City of Michigan City’s Oktoberfest celebration features over 50 live musical performances and unique local vendors

Labor Day Weekend marked the return of Michigan City’s annual Oktoberfest celebration. Taking place at Washington Park, Oktoberfest ran from September 4-7, bringing four days of food, music, and festivities to one of the city’s most popular traditions.

The event has become a favorite for both Michigan City residents and visitors, offering an opportunity to celebrate the closing days of the summer season with friends, family, and neighbors.

“This is the biggest party of the season,” said Director of Special Events for the City of Michigan City Terry Greetham. “This was always traditionally the last party of the season for the city of Michigan City, and we brought it back five years ago. Since then, it’s grown bigger and bigger every year. This year, without a doubt, we’ve had one of our best crowds yet.”

Festival attendees were able to check out dozens of performances from a series of live musical acts throughout the weekend. Local food vendors were also in attendance, offering a range of unique options. Oktoberfest also features art, craft, and merchandise vendors from all over Northwest Indiana.

On Friday, September 4, the Oktoberfest Stage welcomed Short on Cash (Johnny Cash Tribute), Lady Stardust (David Bowie Tribute), Red Revolution (Taylor Swift Tribute), and many more.

The second day of Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 5, featured acts on the Oktoberfest Stage such as German Band (German), The Dirndolls (Polka), For Pete’s Sake (Folk), The Rest (Country), and more. Acts like PlusOne (Rock), Haven Nation (Southern Rock), as well as others took over the Stop Zero Pavilion. Emmie and the Great Host (Rock), Kwiacian (Solo Rock/Soul), others headlined the Stop Zero Upper Deck performers.

On Sunday, September 6, the Oktoberfest Stage showcased Ed Wagner’s Brass Band (German), Tribute to Billy Foster (Jazz), and more. Stop Zero Pavilion welcomed Playhouse (Jazz), The Nature (Rock), Rebel Noire (Jazz), and many others. Stop Zero Upper Deck acts included Evans Frassine (Solo Acoustic), Robert Rolfe Fedderson (Folk Rock), and others. To find a complete list of all performers, a list is available here.

Eddie Korosa and the Boys and Girl from Illinois (Polka), King Bee & The Stingers (Blues), and Duke Tumatoe (Blues) all took the Oktoberfest Stage on Monday, September 7.

Whether attendees came for the music, food, or simply the chance to spend a warm day outside with others, Oktoberfest offers something for people of all ages. The entertainment and the community spirit has helped make the celebration a longstanding highlight of the Michigan City calendar.

“When it comes to music, we have a wide variety of genres so that there’s something for everybody. Our music director, Tim Bauer, does such a great job of mixing the music up and making sure that we have all different genres on different stages. If you go to one and you don’t like the music, you can go to the other, and that’s a similar idea with the food. Somebody may want brisket, but another person wants pizza, and somebody else wants tacos. We have it all so that there’s something for everyone,” said Greetham.

Oktoberfest has been held in Michigan City since the 1970s. However, as management of the event was passed from one group to another, the event went on a permanent hiatus. Now, with this year being the fifth installment since reinstitution, the event is bigger and better than ever.

“I think this has been such a successful tradition in the Michigan City community because of the diversity. It brings everyone together to celebrate,” said Nicole Richard, a vendor from the event.

Between the spotlight this event puts on local businesses, to the overall camaraderie of celebrating with your neighbors, the Michigan City Oktoberfest celebration has been a vital part of benefiting the community for a long time – and the hope is that this continues for many years to come.

“As a business, we get to experience new customers through this event, and we get to see some of our old customers. It’s great to see everyone coming together and enjoying a good time,” said Richard, owner of Mans Customz.

For more information on the City of Michigan City, you can visit michigancityin.gov.