Herzlich Willkommen: Two-weekends of Oktoberfest fun begins Friday
Not even Hurricane Milton could bring a halt to Cape Coral's annual ode to German culture, as an event that is the largest of its kind in the state of Florida is still going on as planned, with two weekends of celebration starting today.
The German American Club of Cape Coral's 39th Annual Oktoberfest will welcome thousands to the Bavarian Garden grounds this weekend, bringing their version of the staple event in Munich to life here locally.
"We're very excited to bring Oktoberfest back this year," said GASC President Erich Kohl. "Hurricane Milton did pass a little visit, but fortunately, the damage was nothing like Ian. The club has rallied, and we've caught back up."
The GASC's Oktoberfest runs from Oct. 18-21, and 25-27, where the community, regardless of cultural background, can gather for some Gaudi (leg-slapping, joyous fun) and Gemütlichkeit (that warm feeling of belonging and being a part of something special).
The festival kicks off on Fridays at 4 p.m. and goes to midnight, and opens again on Saturdays from noon until midnight and on Sundays from noon until 8 p.m.
"With the atmosphere, and our entertainers keeping people involved in dancing and singing, along with good food, good drink, and good times, people just have a special place for this event," Kohl said. "(After Milton), people can take a day to relax, enjoy the music, and have some good food. Hopefully they're at a point where they need a break and can get out and just have a good time and take their mind off of what happened."
The event offers Herzlich Willkommen (a warm welcome) filled with fun, delicious food, German beer and spirits, live music, and dancing –everything from Polka to Fliegerlied, and of course, the Bobb and Chicken Dance.
"We've got a lot of great German beers and wines, as well as your domestics," Kohl said. "Lots of refreshments for adults and children. In-house, we're serving sit-down dinners from our kitchen providing German food, such as sauerbraten and schnitzel. There will also be vendors having tastes from around the world."
This event, regardless of heritage, is truly for everyone.
"It's one big party," Kohl said. "We incorporate a lot of different ethnic groups, and they all bring different things. We're one people, and it's a party, and everyone loves to have a party. We want people to come out and enjoy themselves."
With music-makers flown in from Germany, alongside performances by local favorites and entertainment for all ages, there is plenty of fun throughout each day.
Welcoming back as the main band from Germany is once again the Zimmerer Kapelle, the big band from the small town of Biberach, Germany. GASC officials said the band just loves the community, and is returning once again to be a part of the fun. Also flying in from Germany are Die Flotten Oberkrainer, featured often on Germany's Traumschiff; their version of Love Boat.
The event will also feature local favorites like The Boots, Deb & the Dynamics, A'Finnity, and award-winning acts such as Pure Country and Martini Russa, an international blues and rock band, plus Schuhplattler dancing performed by the Sunshine State Trachtenverein.
"We have a little bit of everything, for everyone," Kohl said.
Also, Cape Coral's own Hafenkapelle, Manni Daum Trio, and many more.
There will be non-stop foot-tapping music on three stages under the tent, in the gardens, and inside in the Edelweiss Hall.
"So, dust off your dirndls, launder your lederhosen, and join us for an epic time of stein slurping with your beste Freunde, even those you've just met," said GASC spokesperson Susie Zimmer.
After its success in 2023, the GACS's VIP program is back, featuring exclusive seating, drink specials from sponsor Jägermeister, a sit-down meal in the Von Steuben Hall, a beer stein with refills, and much more.
Featuring outdoor exhibitors, food vendors that offer both German food and international, or a sit-down dinner in the Von Steuben Hall, Oktoberfest has so much to offer. GASC members work tirelessly to endure patrons have a time they won't soon forget.
"There's a lot of work that goes into planning," Kohl said. "Our beautification team works months ahead of time. We get our orders in for all the beer, wine, soda. Our kitchen starts prepping in batches. It's like getting your house ready for guests, but on a larger scale. We want to make it inviting and make it look good."
Attendees can also stop for a photo shoot with Ms. Oktoberfest 2024, Alexandra Reifschneider.
"The dedicated GASC members, each one of them volunteering their time and effort to create the region's most successful event, welcome you to enjoy German heritage," Zimmer said. "Once you capture the magic, you'll want to become a member as well."
Kohl added, "Being a member is a good time. If you enjoy meeting people — we have a lot of great people here. We're always looking for new members to join. It's our own little community."
Advance tickets are $8, and $10 at the gate. Children 12 and under are admitted free. All event dates are rain or shine. VIP tickets can be purchased online.
