Oktoberfest is known as one of the most happening events to take place all year. While the main celebration of German culture will be taking place in Munich, there are cities all over the world that do their part in bringing the excitement closer to home for many people.
One of these cities is Alton, Ill. Read on to find out what their St. Mary’s Oktoberfest entails.
About St. Mary’s Oktoberfest
St. Mary’s Oktoberfest is a 3-day event that will take place from October 7-10, 2022. It will be located at 536 E 3rd St., behind the Germania Brew Haus. Hours are as follows:
• Friday: 6-11 PM
• Saturday: 1-11 PM
• Sunday: noon to 10 PM
The festival offers great food and beer, games, raffles, kids’ activities, karaoke, and more. It has been called the most authentic Oktoberfest in Riverbend.
Events and Activities
Here are some things you can enjoy at the festival:
• The Big Screen: A 33-foot big screen will be set up so guests can enjoy the National League Division Series.
• Tapping of the Keg: The tapping of the keg will happen on the Main Stage at 1 PM on Saturday.
• $10,000 Sweepstakes Raffle: To enter the sweepstakes raffle, you must purchase tickets on the grounds. Drawings take place at 8 PM on Sunday on the main stage. If you purchase 4 tickets, you get a 5th one free. You will also receive a $10 coupon that can be redeemed at select local businesses. Prizes include a $10,000 grand prize, a $5000 second prize, a $3000 third prize, a $1000 fourth and fifth prize, and $500 sixth – tenth prizes. Tickets are $25. All proceeds benefit St. Mary’s parish.
• Live Basket Raffle: Baskets are displayed, and tickets are sold in Suddes Hall. Tickets go on sale Saturday and the drawing takes place at 4 PM Sunday in the main stage tent.
• Silent Auction: Silent auction items are displayed in Suddes Hall. You can bid online. The auction goes live at noon on Saturday and closes on Sunday at 6 PM.
• Games and Inflatables: Games and inflatables are for the children’s enjoyment. They can play games for $1 per game or ride on inflatables for $1 a ride. You can also buy wristbands for the inflatables at $20 for 1 day or $30 for 2 days. They include Zombie Fall, a Show Your Speed Obstacle Course, and a SpongeBob Bounce & Slide.
• Other Kids’ Events: Other kids events include face and nail painting, hair spray, and the Teen Zone which features a gladiator joust 2 lane bungee run, a basketball hoop and more.
• Live Music: Bands will be playing at the Main Stage and Festival Stage throughout the event.
Food and Drink
Guests may purchase a variety of food and drink including the following items:
• Jumbo turkey legs
• Loaded baked potatoes
• Corn on the cob
• Hamburgers
• Frankfurters and bratwurst
• German skillet meals
• Sauerkraut
• Kettle corn
• Hot pretzels
• Nachos
• Funnel cakes
• Schnitzel sliders
• Weisswurst
• Potato dessert pancakes
• Bavarian cream puffs
• Apfelkuchen (apple cake)
• German cookies
• Orange floats
• Root beer
• Beer
• Wine
Guests can purchase a 1-liter stein which is the same as the one sold at the Munich Oktoberfest. Once purchased, you can fill it with any of the beers on tap which include:
• Paulaner Oktoberfest
• Paulaner Hefe-Weizen
• Paulaner Salvator
• Paulaner Wiesn
• Hofbrau Oktoberfest
• Hofbrau Lager
• Hofbrau Dunkel
• Warsteiner Pilsner
• Strongbow Cider
There are also a variety of bottles available including:
• Coors Banquet
• Coors Lite
• Miller Lite
• Schofferhoffer Radler
• White Claw Black Cherry
• White Claw Mango
Oktoberfest Gear
Guests are encouraged to show up in traditional German dress. If you don’t have dirndl and lederhosen at home, you may prefer to buy the Oktoberfest merchandise St. Mary’s has available. Hats, t-shirts, and hoodies may be purchased online up until September 19.
If you are looking for an Oktoberfest experience but can’t travel to Munich, Alton, Ill offers the perfect alternative. It’s a local tradition that’s filled with fun. Will you be making plans to attend this coming season?
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