Prost! Oktoberfest returns to downtown Kent
Get a taste of Munich from noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 23 when Main Street Kent's Oktoberfest celebration returns to downtown with beer, food, music, and more.
A full accounting of events and details can be found on Main Street Kent's website.
For the first time since its inception, all three of Kent's breweries — Bell Tower Brewing Co., MadCap Brew Co., and North Water Brewing — will be featured at Kent Oktoberfest. Each will have a beer featured at one of the three beer trucks at the festival alongside German brewer Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu's Spaten Oktoberfest Ur-Märzen. Other seasonal beverages will be available as well, including cider options.
The first 200 Giant Eagle Advantage cardholders to show their card at the event will receive free Kent Oktoberfest beer pitchers, but you have to get it filled yourself. The beer isn't included.
Attendees may purchase commemorative plastic beer pitchers or cups of beer during the event. Glassware is not allowed at the event.
Specially prepared German food and local treats can be found on the streets where local eateries like Erie Street Kitchen, the Pierogi Lady, and Daisy Pops will be setup dishing out food. The Kent Fire Department also will be on site selling food as a department fundraiser, with all products donated by Giant Eagle.
Throughout the day, live entertainment can be found at the Hometown Bank Plaza. A variety of performers will be featured, including the German Family Society Youth Dancers.
Guests are asked to bring proper identification. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. No pets are permitted per city ordinance; service animals are welcome.
Stay tuned to Main Street Kent's social media for details and sign-up information for a new addition to the celebration: a steinholding competition.
Main Street Kent is currently still seeking volunteers for the event. Those signed up by Sept. 8 will receive a Kent Oktoberfest volunteer t-shirt. Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A44AAAB2FA2FA7-main1#/
In support of this fundraising event and Main Street Kent’s commitment to comply with the special event liquor permit, local bars and restaurants that normally serve DORA beverages will refrain from selling them on the day of the event. More info is available at https://www.mainstreetkent.org/dora/.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Main Street Kent.
Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Oktoberfest is coming to downtown Kent on Sept. 23.
