Lake Forest Oktoberfest Moves Downtown

LAKE FOREST-LAKE BLUFF, IL - From Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Rec: The Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Foundation will host their third annual Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, September 22nd from 5:00pm – 10pm in the parking lot behind City Hall, 220 E. Deerpath, Lake Forest. The event will feature a German beer garden, live bands including DT Funk and The Polkaholics, food, a giant pumpkin bounce house for the kids, German games, and more.

“Lake Forest Oktoberfest brings all the fun elements of a contemporary German beer garden including beer, wine, German food and live music to Lake Forest,” said event director Rick Amos. “This year we are very excited to be located in downtown Lake Forest, and we look forward to our residents, friends, and families coming out to support the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department at this fundraiser.”

This year’s bands feature headliner The Polkaholics with opening band DT Funk. The Polkaholics unique sound began as a crash-course cover of the traditional 'Beer Barrel Polka' in 1997, and they have been putting the oomph back in oom-pah and a punk edge on polka ever since. Based out of Indianapolis, opening band DT Funk adds a high energy funk sound to hit songs from all eras: 70’s disco, 80’s rock, 90’s alternative, and modern day pop. Their 7-11 piece band features multiple vocalists, horn players, guitars, and a rhythm section.

Schedule of Events:

5:00pm: German Music

5:30pm: DT Funk

7:30-8:00pm: German Music and Games

8:00pm: The Polkaholics

Admission tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online at www.FriendsLFPR.org or at the gate (cash or credit, kids under 5 are free). Beer, wine, and food will be sold (cash only). No outside food or drinks allowed. A commemorative beer stein will be available for $20. Premier parking passes are $20 and can be purchased online as space is available and includes in/out privileges. Thank you to Lake Forest Bank and Trust and Fields Auto Group for their generous sponsorship.

Proceeds from the event help support the enhancement of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Department’s programs, services, facilities, and need-based activity scholarships for families in the community. Through funds raised by tax-deductible donations, the Fred Jackson Annual Golf Classic, Festival & Fireworks, Oktoberfest, and Dinner with Santa, the Friends have provided substantial funding dedicated to beautify parks, make structural improvements, and expand recreational programming. To donate or learn more, contact the Foundation at www.FriendsLFPR.org.

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