Oktoberfest is an event that many people only dream of attending. After all, not everyone has the time and money to make it over to Germany to enjoy the singing, dancing and appreciation of German culture that takes place. Fortunately, there are cities all over the world that celebrate Oktoberfest in their own way.

For example, you can head over to Newark Delaware to enjoy the Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest. The three-day event will have the whole town talking. Read on to find out what you can look forward to when you attend.

About Oktoberfest

The 2022 Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest will be taking place October 9-11. Hours are as follows:

• Friday: 5-11PM

• Saturday: 12-11 PM

• Sunday: 12-6 PM (bars close at 5 PM)

Admission is $10 and includes unlimited amusement park rides.

The festival is located at 49 Salem Church Road in Delaware. You can park at the Christiana High School, which is just .7 miles from the festival, park for $5, and take a shuttle over.

The event is hosted by the Delaware Saengerbund, a German American singing and social club that originated in the mid-1800’s. It serves to celebrate the culture of German immigrants who came to America.

The income raised from the event is used to fund projects for the organization including language classes, study scholarships, entertainment, and the maintenance of their facility.

Events and Activities

The event kicks off with a parade that happens on Friday at 7 PM. It features the Muenchner Kindle, or Munich child who is also present during the Munich Oktoberfest. The child dresses in a monk’s gown with gold stripes to resemble the Benedictine order who founded the city.

There will also be performances by Enzian Vokstanzgruppe, a local Bavarian dance group. They will be performing traditional German dances dressed in dirndls and lederhosen. When they are not dancing, guests can enjoy live German music.

Vendors will be selling imported gifts and souvenirs. There will also be unlimited amusement rides available.

Food

A variety of German food will be available at the Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest including:

• Bratwurst (pork sausage)

• Weisswurst (veal sausage)

• Barbecue chicken

• Potato salad

• Sauerkraut

• Potato pancakes

• Pretzels

• Rollmops (marinated herring with rye bread)

• Desserts such as Torten and traditional plum cake

There will also be beer including four Munich beers that are the same as those sold in Munich during Oktoberfest. They can be purchased in a 20 oz. souvenir stadium cup that guests may take home with them.

Things to Do in Newark, Delaware

Here are some things you can do in Newark when you are not out enjoying Oktoberfest:

• White Clay Creek State Park: This 3300-acre park is a terrific place to enjoy nature. It offers hiking trails, picnic areas, bird watching and more.

• Glasgow Regional Park: This park offers winding trails, scenic views, a tennis court, playground, barbecue areas and more.

• Hale-Byrnes House: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hale Burnes House was the site where George Washington held council during the Revolutionary War.

• Newark Reservoir: The Reservoir offers nearly two miles of walking areas backed by scenic views.

• Resident Ensemble Players Theater: The REP hosts a variety of productions throughout the year. Find out what’s going on when you’re in town.

• Bob Carpenter Center: The Bob Carpenter Center is a multi-purpose arena that hosts basketball games and other events.

• Iron Hill Park: These 335 acres of land offer hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, pavilions and more.

• Aunt Margaret’s Antique Mall: This antique mall is a great place to find crafts, collectibles, and vintage items.

• Midnight Oil Brewing Company: If your thirst for beer was not fully quenched at Oktoberfest, you may want to head over to the Midnight Brewing Oil Company. In addition to great beer, they also offer behind the scenes tours.

• Pencader Heritage Museum: This museum provides insight into the history and culture of the Pencader Hundred and offers military exhibits and other historic artifacts.

If you can’t make it out to the Oktoberfest in Munich, never fear. The Delaware Saengerbund event offers just as much fun closer to home. Will you be making plans to attend for the coming season?

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