Northside Oktoberfest celebrates 29 years

IOWA CITY — Iowa City’s Northside Oktoberfest will return for its 29th year on Saturday, Sept. 20.

This year's festival features an exclusive Iowa City BrewFest sampling event, the Bier Hall for general admission, the family-focused SodaFest with the Iowa Children's Museum, live entertainment and over 140 craft brews from more than 40 vendors. The festival takes place in the Northside neighborhood along North Linn Street and Market Street.

BrewFest runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with $60 advance tickets recommended due to limited capacity. Tickets can be purchased online or in-person at John's Grocery and at the door. The Bier Hall operates from 12-8 p.m. with $5 cups available on-site. SodaFest begins at 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. with $5 wristbands available for purchase during the event.

General festival admission remains free. A ticket is only required if attendees want to sample beer or take their drink to the streets.

"Nearly three decades later, Northside Oktoberfest continues to showcase the best of Iowa City's craft beer scene while celebrating our neighborhood's rich heritage," Doug Alberhasky, owner of John's Grocery and founder of Iowa City BrewFest, said in a release. "This year's enhancements, including our partnership with Untappd and reduced pricing for BrewFest, demonstrate our commitment to providing exceptional value while maintaining the authentic Oktoberfest experience our community has come to love."

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit downtowniowacity.com/northside-oktoberfest.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.

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