Beer, Brats And Music Coming To Ardmore Oktoberfest

If you've got German roots, a hankering for German beer, or just need an excuse to break out your lederhosen, Ardmore has you covered: the second annual Oktoberfest hits Cricket Avenue next Saturday. The block party, which will span Cricket Avenue from Cricket Terrace to Athens Avenue, will feature German food, German beers, live German music and activities for kids, including a moon bounce.

McCloskey's owner Phillip Doherty initiated the event last year, with a desire to bring Ardmore together and invite people of all ages to have some family-friendly fun. About a thousand people attended last year's Oktoberfest, and the hope is that even more will attend this year.

From noon to 8 p.m. on Sept. 29, partygoers can enjoy music, food and brews from McCloskey's, Gillane's and John Henry's, along with a special Oktoberfest beer from Tired Hands Brewing Co. The aptly named "Oktüberfest" is brewed with 50 lbs. of local yams, according to the brewcafé's Facebook page. Among the other beers to be offered at Oktoberfest are Hacker-Pschorr, Spaten-Franziskaner beers, Great Lakes beer, and some not-so-German brews, including Coors Light, said Paddy Doherty, the manager of McCloskey's.

In addition to the grown-up aspects of the day, kids can enjoy a moon bounce, sand art, and likely some carnival-style games, Doherty said. (All drinking will occur in a designated area.)

Oh, and there's food.

McCloskey's will be serving homemade pierogies and sausage and pepper sandwiches, Doherty said. Gillane's and John Henry's will also be selling food. The menu isn't yet nailed down, but last year, Gillane's served up Bavarian grilled cheese sandwiches—which consisted of a thick pretzel roll filled with gooey melted cheese—and Sauerbraten sandwiches.

Grab a brat, wash it down with some beer, and enjoy the sounds of a DJ—from noon to 5 p.m.—and live German music from the James D. Oompah band in the evening (5 to 8 p.m.). Some local craft vendors may also set up booths, Doherty said.

Oktoberfest runs from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29 on Cricket Avenue near Cricket Terrace in Ardmore. The event will be cash-only.

Take a look at photos from last year's Oktoberfest and read more about it.