-Courtesy of Aversa PR & Events
photo by Studio Luminoso
Roxborough Development Corporation announces the return of one of the neighborhood’s most cherished fall traditions and one of its largest street festivals. The 11th Annual Roxtoberfest will be held on Saturday, October 7th (rain date October 8th) from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. Visit www.roxboroughpa.com/events for more information. The beloved signature festival brings together the best of family-friendly fall harvest celebrations paired with the traditional feel of a German beer fest including performances by an Oktoberfest band, the dazzling spectacle of circus performers, spirited competitions, an enticing array of food trucks, a doggie costume contest, plenty of beverages fit for a fall fest, and fun activities to delight the youngest attendees.
While festively walking along Ridge Avenue from Lyceum to Leverington Avenue festival-goers will enjoy over 100 vendors, including restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries, artists, makers, small businesses, community groups, sponsors and more. The event is free and open to the public, with food and drink pay-as-you-go. Visit www.roxboroughpa.com/events and follow @roxboroughpa for more information.
“Roxtoberfest is where the magic of community, the talents of great local entertainers, and the flavor of Oktoberfest combine to create unforgettable memories,” said Roxborough Development Corporation’s new Executive Director Jacqueline “Jax” Cusack. “Join in the fall fun and celebrate Roxborough’s long long-time tradition with neighbors, friends and family!”
Roxtoberfest started off in 2013 as a small neighborhood street festival by the RDC with help from community partners, businesses and sponsors. It has grown each year to become one of the most well-known fall festivals in the region. The festival has always focused on a family-friendly atmosphere welcoming neighbors and visitors to the “Oktoberfest” themed fest. While there is German beer, music, decor and contests, the festival has continued to grow and expand, adding everything from a pet costume contest, to circus performances, to a full music line-up and much more.
FIVE ACTIVITY AREAS AND STAGES
1) Lyceum Avenue Main Stage
Oktoberfest Band – Galena Brass Band
A Broadway Halloween with Old Academy Players
Freaky Friday the musical number with ASH Theater Company
The Providers Band – Rock with new singer seen on The Voice – Hillary Torchiana
Stein–holding contests with prizes!
2) Roxborough Pocket Park
Keg Tapping Ceremony with State Representative Tarik Khan
Lederhosen & Dirndl contest with Prizes!
Pet Costume contest with Prizes!
Local Musician – Kenn Kweder
3) Leverington Avenue
Secret Circus Philadelphia– Aerial acts
4) Kids Activity Area on Dupont Street
Flyleaf the Book Fairy
Games like cornhole, giant Jenga, connect 4 and more
5) Kids Activity Area at Gorgas Park
In conjunction with Roxtoberfest Gorgas Park will have live entertainment and fun
Additionally look for:
Axe-Throwing with Throwhouse
Glass blowing demonstrations with Eric Hernandez
KEG TAPPING
New Ridge Brewing Co. will present the keg to be tapped at the Pocket Park at 1:30pm and the strolling Oktoberfest band will keep things festive! State Representative Tarik Khan will be tapping the keg of New Ridge’s popular Oktoberfest beer called, Festbier. The beer will not be used as free samples.
OKTOBERFEST COSTUME CONTEST
Prepare to embrace the rich traditions and vibrant fashion of Roxborough type of Bavaria at the Roxtoberfest’s Lederhosen and Dirndl Contest! This exciting event invites you to showcase your best Bavarian attire, whether you’re sporting a dashing pair of Lederhosen or a stunning Dirndl dress. Registration: To participate in this celebration of Bavarian culture and style, make your way to the RDC table conveniently located at 6120 Ridge Avenue. Upon registration, you’ll be assigned a unique number that will help identify you during the contest.
Showcase of Lederhosen & Dirndls: Head to the Pocket Park, situated at 6170 Ridge Avenue at 3:45 pm, you’ll be able to show off your best-dressed Lederhosen and Dirndls. This is your chance to shine in your most authentic or creative Bavarian attire. Whether you’re donning traditional clothing or putting a modern twist on it, your outfit will be a testament to your love for German culture.
Voting: What sets this contest apart is that the attendees themselves play a crucial role in determining the winners. By using the Rallie app, you can cast your vote for your favorite Lederhosen and Dirndl ensembles.
Winners will be announced on our social media pages. We will notify the winners through phone and prizes can be picked up at the end of the event or the following week at the RDC office.
PET CONTEST
Get ready for a day of furry fun and fabulous costumes at the Roxtoberfest Pet Costume Contest! Whether your pet is a spooky sensation, a charming character, or a whimsical wonder, this event is the perfect opportunity to showcase your pet! Registration: To join in on the excitement, simply register at the RDC table located at 6120 Ridge Avenue. Upon registration, you’ll receive a unique number that will help identify your pet during the contest.
Parade of Pet Costumes: The main event kicks off at the charming Pocket Park, conveniently located at 6170 Ridge Avenue, where the Parade of Pet Costumes will begin promptly at 3:30 pm. This is your chance to strut your pet’s stuff, so dress them up in their most fantastic attire and let their personalities shine! Expect to see a dazzling array of pets in costumes that range from adorable to hilarious.
Voting: One of the most exciting aspects of the Roxtoberfest Pet Costume Contest is that the attendees themselves get to decide the winners! Using the Rallie app, you can cast your vote for your favorite pet costumes. Winners will be announced on our social media pages. We will notify the winners through phone and prizes can be picked up at the end of the event or the following week at the RDC office.
CEMETARY TOURS
Leverington Cemetery will offer tours at 1pm and 3pm. Meet at the front gate and Don Simon will be sharing haunting historical stories from Roxborough’s past.
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
Come ready for a full day of live entertainment, music and performances.
A complete schedule of events and more info can be found here.
TRAVEL AND PARKING
By Car – Just across the Schuylkill from I-76, Roxborough is easy to reach by car. The drive is 11 minutes from Chestnut Hill, 19 minutes from University City, and 22 minutes from Center City Philadelphia. It is just over 20 minutes from the shopping hub in King of Prussia and less than half an hour from the Philadelphia International Airport. For parking, two parking lots are available for convenient access to the festival, one at 465 Leverington Avenue and the other at 514 Dupont Street.
By Bike – The scenic, riverside Kelly Drive makes biking to Roxborough from Center City an easy ride. Just ride north on the bike path beside the Schuylkill River until it hits Main Street in Manayunk. Then that will take you right through Manayunk and into the heart of Roxborough.
By Bus – An array of busses run right through Roxborough. The #9 runs from Center City to Andorra. The #27 goes from Plymouth Meeting Mall to Center City. The #32 will take you right from Roxborough to Center City via Philadelphia University. The #35 runs a Manayunk / Roxborough Loop. The #38 goes from 5th and Market to Wissahickon. And the #65 goes from Germantown / Chelten to 69th St. Transportation Center.
By Train – Septa’s Manayunk/Norristown Regional Rail Line runs out to Roxborough, stopping at Wissahickon, Manayunk and Ivy Ridge.
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