CASSELBERRY, Fla. – Central Florida’s longest-running Oktoberfest celebration returns this weekend, bringing authentic German culture, cuisine, and entertainment to Casselberry for its 62nd year.

The German American Society of Central Florida will host the festival on Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. at their clubhouse and Biergarten, located at 381 Orange Lane. A second Oktoberfest celebration is scheduled for Oct. 25.

“We have been doing Oktoberfest since 1963. We are the original traditional Oktoberfest, it’s like being in Munich,” says Linda Rossel, president of the German American Society of Central Florida.

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The event features traditional German fare, including Jäger schnitzel, bratwurst, pretzel rolls, and strudel. Entertainment includes live German music and performances by the society’s own Alpine Rose dance troupe, performing authentic Schuhplattler dancing.

A dedicated children’s area allows families to enjoy the festivities together. “When parents come here, the kids get the kids area and the parents can have a beer,” Rossel explains.

While Oktoberfest traditionally began as a wedding celebration in Germany, the festival is now celebrated in September to avoid cold weather. However, Florida’s climate allows for more flexibility.

“We in Florida, we don’t need to shift it to September, we have very good weather now,” says Manfred Scholz, second vice president of the society and the festival’s beverage coordinator.

For Scholz, who oversees the festival’s beverage selections, the event provides a connection to his German heritage.

“I like the American life, but I don’t want to forget where I’m coming from,” he says. However, he emphasizes that everyone is welcome, regardless of their background. “It’s not boring traditional old school, it’s more a little bit modern and we try to entertain whoever comes. And it doesn’t matter if they like German culture or not, they probably like German beer.”

General admission tickets are available for $7 in advance through Eventbrite or $10 at the gate. Children 11 and under enter free.

VIP packages are available for $100, which include early admission, reserved indoor seating, a souvenir stein, meals, and additional perks.

The society recommends using ride-sharing services, as parking is limited to private area businesses. Attendees can be dropped off at either 381 Orange Lane or 391 Melody Lane in Casselberry.

For more information or to purchase advance tickets, visit orlandogermanclub.com.