Second Annual Downers Grove Oktoberfest Offers Food, Fun, Family

Submitted by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58

The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 is hosting its second annual German-style Oktoberfest for people of all ages on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015 beginning at noon and will go into the night through 11 pm. This event draws from the Downers Grove community and surrounding suburbs to celebrate and welcome the new fall season and give one last farewell to summer. Oktoberfest is located in heart of Downtown Downers Grove, in front of the historic Downers Grove Metra Station at Burlington Avenue, between Main Street and Mochel Drive.

Opening the Downers Grove Oktoberfest Big Music Stage is the popular band the “Frank ‘K’ Duo & Company,” who is best known for authentic German style music and Lederhosen. And closing out the evening’s festivities is Downers Grove’s very own local band “Soulful Remedy” and recently dubbed “Best New Cover Band” by SuburbaNites Magazine, “Evolution.” All bands lead a energetic lineup of music and dance at this year’s Oktoberfest: from folk to brass, blues to rock, this year’s music and entertainment is scheduled to fit any and every crowd celebrating Downers Grove’s fall tradition.

Saturday’s music lineup also includes featured musicians from “Garage Band U”: Downers Grove’s premier music rock school; dancers from Pure Vibe Dance Center performing flash mob style dance; and local DJ Dan spinning songs to keep everyone dancing through the night.

Families will enjoy traditional German fare and beverages including a selection of delicious treats. Food Network-featured Lemon Tree Grocer/Zest Bistro will be serving an “LTG German Plate” complete with German potato salad, Bavarian brats and sauerkraut. Patrons can also purchase a jumbo gourmet soft pretzel with beer mustard and chocolate-covered rice crispy treats.

And a feast would not be complete with an ice-cold stein of German bier. This year’s Oktoberfest will feature: Warsteiner Oktoberfest, König Ludwig and Samuel Adams Oktoberfest. For non-beer aficionados, the event will also have house red and white wines, water and pop.

“We’re thrilled to welcome more families to Oktoberfest for the second year in a row,” says Co-Chair & newly elected Vice President of the Education Foundation District 58, Shaun Black. “The expanded Kids Zone, delicious German fare and wine and beer selections will lead to a full day of fun activities sure to entertain parents and kids so the whole family can enjoy the festival.”

Tickets to the Downers Grove Oktoberfest are available online for purchase: 58foundation.org/oktoberfest-tickets/.

The Downers Grove Oktoberfest is a benefit for the Education Foundation of District 58 Downers Grove, funding 11 elementary schools and two middle schools promoting excellence in education. Visit 58foundation.org for more information.