Support District 58 schools at Downers Grove Oktoberfest Sept. 17-18

downers grove oktoberfest

Sebastian Bach, the original voice of Skid Row, to headline the festival

Downers Grove Grade School District 58 invites the community to attend Downers Grove Oktoberfest on Friday, Sept. 17 from 3-11 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 18 from noon to 6 p.m. The festival will close for one hour and reopen on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 7-11 p.m. for the ticketed music headliner. Oktoberfest will take place in downtown Downers Grove at the Main Street Train Station. Oktoberfest is hosted by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, and all proceeds will benefit District 58.

Oktoberfest will feature national headliner Sebastian Bach on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 9:30 p.m. Sebastian Bach is the original voice of Skid Row. Sebastian Bach has sold in excess of 20 million records worldwide as lead singer of his former band, Skid Row, and as a solo artist. Far from just being a multi-platinum recording artist, he has expanded his career over the past decade to include a five-season recurring role on the hit series Gilmore Girls; voiceover work on SpongeBob SquarePants and Robot Chicken; starring roles on Broadway in Jekyll & Hyde, The Rocky Horror Show and Jesus Christ Superstar; and appearances on ABC’s Sing Your Face Off, the comedy series Trailer Park Boys, MTV and VH1.

In addition to Sebastian Bach’s performance, Oktoberfest will feature several renowned local bands and an authentic German polka band. Performers include The Lounge Puppets, TKO Acoustics, Stephen Peterson, Tarra, Send in the Clones, Wayne Messmer Quartet, and Dazzlin Dawn, among many others. View a complete entertainment schedule and more information at www.58foundation.net/oktoberfest

Beyond the live music, Oktoberfest will offer traditional German fare and beverages, as well as a Kids Zone, face-painting, dunk tank and more.

Oktoberfest celebrates the approaching fall season, while raising money to support District 58 schools.

Festival-goers may purchase tickets in advance at www.58foundation.net/oktoberfest or at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.

On Friday (all day) and Saturday before 6 p.m., Oktoberfest is free for children (ages 0-17), volunteers, and active military and veterans with military ID. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens (55+). The entry fee will increase to $25 on Saturday after 7 p.m. for all ages.

Want to get closer to the action? Buy VIP tickets for the Sebastian Bach show! VIP tickets cost $75 and include a VIP entrance, a special VIP area in front of the stage and Sebastian Bach swag. 

Finally, any community member may purchase a $10 raffle ticket for a chance to win $500 or a guitar signed by Sebastian Bach. Raffle tickets can also be purchased at www.58foundation.net/oktoberfest or at the festival. 

Oktoberfest’s success relies on volunteers! Sign up to volunteer at bit.ly/58KTVOL. A number of volunteer slots are open in registration, set-up, Kids Zone, beverage tent and other areas. Volunteers will receive free admission to the event during their volunteer shift. Oktoberfest also seeks new corporate sponsorships! To learn more about corporate sponsorship opportunities, please click here or visit www.58foundation.net

Please direct Oktoberfest questions to Janet Alikpala, Education Foundation president, at 312-217-4369 or janet@alikpala.com.