Downers Grove Grade School District 58 invites the community to attend Downers Grove Oktoberfest on Friday, Sept. 16 from 3-11 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 17 from noon to 6 p.m. The festival will close for 15 minutes and reopen on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 6:15-11 p.m. for the ticketed music headliner. Oktoberfest will take place in downtown Downers Grove in the train commuter lot on Burlington Avenue between Main Street and Forest Avenue. Oktoberfest is hosted by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, and all proceeds will benefit District 58.
Oktoberfest will feature headliner Freddy Jones Band on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 9:30 p.m. For more than three decades, Freddy Jones Band has been one of America’s most noteworthy and revered roots rock acts. This year, the band will mark the 30th Anniversary of their biggest hit, “In a Daydream,” which topped the AAA charts at #1 in the mid-1990s.
In addition to Freddy Jones Band’s performance, Oktoberfest will feature several renowned local bands and an authentic German polka band. Performers include Reckless - Chicago, LP Vinyl, TARRA, Thrill Pill, Sucker Punch, Frank K & Company and DJ: Angel Song Entertainment, among many others. View a complete entertainment schedule and more information at www.58foundation.net/oktoberfest.
Beyond the live music, Oktoberfest will offer traditional German fare and beverages, as well as a Kids Zone, face-painting, dunk tank, donut eating contest, high school brat eating contest and more.
Oktoberfest celebrates the approaching fall season, while raising money to support District 58 schools.
Festival-goers may purchase tickets in advance at www.58foundation.net/oktoberfest or at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.
On Friday (all day) and Saturday before 6 p.m., Oktoberfest is free for children (ages 0-17 with a paying adult), active military and veterans with military ID. Volunteers may also attend for free during their shift. Volunteers who work on Friday or Saturday during the day will receive discounted Saturday night admission.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens (55+). The entry fee will increase to $25 on Saturday after 6:15 p.m. for all ages. Guests may also purchase an all-day Saturday ticket for $30.
Want to get closer to the action? Buy VIP tickets for the Freddy Jones Band show! VIP tickets cost $75 and include a VIP entrance, a special VIP area in front of the stage and Freddy Jones Band swag.
Finally, any community member may purchase a $10 raffle ticket for a chance to win $500. Raffle tickets can also be purchased at www.58foundation.net/oktoberfest or at the festival.
Oktoberfest’s success relies on volunteers! Sign up to volunteer at https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/102698485851772602/true#/invitation. A number of volunteer slots are open in registration, set-up, Kids Zone, beverage tent and other areas. Volunteers will receive free admission to the event during their volunteer shift. Oktoberfest also seeks new corporate sponsorships! To learn more about corporate sponsorship opportunities, please click here or visit www.58foundation.net.
Please direct Oktoberfest questions to Janet Alikpala, Education Foundation president, at 312-217-4369 or janet@alikpala.com.