceremonial "Tapping of the Keg" by Bergermeisters, the Honorable Mayor Jeff Schielke and Batavia native and retired NFL quarterback Ken Anderson, as well music from the Batavia Community Band. The event also will be hosted by the Herr and Frau Festmeisters, Steve and Laura Newman, Batavia City Administrator.
"It has been a pleasure working with so many downtown business owners on this event," commented Cathy McNally, Batavia MainStreet assistant director. "I can't wait to see the community dressed up in dirndl and lederhosen, enjoying Oktoberfest on our beautiful River Street!"
River Street will be tented for the event and filled with over 100 picnic tables for seating. Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center has generously taken over décor at the event entry points. Wine and cocktails also will be available for purchase by local vendors.
This event is free to enter with tickets for food and beverages being sold inside the event. Batavia Oktoberfest is currently looking for a large number of volunteers to assist with various duties. Please contact Batavia MainStreet if you are interested in helping.
Batavia MainStreet is a 501(3) nonprofit organization working to enhance, promote and revitalize downtown Batavia as the heart of the community through dedicated volunteer efforts. For more information on Batavia Oktoberfest, visit downtownbatavia.com or call (630) 761-3528.