Cape Coral’s 41st Oktoberfest runs Oct. 16–18 and Oct. 23–25 at the German American Social Club, bringing together German food, live music, carnival rides and traditional festivities.

For Christine Blasses, this year’s Ms. Oktoberfest, the celebration is about more than beer and bratwurst. She describes it as a chance to share Gemütlichkeit—a German sense of warmth, togetherness and friendship. Blasses, who was born in Bavaria and now lives in Cape Coral, says she hopes to help connect the German and American communities and encourage younger people to get involved with the club.

The festival grew out of an Oktoberfest tradition that began in 1810 to mark the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria. Cape Coral’s German American Social Club started hosting a private celebration in 1964 and later opened its event to the public. Organizers say it now draws around 40,000 visitors across the two weekends, making it Florida’s largest standalone Oktoberfest.

Guests can expect German bands, dancing, chicken dancing, carnival attractions and classic festival dishes, including bratwurst and potato pancakes. Blasses will represent the club and German culture, meet attendees and judge the stein-holding contest.

Dates, hours and tickets

The festival takes place at the German American Social Club, 2101 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral.

• Fridays: 4 p.m.–midnight
• Saturdays: noon–midnight
• Sundays: noon–8 p.m.
• Admission: $8 in advance or $10 at the gate; children 12 and under enter free
• VIP passes: $125–$150, with private seating, a bar and restrooms
• Parking: Free

For event details and tickets, visit the Cape Coral Oktoberfest website.