Oktoberfest is on its way back to Columbus for a fifth year, as Munson and Brothers prepares to host a weekend of fun, live music and German traditions.
Owner Ryan Munson said this year, Oktoberfest has taken on sponsors for the first time, allowing the event to include “bigger bands and bigger acts.” Munson also hopes the experience is more authentic to its German roots than ever before.
“It’s awesome that it keeps growing and becoming something where we’re able to experience the culture together and bring a little bit of fun to our side of the town,” Munson said.
All Oktoberfest activities will take place at Munson and Brothers, 301 Second Ave. N.
Munson said the weekend will kick off at 5 p.m. Friday with a prost (the German word for “cheers” or a toast) by Mayor Keith Gaskin.
Music performances will follow shortly after.
Friday’s lineup includes traditional German polka music played by The Delta Krauts starting at 5 p.m., followed by Payton Aldridge and his band playing from 8-11 p.m.
The next day, Oktoberfest celebrations will start back up with races benefiting the Columbus Arts Council. There will be a one mile beer run at 10 a.m., followed by a beer 5K starting at 10:30 a.m. Doughnuts will be available for runners that do not enjoy beer, according to the race website.
While the races are wrapping up, the Burns Bottom Arts Festival will begin. More than 30 vendors will set up in the street near Munson and Brothers from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., selling a variety of handmade art and other goods.
Salem Gibson, former Columbus Arts Council executive director and current board member, said the nonprofit is excited for the festival to return to its namesake during Oktoberfest, as the weekend continues to grow.
“We’re responding to what the community wants, and it’s just really cool to be able to do that downtown and really be able to focus on the art,” Gibson said. “There is beer and food, but there are activities for kids as well, so it’s not just for adults.”
While the festival is going on, live musicians will start playing again. The Shane Tubbs Band will play starting at 11 a.m., followed by Jerry Wayne Beard & Friends starting at 2 p.m., Keith and Margie starting at 5 p.m. and The Rust Bucket Roadies from 8-11 p.m.
Saturday will include family friendly events earlier in the day, but will become more adult-oriented as the evening goes on, Munson said.
Prost Master Brad Kidder will lead games and other entertainment throughout Friday and Saturday nights.
“Probably around 9 o’clock, you want to take the kids home,” Munson said.
Munson said there will be food and drinks for sale throughout the weekend that honor Oktoberfest’s German roots, including 15 types of Oktoberfest beers, mostly made by local breweries. There will also be pretzels, kraut, and other foods available throughout the two-day event, he said.
Munson said he took a trip to Munich, Germany last year at the beginning of Oktoberfest. Going on that trip made him even more excited to bring the culture back to Columbus and to honor those German roots.
“We encourage wearing lederhosen,” Munson said.
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