VERO BEACH — Vero Beach Oktoberfest expands to three days this year, running Oct. 16-18 at the Indian River County Fairgrounds. The event will feature a 15,000-square-foot beer garden tent, Oktoberfest party bands, German and American food, a full liquor bar, and a kids zone.
The event, presented by Neese Roofing, will be:
- Friday – 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bands
Four Florida polka bands will play with sets inside the 15,000-square-foot beer garden tent and next to the dining tent.
- The Brussel Sprouts German Polka Band, a 10-piece group from Orlando with an alphorn and tuba, starts at noon Saturday in the beer garden. The band plays traditional German polka and works the crowd with stein hoisting and yodeling.
- DeLeon Oktoberfest Band of Tampa follows at 4:45 p.m. Saturday and plays all day Sunday in the same tent.
- Next to the dining tent, the Sunshine State Express Oktoberfest Band of Fort Pierce starts at noon Saturday and Sunday. The International Polka Band of Coconut Creek begins there at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
The party centers on a 15,000-square-foot beer garden tent, with Oktoberfest party bands scheduled all day and night. Additional live music will be staged outside the tent.
German and American food will be served, along with German and domestic beer and full liquor bars. Beer is poured in 1-liter mugs, and servers in traditional dress will offer schnapps shots.
A vendor village with about 125 booths will sell arts and crafts, goods from local businesses, and other items. A kids zone operates during the day.
Admission is $8. Children under 13 get in for free. Same-day re-entry and parking are free. Cash and credit are accepted at the gate. A commemorative 1-liter glass stein is $18 at the merchandise tent in front of the beer garden.
A Jeep and classic car show is scheduled for Saturday, and vehicle entry is free. Owners can email Jeff with the Florida Jeep Trail Club at flajtc@gmail.com for details.
