You don’t have to hop a flight to Germany to experience a traditional Oktoberfest, an autumn festival celebrated every year that includes food, music and lots of beer. Starting Friday, Sept. 16, the much-anticipated Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest returns—mark your calendar for a few additional Oktoberfest events around town.
Friday, Sept. 16-Sunday, Sept. 18
Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest
49 Salem Church Road, Newark
Friday: 5–11 p.m.; Saturday: noon–11 p.m.; Sunday: noon–6 p.m.
Admission: $8
German food and beer are the main attractions under the big tent at this increasingly popular event, but fans also love the Opening Parade featuring the Muenchner Kindl (Munich Child), and the continuous musical entertainment including a Bavarian dance group. German food specialties such as grilled bratwurst and weisswurst, frankfurters, BBQ chicken, pretzels and rollmops, a marinated herring served with rye bread and even the traditional potato salad and sauerkraut. The Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest also features imported gifts and souvenirs, Bavarian specialty clothes and amusement rides. Amusement rides are included in the admission price and are unlimited; however, Midway games set up by the amusement company do cost extra.
Friday, Sept. 16
4–6:30 p.m.
The Lewes Chamber of Commerce’s Historic Lewes Business Committee is sponsoring its fifth annual Oktoberfest. The party will be held on Market Street, complete with a 10-piece German Oompah Band and costumed Bavarian dancers. Dogfish Head Brewery is sponsoring the event and has created commemorative glass beer steins. They are available for purchase at the Chamber’s visitor center in the Fisher-Martin House in Zwaanendael Park, next to the museum and at the festival site beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday. On the day of the Oktoberfest, the steins can be taken into participating restaurants and presented to receive a discount on Dogfish beer available at a number of the restaurants in the historic Lewes business district. German cuisine will also be featured in many of the local restaurants.
Saturday, Oct. 8
Fordham & Dominion Brewery
12:30–6 p.m.
Cheestoberfest is a grilled cheese/mac-and-cheese competition that features 20 Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Philadelphia restaurants battling it out to see who will be this year’s Grand Cheezmo. In keeping with the cheesiness of the event, an oompah band will provide the entertainment. Brewery staff and volunteers will be pouring award-winning Octoberfest, along with Spiced Harvest Ale, Oak Barrel Stout, Rams Head IPA, Copperhead Ale and Helles Lager. General admission tickets are $30 and include four beers, food samples and a commemorative stein. VIP tickets are $60 and include early entry, a bottomless mug, a commemorative stein, a T-shirt and cheese.
1284 McD Drive, Dover
678-4810
