Roxborough is ready to embrace the colors and excitement of autumn with the 13th Annual Roxtoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 4, from noon to 5 p.m. The beloved neighborhood street festival will take over Ridge Avenue between Lyceum Avenue and Leverington Avenue, blending Oktoberfest traditions, a fall festival, a car show, and a new Scarecrow Walk, which will extend family-friendly fun to Gorgas Park.
Festival-goers can expect live music, local craft beer, over 100 vendors, food trucks, family activities, pet costume contests, Oktoberfest costume contests, cemetery tours, and more. New this year are a Root Beer Stein Competition for Kids, a complimentary shuttle to Manayunk’s Out & About Festival, a new beverage tent at Top of the Ridge, a community stage, and a special collaboration between Art on the Ridge and Fleisher Art Memorial, featuring 14 Latin American artists from El Mercado.
“This event is a celebration of creativity and community spirit,” said Roxborough Development Corporation Executive Director Jax Cusack. “Join us for a day of fun, food, and festivities as we highlight everything that makes our neighborhood special.
Art, culture and community
This year’s festival spotlights a new artistic collaboration. Art on the Ridge, a community program highlighting local artists, has teamed up with Fleisher Art Memorial to bring El Mercado, a cultural market celebrating Latin American artisans and their heritage. Visitors can explore works from 14 talented artisans while enjoying the street festival atmosphere.
Scarecrows, costumes and family fun
Families can get creative with the Scarecrow Walk, sponsored by Fairmount Behavioral Health, and vote for their favorite displays.
The Pet Costume Contest promises a parade of adorable, quirky, and spooky furry friends at 3 p.m. at the community stage. Registration is available at the RDC table (6120 Ridge Ave.).
The Kid Zone at Roxborough Pocket Park offers a day of hands-on fun with giant bubbles, carnival games, 3-hole mini golf, and story time with Flyleaf the Book Fairy.
Historic tours and Car Show
Local history buffs can join historian Don Simon for guided tours of Leverington Cemetery at 1 and 3 p.m., sponsored by the Central Roxborough Civic Association. Meanwhile, car enthusiasts can check out a mini car show from the Ridge Runners Car Club on DuPont Street.
A shuttle to Manayunk
New this year, the RoxYunk Shuttle connects Roxtoberfest attendees with Manayunk’s Out & About Festival, running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free service is made possible by The Trent and Roxborough Memorial Hospital, allowing visitors to enjoy both neighborhoods without worrying about parking.
Neighborhood tradition
Since its start in 2013 as a small street festival, Roxtoberfest has grown into one of the region’s most celebrated fall events. From German beer, music, and Oktoberfest décor to pet parades, art installations, and family-friendly activities, the festival has become a hallmark of Roxborough’s community spirit.
“Roxtoberfest is a perfect example of what makes our neighborhood so special,” said Cusack. “It’s more than just a party — it’s a celebration of community, bringing people together from all over to support our local businesses and each other.”
The festival is free and open to the public, with food and drinks available for purchase. More information and a complete schedule are available online.
