Philadelphia, PA - Autumn sweeps into Dilworth Park with this annual five-day festival celebrating all the best of fall from Wednesday, October 11 to Sunday, October 15. Games, entertainment, fall decor and a craft beer and cocktail garden will fill Dilworth Park, all set to the tunes of live music and DJs, presented by Live Nation. New this year, the Made in Philadelphia Fall Market brings together regional vendors for a chance to shop the best handmade and local the city has to offer all in one place. The market showcases local crafters selling art, photos, accessories and jewelry, skincare, glassware, wood craft and more.
Brûlée Catering will feature traditional fare and offer German and Philly-inspired specialties available for purchase, such as Currywurst, Sauerbraten Cheesesteak, South Philly Schnitzel, Germantown Potato dumplings, and Festival Fries. The Black Forest Grille will offer a variety of grilled delicacies, including beef ribs with mustard sauce, Knockwurst with caramelized onions and Marker’s Mark mustard, Smoked Turkey Legs with a Cider Glaze, and a variety of German sides plate. For dessert, the pastry chefs are whipping up Black Forest Chocolate Cherry Cookies.
Dilworth Park at Philadelphia's City Hall – In 2014, City Hall’s western-facing front yard transformed from a concrete sweep to a $55 million multi-use park, complete with tree groves, benches, a cafe and areas for outdoor events and performances.
To accompany all the great flavors, Bud Light, Troegs Hopknife, Conshohocken Oktoberfest, and Victory Brewing Company Festbier will be on tap to quench the thirst. Effen Vodka and Maker’s Mark will be shaken into special seasonal cocktails to complement the flavors of the festival. Try a Harvest Mule, made with Blood Orange Effen, cranberry and ginger beer cocktail on tap, or sip on a Kentucky Cider, with Maker’s Mark, cider and ginger beer and lime.
Each day of Octoberfest brings new activities and fun. Every night will feature tastings from Maker’s Mark ambassadors, free board games to play in the beer garden, pumpkin tic tac toe in the Made in Philadelphia Fall Market, music, and more.
Temple University Athletics’ Spirit Squad and Hooter will get to kick off the 5 days by leading everyone in the Temple Fight Song and have schedules and ticket information for Temple Owls Basketball season.
At 6:30 p.m., Thursday, October 12, get your sweat on with glow yoga. Led by Philadelphia Sports League, this up-tempo fitness class is one hour of yoga with glow sticks, glow paint, and an awesome after party at Octoberfest. Participation cost $15 for the yoga class. Walk-ups accepted or go to dilworthpark.org/octoberfest to preregister.
Saturday, October 14 is brimming with possibilities. Starting at noon, get free gear from Lyft. Test your arm strength at 4:30 p.m. in the Stein Holding Contest with special guest judge Christina Dowd, executive director of Philly Loves Beer. Enter to win a Budweiser prize pack, including a signed Eagles jersey and football. There will also be a photo opportunity with the Philly Beer Week Hammer of Glory.
Beginning at noon, join local artists in a sidewalk chalk mural and get the chance to write your name and color next to City Hall. This interactive art project designed and led by SplashLab Arts gets everyone in on the fun of chalking the walk with a specially designed pattern, just for the occasion, complete with autumn leaves, pumpkins, and festive elements.
Also on Saturday, from 2 – 4 p.m., experience a Maker’s Mark bourbon and gourmet mustard tasting. Rob Mullane will offer Maker’s Mark and Maker’s 46 samples to those 21 years of age and older. Mullane is a luxury specialist for Beam Suntory, who comes from a family with roots in the Irish spirits industry. A native of County Cork, he is the third generation of his family to work in the whiskey industry. He will share stories, history, and interesting facts about the bourbons and answer customer questions. Chefs from the Dilworth Park Café will also provide complimentary samples of a variety of mustards featuring Marker’s Mark. Attendees that participate in the free tasting of this unique pairing will be entered to win a Maker’s Mark Basket of cheer.
Saturday and Sunday get a little bit spooky as a zombie from Eastern State Penitentiary Terror Behind the Walls haunts Dilworth Park from noon to 3 p.m. The zombie’s friendly sidekick will be available to take pictures and explain the popular fall attraction.
Live music and DJs, curated and powered by Live Nation Entertainment, will play every day.
- Wednesday, October 11: Music and Entertainment, 5 – 9 p.m.
- Thursday, October 12: Music and Entertainment, 5 – 10 p.m.
- Friday, October 13: Market, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Music and Entertainment, 5 – 9 p.m.
- Saturday, October 14: Market, Music and Entertainment, noon – 8 p.m.
- Sunday, October 15: Market, Music and Entertainment, noon – 6 p.m.
Philadelphia Guide to Oktoberfest Festivals - Oktoberfest - Munich's famous beer festival. The Oktoberfest Munich is one of the largest festivals in the world. PhillyBite Magazine has created a list of the Top local Philadelphia Oktoberfest 2017 Events in the City of Brotherly Love.
