Locktoberfest takes over St. Catharines brewery for a weekend

When St. Catharines’ Lock Street Brewing Company decides to hold a German Oktoberfest-style party, there can only be one name – Locktoberfest.

Running Oct. 13, 14, and 15, the city’s oldest craft brewery (15 Lock St.) used to hold a two-day weekend festival every October but tacked on an extra Friday night event, starting at 5 p.m.

“Join us at 5 p.m. for our official opening ceremonies, including a traditional cask tapping,” say organizers. “Taste old-world style beer, party the German way with oompah band The Happy Wanderers.”

They added the first 20 people through the door each day will receive a free Locktoberfest 2023 beer stein.

“Sample European-style small batch craft beers in traditional styles and new creations, enjoy festival-favourite foods, and be entertained by live oompah, rock, and polka musicians in our outdoor Biergarten,” say organizers.

Both the Saturday and Sunday events see the doors open at 11 a.m. On Saturday, from noon to 4 p.m., The Duke of Polka Band with Canada’s Polka King Walter Ostanek will take to the stage followed by classic rock cover band The Wellrounds, who cover everything from The Counting Crows to Led Zeppelin.

On Sunday, the stage will be set from noon to 4 p.m. for oompah/rock fusion band Auf Gehts to entertain the guests.

It’s a 19-year-old-plus event but there are no tickets. Just wander in and join the fun though organizers suggest showing up early to secure a spot.

“Wear your best lederhosen and dirndl, because it’s time to party German-style!”