Oktoberfest returns to Peoria Riverfront

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The 27th annual Peoria Oktoberfest celebrated German culture and heritage in Central Illinois, at the Peoria Riverfront all weekend.

It's billed as the Midwestern equivalent of the Munich Oktoberfest. Attendees got their fill of German food, beer, and history. Multiple stages featured German bands, musicians, and dancers.

President of the German American Central Society Craig Ruffolo said it's their biggest fest of the year.

"The German roots in Peoria run deep there. If you look around town, there are a lot of business names that have German names embedded in it, and it has over not just currently but over all of our history. Germans have been there's been a German club in Peoria, and we have brought sport and food and festivals to keep our heritage alive and also entertain and enjoy our community and our neighbors," said Ruffolo.

The fest goes on until 5 o'clock on Sunday.