It makes sense for Winter Park Toberfest, which welcomes second-year festival attendees on September 6th, to become the creator of Polka’s bandleaders.
His name was Rick Kissinger and when he joined the Winter Park Rotary Club in 2024 he wondered why the city didn’t have its own Oktoberfest event.
“Every vibrant city has a signature festival, why don’t we?” he asked his fellow Rotarians.
“But after six months of tenacity and a little convincing, the small team finally got together and tried it out.”
They put it together in a plan for just a few months. But Kissinger says, “Looking at the community’s response, it’s all worth it.”
And when the second go-round this year comes to Mead Botanical Garden from 4pm to 10pm on September 6th, return guests and newcomers will enjoy a party that blends past and present.
“The festival embraced the spirit of King Ludwig’s first Oktoberfest in 1810, but in a modern, family-friendly way,” says Kissinger.
And this year, guests can expect even more.
Best German: 2025 Orlando Sentinel Foodie Award
Returning provider Horrorbach brings the Central Florida Lagendary brand of classic German cuisine, alongside Kelly’s homemade ice cream, Rascal’s Rockin’ Vignette and Rosario’s kitchen merchandise.
Additionally, the VIP Biergarten experience has been expanded, with more seating and offerings, including beer imported directly from Germany’s Warsteiner Brauerei.
Interactive family activities including four-legged members will also be hand-held (or PAW). Everyone, including puppies, can dress up and enjoy a Dachshund Dash Dog Race (except for Dachshund Hands is welcome).
“This is one of the most crowd-pleasing highlights,” says Kissinger of the event called “Wiener Races.” “The most adorable competition you’ve ever seen…it’s become a distinctive part of the event your family is looking forward to every year.”
This year, we expanded as Florida Wiener Dog Derby & Rescue will take part in the festival.
We look forward to the live entertainment of Winter Park Mayor Sheila Desicho, Brussels sprouts German polka band and the traditional German performances in the evening, as well as the Oktoberfest standards such as the Oktoberhoist and Kraut meal competitions.
Find me on Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram @Amydroo, or Osfoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more food fun, join Let’s Eat and Orlando Facebook Group.
If you’re going
Winter Parktoberfest will be held on September 6th from 4 to 10pm at Mead Botanical Garden (1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park, 407-622-6323; mealgarden.org). General Admission Fee: $25 in advance (Eventbrite.com/e/Winter-parktoberfest-2nd- Annual-winter-park-oktoberfest-tickets-1318924892859), $30 at the gate includes your first drink (beer, wine or non-alcoholic). Children under 15 are free with adults with tickets. VIPs have experienced two VIP tickets (limited availability) for $125 per person or $200. VIP tickets include a full dinner plate, dessert and unlimited German beer.
