Three years ago, Scott Rzepka visited Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, where the festival originated in 1810. The Naperville native was so impressed by his experience that he founded a website known as Backyard Oktoberfest. Now a volunteer helping to plan Naper Settlement’s event, Rzepka is dedicated to providing a true Oktoberfest experience in Naperville.
Naper Settlement’s fifth annual Oktoberfest celebrates Naperville’s German roots featuring German music, German cuisine from My Chef Catering and beverages from Schamberger Bros., Inc. and Wente Family Vineyards, under the tent at 523 S. Webster St. from 5-10PM Fri., Oct. 4 and from noon to 10PM Sat., Oct. 5.
“Most people associate the accordion and the tuba with Oktoberfest, but that is not all the music that is played at the real Oktoberfest in Munich,” Rzepka said. “Along with the classic brass band music, there is also a lot of rock music played. I chose the bands this year to help mimic what you would hear in Munich.”
Revelry begins at 5PM Friday, Oct. 4
Friday night’s music begins at 5PM with Rzepka playing the songs that you would hear in Munich, including a new “Wiesn hit” or song of Oktoberfest. He will be followed at 6PM by Alpine Thunder, a lively German folk/pop band. Be ready to sing along and raise your cup!
OMT, a popular local rock band, will take to the stage at 8PM with their mix of music from the Beatles to today, providing sounds for dancing, too.
Music begins at Noon Saturday, Oct. 5
On Saturday, it’s nonstop German music from noon to 8PM., beginning with Jimmy’s Bavarians, followed by Freeze Dried, The Happy Wanderers and The Polkaholics.
The Legends, with lead singer Ken Overbey of Sounds Abound, will play classic rock from the 1960s and 1970s.
Family Day is Saturday
Family activities run from noon to 5PM Saturday, including a salute to our firefighters as part of Firefighters Appreciation Day. From 3 to 5PM, there will be over 100 years of Naperville’s firefighting history on display including the 1874 Joe Naper Pumper, the 1924 Ahrens Fox and a modern day fire truck.
A chili cook off will take place with Naperville firefighters competing for first place bragging rights. Celebrity judges include local television and radio personality Dolly McCarthy, State Rep. Darlene Senger, Councilman Grant Wehrli and Naperville Fire Department Division Chief Mark Ziemnik.
The event is a fundraiser for the Naperville Heritage Society.
Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and are available online at www.napersettlement.com until noon Oct. 3. At the gate, tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children. Food and beverages are available for purchase on site.
For more information, visit napersettlement.com or call (630) 420-6010.
