Recognized as one of the most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations outside of Munich, Addison Oktoberfest, scheduled Sept. 17 – 20, has been canceled due to the COVID-19 crisis. The health and safety of attendees, vendors, volunteers, staff and the local community was a primary driver in the difficult decision to cancel the event.
“Addison Oktoberfest is a beloved event where tens of thousands of people look forward to gathering each year in dirndls and lederhosen to enjoy each other’s company, raise a bier and say Prost,” said Addison Special Events Director Jasmine Lee. “Due to the close contact caused by the inherently social nature of the festival, it would not be safe to hold such a large gathering this year.”
For over three decades, the multi-day German festival has drawn both local and international crowds of up to 50,000 people.
While often questioned about hosting a festival called Oktoberfest during the month of September, Addison times its festival to open the same weekend as the Munich celebration, as a part of the Town’s effort to make Addison Oktoberfest the most authentic Oktoberfest celebration in North America. The Munich celebration has also been canceled for 2020.
Jasmine Lee encourages fans to mark their calendars for next year’s event, saying “We hope all of our Oktoberfest fans will make plans to join us when Addison Oktoberfest returns September 16, 2021.”