Prost! It’s time for Oktoberfest

Close out the summer with local beer and live music at Baraboo Oktoberfest!
This festival will take place Saturday, Sept. 24 at Circus World.
“What better place to celebrate Wisconsin’s German heritage than Circus World?” asked George Althoff, Executive Director of the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce. “After all, the Ringlings were part of that culture.”
A local polka band, Griffy Jim and the Polka Dots, will start the festivities at 4 p.m. in the Hippodrome. Local magician Jacob Carignan will take the stage at 6, presenting illusions and his trademark banter as he emcees the costume contest. These acts will set the stage for the headliner, Madison instrumental funk band Rare Element, who will jam from 7-9 p.m.

“What a sensational entertainment lineup!” exclaimed Shelley Mordini, who leads the committee organizing Oktoberfest. “The music and food and drink will all have us experiencing what the Bavarians call ‘gemutlichkeit.’”
This feeling of warmth and good cheer can be had for the cost of an admission button: $7 if you buy one in advance at the Chamber’s Visitor Center in West Baraboo, or $10 at the door.
Food trucks will provide sustenance. Beer from Tumbled Rock Brewery & Kitchen will be on tap. The Chamber’s Ambassadors Club will sell hard seltzers and water.
The event will be presided over by two Fest Masters who are former Executive Directors of the Chamber: Bobbie Coons and Darren Hornby.
“It’ll be fitting to have Darren playing a key role, as Baraboo Oktoberfest was his idea three years ago, before the COVID pandemic,” Althoff said. “We’re pleased to finally realize his vision and bring visitors to the Baraboo Area with this new event. And we’re thrilled to have Darren and Bobbie leading the fun!”

Baraboo Oktoberfest will punctuate a weekend full of Bavarian activities in the community. The St. Clare Auxiliary is holding its Oktoberfest Dinner on Thursday, Sept. 24 at the Baraboo Arts Center. The next evening, Downtown Baraboo Inc. will hold an Oktoberfest-themed Brew Ha Ha.
“The last weekend of September will be a festive time in the Baraboo Area,” Althoff said. “Prost!”
For information call 608-356-8333 or visit oktoberfestbaraboo.com.