Hurricane Milton could not curb our enthusiasm! We’re Southwest Florida Strong!
O’zapft is’! It’s time once again for the community to come together and enjoy Southwest Florida’s biggest party—the 39th Annual Cape Coral OKTOBERFEST!
Hurricane Milton caused some delays in the preparations. As with many in our area, the German American Social Club had no power for a few days, and whether or not it would be back in time was questionable. Tent setup was also delayed, but it’s up now! Recent repairs to the clubhouse roof, buildings, and Bavarian Gardens proved successful as Milton swept through our area. Additional volunteers were recruited from the community this last weekend and cleanup was swift with many hands. The Club is grateful for all of the help.
So, the German American Social Club is excited and ready for Munich in Cape Coral. The Southwest Florida Community is invited to THE event filled with fun, delicious food, German beer and spirits, live music, laughter, and dancing—everything from Polka to Fliegerlied, and of course, the Bobb and Chicken Dance. Simply put, Oktoberfest represents German heritage at its finest, also known as German Gemütlichkeit. It is a time the German American Social Club looks forward to every year when it can invite the community to come on out and celebrate with their clan or crew, significant other, or to just come alone – everyone is bound to meet some fantastic people!
With music-makers flown in from Germany, alongside performances by local favorites, German food, beer, and entertainment for all ages, there is plenty of fun to enjoy. 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.
Mark your calendars: This year’s festival dates are October 18, 19, 21, and 25, 26, 27—the last two full weekends of the month. Just like in Munich, the whole community will come together for some Gaudi (leg-slapping, joyous fun) and Gemütlichkeit (that warm feeling of belonging and being a part of something special). Whether you’re sitting with family, dancing under the big tent, or relaxing under bright umbrellas in the Bavarian Gardens, there is a place for everyone. The festival kicks off on Fridays from 4 pm and goes to midnight and opens again on Saturdays from noon until midnight and on Sundays from noon until 8 pm.
After its success in 2023, our VIP program is back, featuring exclusive seating, drink specials from our sponsor Jägermeister, a sit-down meal in the Von Steuben Hall, a beer stein with refills, and much more.
Welcoming back as the main band from Germany is once again the Zimmerer Kapelle, the big band from the small town of Biberach, Germany. This band just loves our 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. 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; something for everyone to enjoy.
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. Looking for a photo opportunity? Stop for a photo shoot with our beautiful 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. Once you capture the magic, you’ll want to become a member as well. The New Members’ Booth will be happy to give you the information you need on how you, too, can join Cape Coral’s Best Social Club!
Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit!
Susie Zimmer
Publicity & Advertising
