Rustic Road Brewing Company's Lakeside Oktoberfest

Get ready to raise a stein! Rustic Road Brewing Company is hosting the 5th Annual Lakeside Oktoberfest, a four-day celebration of great beer, live music, delicious food, and German-inspired fun. The festival takes place Thursday, September 24, through Sunday, September 27, at Celebration Place at Harbor Park in downtown Kenosha.

A favorite fall tradition, Lakeside Oktoberfest offers something for everyone, from live music and authentic German fare to family-friendly activities, contests, charity events, and, of course, plenty of Rustic Road’s craft brews. It’s four days of food, fun, music and community spirit along the beautiful lakefront.

Four Days of Live Music!

The festival will feature four full days of live music with an eclectic lineup of local and regional talent. Thursday kicks off with Mistaken Identity at 5:00 p.m. Friday features Old Brown Shoes at 4:00 p.m., followed by Boys and Toys at 7:30 p.m. Saturday’s lineup starts at noon with Kai Andersen, followed by The Empty Bottle Boys and One Shot Jane at 1:00 p.m. and Ben Mulwana at 4:00 p.m. The night wraps up with the Allman Brothers Tribute Band: One Way Out at 7:30 p.m. Sunday brings the weekend to a close with Sho G & the Chicago Groove Aces at 11:30 a.m., followed by local favorite Violenta at 3:00 p.m.

Delicious Food & Drink!

No Oktoberfest would be complete without plenty of great food and beer. Rustic Road Brewing Company will serve up classic favorites, including brats from local butcher Hometown Meats, served on fresh Paielli’s buns with all the traditional fixings. Festival-goers can also dig into giant German pretzels, schnitzel sandwiches, pickles on a stick, and fried cheese curds. A lineup of local food vendors will add even more variety, including Big City BBQ, Spaceman Burgers, The Dish, The Polish Plate and Pizza Noir Co. And, of course, there will be plenty of Rustic Road craft brews flowing throughout the festival.

Special Events & Activities!

Lakeside Oktoberfest is packed with activities throughout the weekend, with something for beer lovers, families, veterans, four-legged friends and anyone looking for a little Oktoberfest fun. On Saturday at 12:30 p.m., join the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha for the .1k Brat Trot, the race that proves you don't have to run far to have a great time! Registration is $30 for adults and $100 for teams of five and includes a brat or hot dog, a beer for participants 21 and older, and a commemorative event T-shirt. Costumes are encouraged! Tickets are available through the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha or at RusticBrewing.com.

Presentation of the Colors & Ceremonial Keg Tapping!

Saturday morning begins with a special celebration of community and tradition. At 11:45 a.m., the American Legion will present the Colors, followed by the National Anthem performed by Morgaine Mellville. At 11:50 a.m., the tapping of the ceremonial Oktoberfest keg will take place

Veterans' Day at Lakeside Oktoberfest Saturday is also Veterans' Day at Lakeside Oktoberfest. In honor of those who have served, $2 from every stein purchased will be donated to the Kenosha American Legion.

Stein Hoisting Contest!

Think you've got the strength of a Bavarian? Put it to the test during the traditional Stein Hoisting Contest on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

Competitors will hold a full beer stein straight out in front of them, with the winner being the person who can hold it the longest. Separate competitions will be held for men and women.

Family Day & Dog Costume Contest!

Sunday is Family Day at Lakeside Oktoberfest! Bring the kids for a day of family-friendly fun, including bounce houses, crafts, face painting, and more.

And don't forget your four-legged family members! The Oktoberfest Dog Costume Contest takes place at 2:30 p.m.