The inaugural BlOktoberfest is coming to downtown Owensboro this fall. Organizers said it will be a family friendly event, as well as a partnership between a number of local bars and restaurants.
The free event will be held Oct. 16 from 12-6 p.m. According to John Condray, co-owner of The Pub on Second, those holding the event are trying to get as many businesses between 2nd and St. Ann streets as possible to participate.
Businesses participating so far include The Pub, Mile Wide Beer Co., Mellow Mushroom, Famous Bistro and Don Mario Mexican Restaurant. Ben’s Soft Pretzels will also be included in the festivities, along with local musician and Little Nashville owner Andy Brasher.
Condray said he and Mile Wide Operating Manager Palmer Dempsey have always wanted Owensboro to have a signature Oktoberfest event. Other cities across the country have become known for holding similar large-scale events during the month of October.
“The biggest thing that’s unique about this is the partnerships of almost all of us on the ‘block’ coming together and creating a fun, family friendly event,” Condray said.
With this being the event’s first year in the making, Condray said those involved plan to keep things pretty simple. That way, they’ll have something to build upon for years to come.
Still, there will be plenty of fun things to do and experience at the 2021 BlOktoberfest. While Condray and Dempsey haven’t yet announced a lineup, there will be live music and special events for the community to enjoy.
“We want to have an event that people will be excited about and look forward to every year,” Condray said. “We’re also hoping this will be a blueprint showing that regular ‘block parties’ are viable and can become something the city embraces.”
