The 4th annual BlOktoberfest will transform 2nd Street into a celebration of food, music, and beer on Saturday, Oct. 19, from noon to midnight.
Organizer Palmer Dempsey said this year’s festival promises an extended lineup of activities.
“We’ve got a long festival time this year, with the official event running from noon to midnight,” Dempsey said. “There’s something planned for every part of the day.”
BlOktoberfest will feature live music from three bands, with performances at the intersection of 2nd and Allen Streets. Lincoln Brass will kick things off at 2 p.m., followed by tDT on the Rocks at 4:30 p.m. Local band, the Andy Brasher Band, will perform at 7 p.m., setting the tone for the festival’s after-party.
The party continues into the night with a silent disco from 9 p.m. to midnight.
“The silent disco will be the final outdoor show of the year on 2nd Street,” Dempsey said. “It’s always a hit, and we expect a great turnout.”
BlOktoberfest isn’t just about music, though. Local breweries, including The Pub on 2nd, Brew Bridge, Henderson Brewing Company, and White Squirrel Brewery, will offer a range of seasonal and Marzen-style brews. Attendees can enjoy drinks in “Green Cups,” which allow festival-goers to explore downtown businesses while enjoying their beverage.
Dempsey said the festival also emphasizes supporting the local business community.
“We’ve always aimed to create a festival that benefits the businesses downtown rather than interfering with them,” Dempsey said. “This year, we’ve designed the layout to avoid blocking storefronts and to help businesses thrive during the event.”
Food trucks, including Jay’s Good Grub, and artisan vendors offering jewelry, art, and vintage clothing will also line the streets.
“We’re excited to add even more variety with the help of a local coordinator who worked hard to organize the vendors this year,” Dempsey said.
Dempsey said BlOktoberfest continues to grow each year despite occasional challenges from other events scheduled on the same weekend. He added that the festival’s family-friendly vibe and strong community support have been critical to its success.
“We’re building something bigger every year. We want it to have that full Oktoberfest feel, and we hope to see it expand into multiple blocks in the future,” Dempsey said.
The festival will close off 2nd Street from Daviess to St. Ann streets, providing a walkable area filled with music, sights, and the scents of festival food.
“It’s really about bringing people downtown,” Dempsey said. “When the community comes together, everybody wins. Whether you’re grabbing a bite at Mellow Mushroom or wrapping up the night at Brasher’s Little Nashville, the goal is to keep folks enjoying everything downtown Owensboro has to offer.”
Cheers.
