Cape Coral’s annual ode to German culture is marking four decades this year, as the local-favorite event kicks off this Friday with two weekends of celebration.
The German American Club of Cape Coral’s 40th Annual Oktoberfest will welcome thousands to the Bavarian Garden grounds this weekend and next, bringing their version of the staple event in Munich to life here locally.
“Come out and have fun and enjoy the two weekends and help us celebrate the 40th anniversary,” said GASC President Wolf Pech.
The GASC’s Oktoberfest runs from Oct. 17-19, and again from Oct. 24-26, where the community, regardless of cultural background, can gather for some Gaudi (leg-slapping, joyous fun) and Gemütlichkeit (that warm feeling of belonging and being a part of something special).
The festival opens on Fridays at 4 p.m. and goes to midnight; opens again on Saturdays from noon until midnight; and on Sundays from noon until 8 p.m.
“We’re very excited about this year’s event and the 40th anniversary of Oktoberfest here in Cape Coral,” said Pech. “We have a wonderful team this year, and you can see that everybody is excited and expecting a big outcome. The weather looks wonderful, so everyone is ready to have fun together and celebrate.”
This year’s milestone celebration promises to be the biggest yet, filled with fun, delicious food, German beer and spirits, live music, and dancing – everything from Polka to Fliegerlied, and of course, the Bobb and Chicken Dance. There are between 700 and 800 kegs being brought in for the event, the majority — if not all — will be tapped before the event ends.
“This is a real opportunity to meet new people and make new friends and celebrate together,” Pech said. “It’s great to get involved in this kind of event, which is different than anything else here in Cape Coral. On a scale of one to 100, this event brings fun to 100. Every day we’re tapping beer and can see all of the fun people have enjoying the drinks and authentic food. We never imagined that this event could get to this scale and bring so much joy.”
This event, regardless of heritage, is truly for everyone.
“It’s showing people a real tradition that has been going on in Germany for hundreds of years,” Pech said. “When we explain the history and how it started and how it’s a big event for everyone, we just try and put on our own version here for everyone.”
With music-makers flown in from Germany, alongside performances by local favorites and entertainment for all ages, there is plenty of fun throughout each day.
GASC officials said the Knappenkapelle Korpfmühl just loves the community, and is returning once again to be a part of the fun. The band was formed in 1963, and is a vibrant part of Bavaria’s mining heritage. This will be their fourth appearance at Oktoberfest.
“We have our band from Germany flying in, and all are very excited,” Pech said. “We love having our German bands come in. They’re so excited and everyone loves their music, and it’s great we can bring that to Cape Coral.”
The festival grounds will feature three music stages, three dance floors, and continuous foot-tapping performances from German bands and popular local musicians. Additional entertainment will be provided by Edelweiss Echo, “KABEGL,” Hafenkapelle, The Manni Daum Trio, Guns n Hoses Pipes & Drums, Kellyn Celtic Arts, The Boots, Deb & The Dynamics, Remedy, Mockingbird, Danny Masters Band, Soapy Tuna, A’finnity, The Outsiderz, Bad Latitude, and School of Rock.
Guests can enjoy homemade-style dishes such as schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels, along with American favorites from local food trucks, as well as enjoy a traditional meal inside the Von Steuben Hall. As always, a full selection of German and domestic beverages, and this year, local craft breweries join in the fun. Families will love the carnival area, rides, and games, while shoppers browse handcrafted goods, souvenirs, and Oktoberfest collectibles.
“Join us as we raise our steins and toast 40 years of Tradition,” said GASC spokesperson Holly Jo King.
GACS’s VIP program is back, featuring exclusive seating, drink specials from sponsor Jägermeister, a sit-down meal in the Von Steuben Hall, a beer stein with refills, and much more.
Featuring outdoor exhibitors, food vendors that offer both German food and international, or a sit-down dinner in the Von Steuben Hall, Oktoberfest has much to offer. GASC members work to ensure patrons have a time they won’t soon forget.
Attendees can also stop for a photo shoot with Ms. Oktoberfest 2025, Sara Stork.
Advance tickets are $8, and $10 at the gate. Children 12 and under are admitted free. All event dates are rain or shine. VIP tickets that start at $100 can be purchased online.
For more information, visit https://capecoraloktoberfest.com.
The GASC is at 2101 Southwest Pine Island Road.