Oktoberfest (September 19^th and 20^th , 2014)

If you’re a central Iowan and you have a fondness for craft beer, local food and live music in a community environment, then you’re in luck. The German funfair “Oktoberfest” is returning to Ames again on Friday September 19th and Saturday the 20th in the 200 Block of Main Street.

The Main Street Cultural District of Ames is bringing back the annual German festival, but over a two-day period this year. Throughout the weekend there will be concerts featuring “The Nadas,” “Standing Hamptons” and “Vertical Horizon.” There will also be Guten Tag Games, craft beer tents, traditional polka dancing and even keg bowling.

The event is fairly new to Ames, but has grown rapidly since its founding in 2012. The 2013 Oktoberfest did so well that it was named the Top Main Street Event of the Year by the state of Iowa.

Ames Oktoberfest has done a great job of recruiting volunteers and companies to help sponsor events and games for the festival, that it is a true testament to how much Ames is capable of when it comes together.

This is one of the four major events held each year in Ames Main Street Cultural District, and is a sign that the historic area is growing again despite competition from Campustown.

Tickets for the fair and a list of full events in the Main Street area can be found at www.amesdowntown.org and a tentative schedule for the event can be found below:

Friday, September 19

• “The Nadas” and “Vertical Horizon” concerts, doors open at 6 P.M.

Saturday, September 20

• 1:00 P.M.-10:30 P.M.
• Guten Tag Games
• Craft Beer tents
• Wine Pavilion
• Music all day
• Polka Dancing and lessons (5:00-7:00P.M.)
• “Standing Hamptons” perform at 7:30 P.M.