Press release

Octoberfest Returns to Dilworth Park

Contact:
JoAnn Loviglio
T 215.440.5546
jloviglio@centercityphila.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Five days of music, games, food and drink, and entertainment for everyone, October 17-21

PHILADELPHIA (September 20, 2018) – Fall will soon sweep into Dilworth Park with the arrival of Octoberfest, the annual five-day festival taking place from Wednesday, October 17 to Sunday, October 21.

Already an autumn tradition in Center City, Octoberfest features a full slate of music, games and entertainment, along with seasonal food and a craft beer and cocktail garden, and photo ops for people and their pets featuring festive fall décor backdrops.

Brûlée Catering will feature a menu of German- and Philly-inspired fare including grilled bratwurst, Bavarian pretzels and smoked chicken wings, along with EFFEN vodka and Maker’s Mark bourbon fall-themed cocktails like the Loretto Lemonade (Maker’s Mark, triple sec, lemonade). The Goose Island Beer Garden will feature Goose Island IPA, Victory Festbier, Tröegs DreamWeaver Wheat and Conshohocken Brewing Co. Pumpkin Ale on tap, plus cans of Stella Artois Cidre, Bud Light, and Downeast Cider’s original and pumpkin blend ciders.

DJs and live music will take to the Met Philadelphia stage for every day of Octoberfest. The Met Philadelphia, a Live Nation venue, is opening in December at the fully restored former home of the historic Metropolitan Opera House on North Broad Street.

Octoberfest is sponsored by Lyft, Dilworth Park’s official rideshare partner, which makes getting there easy and stress-free. New users can download the Lyft app and use code CCDFALL18 for $10 off their first ride.

Dilworth Park spirits partner Beam-Suntory makes a commitment to responsible drinking at every event with the Drink Smart program. For more, visit drinksmart.com. 

On Wednesday, October 17, Octoberfest kicks off with a Temple University pop-up pep rally celebrating Temple Homecoming 2018 with performances from Temple’s Marching Band and Spirit Squad.

On Saturday, October 20, family fun includes pumpkin tic-tac-toe and cornhole bean-bag toss, plus a carved pumpkin contest (pre-registration required). Contestants bring their already-carved pumpkins to Dilworth Park, where attendees will vote for Octoberfest’s top pumpkin from noon to 8 p.m. The winner will take home a prize.

Also on Saturday, October 20, Philly Loves Beer Executive Director Christina Dowd returns as judge for the Octoberfest stein-holding competition at 4:30 p.m., sponsored by Victory Brewing Company. The man and woman who can keep their beer steins hoisted the longest will each receive a prize from Penn Beer Sales & Service.

The Made in Philadelphia Fall Market returns for its second Octoberfest from Friday, October 19 to Sunday, October 21 and brings together regional vendors selling a wide variety of handmade art, photos, accessories and jewelry, holiday gift items, and more.

Octoberfest hours are:

Wednesday, October 17:      5 – 9 p.m.
Thursday, October 18:         5 – 9 p.m.
Friday, October 19:               11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday, October 20:          noon – 8 p.m.
Sunday, October 21:             noon – 6 p.m.

Made in Philadelphia Fall Market hours are:

Friday, October 19:               11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, October 20:          noon – 8 p.m.
Sunday, October 21:             noon – 6 p.m.

Schedule is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.dilworthpark.org

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Center City District, a private-sector organization dedicated to making Center City Philadelphia clean, safe and attractive, is committed to maintaining Center City’s competitive edge as a regional employment center, a quality place to live, and a premier regional destination for dining, shopping and cultural attractions. Find us at www.centercityphila.org and on Facebook and Twitter.