The 11th Annual Roxtoberfest Will Feature 100+ Vendors, Live Music, Pet Costume Contests, Food Trucks and More

Roxborough Development Corporation announces the return of one of the neighborhood’s annual fall tradition and one of its largest street festivals. The 11th Annual Roxtoberfest will be held on Saturday, October 7th from 12:00pm to 6:00pm,

This family-friendly festival combines the fall harvest celebrations with the traditional feel of a German beer fest including performances by an Oktoberfest band, circus performers, spirited competitions, an enticing array of food trucks, a doggie costume contest, plenty of beverages fit for a fall fest.

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.

“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 Pure Fun

Additionally look for:
Axe-Throwing with Throwhouse
Glass blowing demonstrations with Eric Hernandez

FOOD AND DRINK

For food and drink options on the street, festival-goers should come hungry and thirsty for:

* A Taste of Philly – Cheesesteaks and street food
* BOLTD – America’s finest craft spirits
* Bacon on a Stick – Sweet and Savory delicious bacon
* Byzantium Empire – Award-winning brisket, BBQ and more
* Calle Del Sabor – Tacos
* Chaddsford Winery – Hot Mulled Wine
* Deke’s BBQ – BBQ and smoked
* Epicure Eats – Spicy juicy wings, fries and more
* Hardy Funnel Cakes – Carnival sweet treats
* Haagen-Dazs – Ice cream, sundaes, more
* Kona Ice – One-of-a-kind gourmet shaved ice
* M & M Mobile Bar – Fall Mocktails
* Many Hands Coffee Co. – Coffee and espresso beverages, pastries, snacks
* New Ridge Brewing Co. – Special Festbier made special for Roxtoberfest, plus other beers pouring, and German themed food menu
* Philadelphia Chili – Chili and more
* Popcorn Land – Popcorn and snacks
* Put An Egg On It – Food Truck – Located in Roxborough
* Rio Brazilian Steak Truck – Brazilian BBQ
* Santucci’s Original Square Pizza – Pizza and more!
* Stateside Vodka – Adult beverages
* Taqueria Dos Hermanos
* The Little Sicilian LLC
* WillBe’s Corner – Candy

Restaurants along the festival footprint open for dine-in, take-out and festival features will include:

* White Yak
* Taylor’s Cafe
* Santucci’s Roxborough
* Roma’s Pizza
* Dream House Asian Bistro

ARTISTS, MAKERS, COMMUNITY GROUPS AND VENDORS

Beyond food and drink options, come ready to shop from local small businesses, artists and makers, plus meet local community groups. Vendors will include:

* 1 Love Jerk Hut – Condiment/sauce
* 3love graphix –  Painted and sublimated items
* AdGard Fashions International LLC
* Alchemy In You Candles – Spiritual products
* Allyson Underland Photography – Artwork
* Anchor & Spruce – Artwork
* Art History One Zero One – Clothing
* Art of Henna – Artwork
* Ash’s Attic – Artwork
* Aura Artisan Soap – Beauty/Wellness Products
* Balloon Buddies – Balloon twister
* Big Wick Energy – Candles, diffusers, trays, hats, clothes, cutting boards, etc
* Bigiotteria, LLC – Jewelry
* Blu Penny – Jewelry
* Blueberry Fields Artisan Soap – Soap and candles
* Brixxy & Co. – Pet Bandanas
* Buddertool, LLC – Home decor
* Build-A-Balloon – Hand crafted balloons using lights, feathers, paint, confetti
* Butch’s Hot Stuff Hot Sauce – Food
* Cat Horn Accessory – Jewelry
* Catalyst Accessories – Home decor
* Champagne on a Wednesday – Jewelry
* Char and Whiskers – custom pet portraits and pet accessories
* Courtney Mizfit Art – Artwork
* CRCA – non-profit
* Crimson Fox – Home decor
* Dainty Studios – Artwork
* Dukes Designs – Clothing, cups
* Emily burke’s art – canvas lunch bags, toes, prints and cards.
* Empress Herbal Products
* Epic Church – non-profit
* Eric Hernandez Glass – Glass Blowing
* Goodlands Food Co. – Hot Sauce
* Grand Love Designs – Ornaments and Laser Engraved Gifts
* Handcrafted by Robin – Jewelry
* Hank Sauce – hot sauce, dry rubs, branded merch
* Jazzy River Llc – Clothing
* Joan By J. Soap Creations
* Justin Time Tie Dye – Clothing
* Kar’s art & jewelry – Paintings and jewelry
* Knottie Sisters –  Accessories and Stadium bags
* Love City Shirts – Clothing
* Love Identity Candle Co – Hand poured candles
* Love, Heather Studios – Crochet Dragons
* Luccicare by Lisa – Jewelry
* Mari Lowery
* Melmos dog treats – Handmade dog and cat treats
* Michael Mara Photography – Photography / Plants
* MRAC – non-profit-
* Native Crafts – Large Vendor – clothing
* Native Sun Companies
* Natural Order Handmade – Beauty/Wellness Products
* Riehl Simple – baby items
* Roxborough Historical Society – non-profit
* Saint Roccos Treats – dog treat
* Scented Shadows – Candles
* Sequoia’s Embrace, Inc dba Color & Flame – Candles and Bath & Beauty
* Sew Much Cooler – Clothing
* Smok3yrainbow – Clothing
* Sophie’s Candle Shop – Candles
* Status Apparel DC – Clothing
* Sundry Mornings – Bloody Mary mix, spices hot sauce
* SunnyAyre Crafts & Arts and Feels – Embroidery, string art, wooden wall art, cutting boards, propagation stations/ Arts and Feels – polymer clay jewelry, pins, and accessories, art prints
* sunskaara – Home decor
* The 50/50 Company – Artwork
* The Block Church – non-profit
* The Metz Art Gallery – Artwork
* This Urban Cottage
* This Urban Cottage – Home decor
* Thrive Flower Cannabis – Beauty/Wellness Products
* ThrowHouse- Axe Throwing
* Trippy Bunni – Cllothing
* Whiz Spiegs Designs – Home decor
* Wicked & Wild Stitches – Artwork
* Wyld Syrups LLC – Caffeinated simple syrup that people can add to any beverage from Mocktails- Cocktails-Teas- Coffee

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. The schedule for 2023 is as follows:

Lyceum Stage:
12:00pm – 12:45pm – Oktoberfest Band – Galena Brass
12:45pm – 1:00pm Stein Holding Competition
1:00pm – 1:45pm Old Academy Players
1:45pm – 2:15pm –Jeannette’s School of Dance/Action Karate
2:15pm – 2:30pm – Stein Holding Competition
2:30pm – 3:30pm – Moonroof
3:30pm – 3:45pm – ASH Theater Co.
3:45pm – 4:15pm – Oktoberfest Band – Galena Brass
4:45pm – 6:00pm – The Providers

Pocket Park Musicians & Competitions
12:00pm – 1:30pm Acoustic Ferrari
1:30pm – 2:00pm – Keg Tapping Ceremony with Oktoberfest Band
2:00pm – 3:30pm Kenn Kweder
3:30pm – 3:45pm Pet Costume Contest
3:45pm – 4:00pm Lederhosen & Dirndl Contest
4:30pm – 6:00pm – Shattered Figures

Leverington Avenue
1:00pm -2:00pm – Secret Circus
2:00pm – Steven Carpenter Spooky Sounds and Wizardry
3:00pm – 4:00pm – Secret Circus
4:00pm – 4:30pm Positive Movement Drumline (tentative)
5:00pm – 6:00pm Secret Circus