Oktoberfest coming back to the St. Augustine Amphitheater

By Scott Harrison | gargoyle@flagler.edu

The fourth annual Oktoberfest will be held Oct. 20 at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, bringing the German celebration back to St. Augustine with the intent of pleasuring palates.

The event, promoted by Folio Weekly and the Cultural Events Division of St. Johns County, also includes German-inspired food from neighboring restaurants, remote control cars for the guests to drive and four local bands. This year Rock 104.5 is providing Papercutt, Chillula, Hornit and Hairy Buzzard Gizzards as the live bands.

St. Augustine’s Oktoberfest emerged four years ago when Folio Weekly and the Cultural Event Division met with the Amphitheatre to discuss partnering on a large scale. Both had been successful doing events together in the past, some being similar events in Jacksonville.

“The main purpose is for the guests to have fun and enjoy one of the finest venues in all of Florida,” said David Brennan, publisher and event coordinator at Folio Weekly.

The coordinators work exclusively with Burkhardt Sales and Services and bring more than a hundred types of beers from various breweries. They also drive to incorporate local breweries such as A1A Ale Works, Bold City Brewery, Engine 15 Brewing Co, Green Room Brewery and more.

“Oktoberfest is cool because it’s so different than any other event in St. Augustine. It’s a great atmosphere, great value and a great time,” said St. Augustine resident Ryan Christie.

Tickets are $15 for 6 to 10 p.m. entry and $20 for 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets can be picked up at A1A Ale Works, Seven Bridges Brewery, Ragtime Tavern or the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Tickets go up $5 at the door.

A portion of the proceeds go to Jacksonville Harmony Chorus. You must be 21 to enter. For additional information call Folio Weekly at (904) 260-9770 or visit their website at www.folioweekly.com.