The Annual Roxtoberfest Returns for its 12th Year With 100+ Vendors and an All New Star Trek Themed Spocktoberfest
Fall festival time is officially here and one of the most popular fall fests is back with some cool new attactions. Roxborough Development Corporation announced the return of one of its largest street festivals. The 12th Annual Roxtoberfest will be held on Saturday, October 5th from 12:00pm to 6:00pm, with a rain date set for Sunday, October 6th.
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 live music, local beer, 100+ vendors, food and drink, food trucks, pet costume contest, Oktoberfest costume contest, cemetary tours, family fun and more. This year, look for the addition of a new
Star Trek themed Spocktoberfest with performances by the Roddenberries, a cosplay costume contest and a Star Trek themed vendor marketplace. Also new this year, look for the addition of a Scarecrow Walk and voting for best scarecrow in partnership with Friends of Gorgas Park. Roxtoberfest will take place on Ridge Avenue between Lyceum Avenue and Leverington Avenue, with a Scarecrow Walk extending from Leverington Avenue to Hermitage Street, connecting the family fun at Gorgas Park. Don your best pair of lederhosen, sip on New Ridge Brewing Co. beer, and join us for one of the neighborhood’s most cherished fall traditions. The event is no charge and open to the public, with food and drink pay-as-you-go.
“We are thrilled to host the 12th annual Roxtoberfest, Roxborough’s beloved fall street festival! This event is a true celebration of our amazing community, bringing together friends and family to enjoy the vibrant spirit of Roxborough. Join us for a day of fun, food, and festivities as we highlight everything that makes our neighborhood special,” said Roxborough Development Corporation Executive Director Jax Cusack.
She added, WWe are excited to introduce Spocktoberfest to the Roxborough community as part of our expanding Roxtoberfest. This event is a celebration of creativity, fandom, and community spirit. We look forward to seeing everyone come together to enjoy a day dedicated to one of the most beloved sci-fi franchises.”
“The Roxborough Development Corporation is thrilled to bring the 12th annual Roxtoberfest to life,” said Roxborough Development Corporation Board President JoAnn Desper. “Each year, this street festival grows bigger and better, drawing attendees from across the region to experience the vibrant spirit of Roxborough. We can’t wait to showcase the heart of our community and celebrate together!”
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 a full music line-up and much more.
NEW – FIRST EVER ROXBOROUGH SPOCKTOBERFEST
Beam me up, Scottie! Go to where no human has ever gone before. New this year to Roxtoberfest is Roxborough’s inaugural Spocktoberfest, a unique celebration of fall and fandom, set to take place on DuPont Street This exciting new event will feature a variety of vendors catering to Star Trek fans, fan clubs from all fandoms and a no charge to enter cosplay costume contest. Come ready to jam with out-of-this-world tunes from the Roddenberries – the Galaxy’s premiere sci-fi party band. Come out for this celebration of Spock, Kirk and all things fandom! (See a full bio for the Roddenberries below.)
NEW – SCARECROW WALK AND SCARECROW BUILD
This year Friends of Gorgas Park are bringing back their scarecrow making event! The RDC and Friends of Gorgas Park are partnering to connect the two events with sidewalk activations including a scarecrow walk with voting for best scarecrow! This is one of the added features to make Roxtoberfest the largest in its history with more to do, more to see and more to explore than EVER before.
NEW – MINI CAR SHOW
Enjoy vintage rides with Roxborough’s own Ridge Runners Car Club by the entrance of the Leverington Avenue Cemetery
KEG TAPPING
New Ridge Brewing Co. will present the keg to be tapped at the Leverington Stage at 12:30pm with a firkin of New Ridge’s popular Oktoberfest beer called Festbier.
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 and sign up. Judging will take place at the Lyceum Stage Please sign up by 3:00pm.
BEER STEIN HOLDING CONTEST
Flex your guns at the contest of strength and endurance at the MGMT Residential Main Stage on Lyceum at 3:30pm and 4:45pm. Prizes included.
COSPLAY COSTUME CONTEST
Get ready to beam up your creativity at our Star Trek costume contest! To participate in this celebration of Fandom culture and style, make your way to the RDC table conveniently located at 6120 Ridge Avenue and sign up. Judging will take place at the Lyceum Stage, so please sign up by 3:00pm and join us for an out-of-this-world experience!
PET COSTUME 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.
KIDS ZONE
Roxtoberfest Kid Zone this year will be featured in the Roxborough Pocket Park.Relax as your little ones get their faces painted, play with gigantic bubbles, lawn games and enjoy story time with Flyleaf the Book Fairy from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.
CEMETERY 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 2024 is as follows so far – with more details and line-ups to come:
Live Music
MGMT Residential Main Stage on Lyceum Avenue:
12:00pm– 12:45pm: The Galena Brass Band
12:45pm – 1:30pm: Action Karate and Jeanette’s School of Dance
1:40pm – 2:20pm: Pretzel Park Theater Co
2:30pm – 3:30pm: Galena Brass Band
3:45pm – 4:45pm: The Providers
5:00pm – 6: 00pm: The Roddenberries
RoxYunk Porchfest Stage on Leverington Avenue:
12:00pm – 12:45pm: The Band Joe
1:15pm – 2:15pm: Justin Kerecz
2:30pm -3:15pm: Lazer Shark
3:45pm – 4:30pm: Fonvery
5 :00pm – 5:45pm: Moon Poodle
FOOD AND DRINK
For food and drink options on the street, festival-goers should come hungry and thirsty for food trucks, restaurants and breweries serving outside, including:
* Pumpkin and Oktoberfest Beer featured by beer partner New Ridge Brewing Co.
* Canned cocktails from Top Tails Distillery
* The Clean Plate Club | Chef-driven food truck featuring seasonal and local produce
* A Taste of Philly | Classic Philly treats … with a twist
* The Little Sicilian | Bite-sized arancini in a variety of flavors
* Taqueria Dos Hermanos | Delicious Mexican plates from a beloved food cart
* Humpty’s Dumplings | Savory dumplings with a variety of fillings
* Frios Gourmet Pops | Gourmet ice pops
* Taqueria Los Gallos| Gourmet tacos and more
* Philadelphia Tropical Treats | Tropical fruit bowls
* Delhi Street Bakery |
* Deke’s BBQ | Savory sandwiches and plates
* Mr Burger’s Best in Town | Burgers
* Dunkin’ Community Cruiser | Coffee
* Laughing Crab Catering
* Mike’s BBQ | Fresh-smoked barbecue
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:
* Joan By J. Soap Creations | Artisan Handmade Soaps
* Whinnies Barkery & Pet Boutique | Pet Items
* The Metz Art Gallery | Artwork
* Jay McQuirns | Artwork
* Art History 101 | Clothing
* Crimson Fox | Graphic Designer
* Lily Lough Jewelry | Jewelry
* BWE Boutique | Candles & Concrete Decor
* CeCe Sews | Clothing
* kkmjstudio | Home Decor
* SunnyAyreCrafts & Arts and Feels | Art, Home Decor, Accessories, Jewelry
* Build-a-Balloon | Balloon Art
* Sow & Sew | Boutique Truck
* Anchor & Spruce | Artwork
* Color & Flame Handmade | Candles & Bath Products
* Phannies | Accessories/Bags
* BUDDERTOOL, LLC | Home decor
* Heartfelt Creations by Lisa | Jewelry
* Ninimosi Designs | Jewelry
* Thrive Flower | Beauty & Wellness Products
* Molly Rose Post Jewelry | Jewelry
* Zhang Sah | Martial Arts
* Tiebro handmade bow ties | Bow ties for people and pets
* Love City Shirts | Clothing
* Pals Socks | Elegant Socks
* Art History 101 | Famed graphic tees and clothing
* Jay McQuirns | A legend of the Philadelphia comic scene
* isRiel Handmade | Hair and beauty products
* Champagne on a Wednesday | Jewelry
* JK Custom Apparel | Clothing
* Carter James, Co. | Jewelry
* Wyntermade | Kid’s and baby clothes
* Purrfect Handcrafted Soaps | Handmade soaps
* Hammy’s Workshop | A local Roxborough business
* Wicked and Wild Stitch Co. | Hand-embroidered art
* All American Gutter Protection | Home services
* Native Crafts | Artwork
* M&A Fashion | Clothing
* T-Mobile | Phones and More
* Pressed Vibrations | Artwork
* Beelinked Permanent Jewelry | Jewelry
* Rawk U School of Music | Music Classes
* TickleMutt | Pet Goods
* The Red Barnacle | Artwork
* Fennel & Thyme Co | Artwork
* Saint Rocco’s Treats | Pet Goods
* Quilted Lancaster | Quilts
* Natasha Lynne Studios
* Black Bunny Skincare | Beauty and Bath
* First Tee- Greater Philadelphia
* State Representative Tarik Khan
* Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association
* Manayunk-Roxborough Art Center
* Friends of the Roxborough Library
* CityLight Church
* Intercommunity Action
* Village on the Ridge
* The Block Church
* Palestine Palestine Roxborough Lodge No. 135 F&AM
* Bethany Christian Services
* Zhang Sah
* Girl Scouts of Eastern PA
