The 9th Annual Oakland Park Oktoberfest takes place October 4-5 from 5 to 11 pm both days at the City’s downtown Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 North Dixie Highway. Oakland Park’s annual Oktoberfest is the largest in Broward…
With South Florida’s largest craft brewery just a few steps away and dozens of dashing dachshunds, Oakland Park has turned their annual Oktoberfest celebration into one of the City’s signature events.
The 9th Annual Oakland Park Oktoberfest takes place October 4-5 from 5 to 11 pm both days at the City’s downtown Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 North Dixie Highway. Oakland Park’s annual Oktoberfest is the largest in Broward and has become one of the most popular in Florida, according to Mayor John Adornato III.
“With support from our staff, sponsors and community volunteers, Oakland Park Oktoberfest continues to grow and attract more people to our downtown,” Mayor Adornato said. “The event complements our new downtown Culinary Arts District with a taste of authentic German cuisine and Bavarian-style entertainment.”
Oktoberfest attracts approximately 10,000 people who enjoy ample space under the large tents to eat, drink, dance to the live music and shop at the vendor booths. There will also be a children’s carnival area. The City’s Downtown Culinary Arts District provides free parking in walking proximity and a free shuttle will be available for Oktoberfest attendees.
The large tents replicate the atmosphere of a Bavarian village celebration, including a stage and a dance floor. Oktoberfest musical performances include Euro Express and Sepp Diepolder. Performances by the Edelweiss Schuhplattlers (children’s dance troupe) and the Auerhahn Schuhplattler dancers (adults) will also be part of the entertainment.
Hans Huber, owner of Fort Lauderdale’s award-winning Ambry Restaurant, will operate the Bavarian-style “Biergarten” at the Oktoberfest offering a selection of mouthwatering German favorites such as bratwurst, knockwurst, spicy currywurst, haxen semmel (roast pork), goulash soup, sauerkraut and German potato salad, as well as freshly baked pretzels, brotchen and apple strudel. In addition to soft drinks, a selection of German wines and authentic German brewed Tucher Oktoberfest beers will be available – including a commemorative 32 ounce mug.
Dachshund owners can register in advance for the Dachshund Dash by calling Central Bark Doggy Day Care at 954-568-3647.
The nearby Westin Hotel will offer a rate discount (including free parking and internet) for attendees of the Oakland Park Oktoberfest celebration.
For vendor and volunteer opportunities, activities schedule and other information, please visit OaklandParkFL.gov or call the City’s Parks and Leisure Services office at 954-630-4502.
Here is a video from the 7th Annual OKTOBERFEST DACHSUND RACE in 2011.
