Naper Settlement celebrates city's German heritage with Oktoberfest
Three years ago, Scott Rzepka visited Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, where the festival originated in 1810.
The Naperville native was so impressed by his experience that he founded a website known as Backyard Oktoberfest. Now a volunteer helping to plan Naper Settlement's event, Rzepka is dedicated to providing a true Oktoberfest experience in Naperville.
Naper Settlement's fifth annual Oktoberfest celebrates Naperville's German roots from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5.
The event features German music, German cuisine from My Chef Catering and beverages from Schamberger Bros. Inc. and Wente Family Vineyards under a tent at the settlement, 523 S. Webster St.
“Most people associate the accordion and the tuba with Oktoberfest, but that is not all the music that is played at the real Oktoberfest in Munich,” Rzepka said.
“Along with the classic brass band music, there is also a lot of rock music played. I chose the bands this year to help mimic what you would hear in Munich.”
Friday night's music begins at 5 p.m. with Rzepka playing the songs that you would hear in Munich, including a new “Wiesn hit,” or song of Oktoberfest.
He will be followed at 6 p.m. by Alpine Thunder, a lively German folk/pop band. OMT, a popular local rock band, will take the stage at 8 p.m. with their mix of music from the Beatles to today.
On Saturday, it's nonstop German music from noon to 8 p.m., beginning with Jimmy's Bavarians, followed by Freeze Dried, The Happy Wanderers and The Polkaholics. The Legends, with lead singer Ken Overbey of Sounds Abound, will play classic rock from the 1960s and '70s.
Family activities run noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, including a salute to our firefighters as part of Firefighters Appreciation Day. From 3 to 5 p.m., more than 100 years of Naperville's firefighting history will be on display, including the 1874 Joe Naper Pumper, the 1924 Ahrens Fox pumper and a modern fire truck.
The event is a fundraiser for the Naperville Heritage Society. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, and are available online at napersettlement.com until noon Thursday, Oct. 3. At the gate, tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children.
For information, visit napersettlement.museum or call (630) 420-6010.
Oktoberfest
<b>Where:</b> Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
<b>When:</b> 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5
<b>Tickets:</b> $10 for adults and $5 for children until noon Thursday, Oct. 3; $15 for adults and $10 for children at the gate
<b>Info:</b> <a href="http://napersettlement.museum" target="_blank">napersettlement.museum</a> or (630) 420-6010