Grab a stein — the 14th Annual Roxtoberfest is set for this Saturday, Oct. 3.
What began as a small neighborhood street festival has grown into one of the city’s longest-running Oktoberfest celebrations, drawing crowds to Ridge Avenue for an afternoon of live music, local fare and community fun from noon to 6 p.m.
In total, the free festival will feature more than 100 vendors, local artists, makers, community organizations, food trucks, restaurants, beer gardens and bars. The Art on the Ridge Marketplace will host plenty of local creativity, and then guests can fuel up with bites from Philly favorites like Deke’s BBQ, Federal Donuts, Frios Gourmet Pops, Humpty’s Dumplings, Taqueria Los Gallos, Roma Cafe, Jenny’s Smoothies and much more.
New Ridge Brewing Company will also return with its Fiestbier and seasonal Horror Business pumpkin beer, available at the taproom and throughout the celebration. Foodery will additionally offer craft beer and seasonal slushies to go, and Peck Miller’s will once again bring its Jell-O shots and after-party festivities to the schedule.
Entertainment-wise, three stages will be housed on site, plus the Galena Brass Band will bring traditional Oktoberfest oompah music to life from 1 to 3 p.m.
Some unique Roxborough fall traditions are also planned, including the Roxborough Scarecrow Walk, which will stretch along the festival’s footprint, featuring scarecrows created by local businesses, organizations and community members. Visitors can vote for their favorites, with prizes awarded for the best, funniest and quirkiest designs.
Pets can get in on the fun as well, during the PAWrade & Costume Contest at 3 p.m. in Pocket Park. Pets will compete in four categories—Best Costume, Best Strut/Wag, Most Creative and Best in Show—to win prizes. Families will also find plenty to do in the Kids Zone, open from noon to 5 p.m. (also in Pocket Park), with balloon animals, carnival games, mini golf and more. Award-winning pumpkin carver John Zeggert will additionally demonstrate live carving from noon to 4 p.m. at the Kids Zone.
And, of course, Roxtoberfest wouldn’t be complete without its Stein Competitions. Adults can test their endurance, while kids can compete in the Root Beer Stein Competition. Both will take place at the Main Stage at Ridge and Lyceum, with registration at the stage.
Lastly, one new addition this year lets visitors step into Roxborough’s history with tours of the Leverington Cemetery featuring stories of early settlers, Revolutionary War patriots, Civil War heroes and other notable members of the community. A full schedule of festivities can be found online.
For more information, visit roxborough.brightrtravel.com/events
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