OktoberfestSat Oct 10 · 12–7 PM

Edelweiss Lodge Oktoberfest

A relaxed, neighborly afternoon of German-Austrian-Tyrolean music, Schuhplattler dancing, games with prizes and German-style lager at Martin-Bishop (Fireman's) Field in Guilford.

★ A fundraiser for Guilford VFW Post 7666, supporting our local veterans ★

Schuhplattler dancers spinning in red dirndls and lederhosen Accordion player performing under the tent Dancers in Tracht weaving ribbons around a maypole A full Maß of beer with soft pretzels Schuhplattler dancers in lederhosen and green vests dancing on the stage Dancers performing the Holzhacker woodchopper dance with axes and a log Cowbell player in a dirndl with a row of tuned bells on a blue and white table
When
Saturday, October 1012:00 – 7:00 PM
Where
Martin-Bishop (Fireman's) Field111 Long Hill Road, Guilford, CT
Benefiting
Guilford VFW Post 7666& Edelweiss Lodge No. 31

Old-world traditions

Been to an Oktoberfest already this year? There’s always room for one more!

Dancers who've performed in Munich

H.S.V. Bavaria has performed at the Oktoberfest in Munich. On October 10 they're dancing in Guilford.

Real German-Austrian-Tyrolean music

Strolling accordionist Richard Cartier, then The Austrian Boys, who have played this music live since 1970.

Traditions you can join

Maßkrugstemmen, Nageln and a contest for the best authentic Dirndl or Lederhosen, hosted by a lodge of the Order of Hermann Sons, founded in 1840.

Admission

Tickets

Adults 21+$20 in advance, includes one free beverage
$20 at the gate (no free beverage)
Ages 15–20$5
Under 15Free

Good to know

  • Buy online ahead of time to get your free beverage. Your ticket arrives by email with a QR code; show it on your phone at the gate.
  • Your beverage is redeemed at the beer tent. Beer is served to guests 21+ with a valid photo ID.
  • Kids under 15 are free. Please add a free ticket for each child so we have a headcount.
  • At checkout you can choose to cover the small processing fee. It's optional, and every bit helps the VFW and the lodge.

On the program

Music, dancing, games and German-style beer

Live music

The Austrian Boys

Led by Frank Billowitz, this Tri-State band has played traditional German-Austrian-Tyrolean music since 1970, from the accordion and Steirische Harmonika to a few Alpine-flavored surprises. On stage from 2 to 7 PM.

Strolling accordion

Richard Cartier

From noon to 2 PM, accordionist Richard Cartier strolls the grounds playing German-Austrian-Tyrolean favorites table to table.

Dancing

H.S.V. Bavaria

Connecticut's Schuhplattler Trachtenverein, founded in 1966, has performed at the Oktoberfest in Munich. They'll be dancing the traditional slap-dances of the Bavarian Alps in full Tracht throughout the day.

Games & contests

Play for prizes

  • Maßkrugstemmen (stein holding)
  • Nageln (hammer striking)
  • Best authentic Dirndl or Lederhosen
  • Oktoberfest trivia

Prizes will be awarded!

Beer sponsor

East Rock Brewing Co.

New Haven's German-style brewery is pouring crisp lagers brewed the traditional way. Must be 21+ with valid ID.

Food

German fare Details soon

We'll post the menu here as soon as it's set.

Kids & family

Fun for the whole family

  • Kids under 15 get in free
  • Coloring table and activities table
  • Kids' costume, Dirndl & Lederhosen contest
  • Swing set and slide
  • Horseshoes, basketball and volleyball

Schedule

The day at a glance

12:00 PMGates open. The beer is flowing!
12–2 PMStrolling accordionist Richard Cartier
2–7 PMLive music from The Austrian Boys
All dayH.S.V. Bavaria Schuhplattler dancing
All dayGames & contests with prizes: Maßkrugstemmen, Nageln, best Dirndl or Lederhosen, Oktoberfest trivia
All dayKids’ activities, swings & slide, horseshoes, basketball & volleyball
7:00 PMLast call and auf Wiedersehen
Accordionist Richard Cartier in lederhosen and a feathered hat
Richard Cartier strolls the grounds from noon to 2 PM.