Our History

Hours: The Oktoberfest opens on Friday at 5:00 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m. Hours on Saturday are 12 to 11 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 6 p.m. (Bars close one hour earlier)

 

Admission: $10.00 which includes unlimited amusement rides

 

Parking: Remote Parking is located at Christiana High School, located just 0.7 miles south of the Delaware Saengerbund at the intersection of Salem Church Road and Chapman Road. The Parking cost is just $5 on Friday and Saturday, FREE on Sunday, and includes a free shuttle to and from the entrance gate of the Oktoberfest.

 

Opening Parade: The opening parade will be held on Friday at 7:00 p.m. The parade features the Muenchner Kindl, Munich Child, symbol of the city of Munich which leads the opening parade of the Munich Oktoberfest. The child is dressed in brown monk's garb with golden stripes, similar to that of the Benedictine order, founders of the city.

 

Food: German specialties include grilled Bratwurst (pork sausage), Weisswuurst (veal sausage), BBQ chicken, potato pancakes, pretzels and "Rollmops", a marinated herring served with rye bread. Potato salad and sauerkraut are made daily in the Delaware Saengerbund kitchen. A variety of Torten and traditional plum cake are the tempting sweet fare.

 

Continuous Entertainment: The "Enzian Volkstanzgruppe", the Bavarian dance group of the Delaware Saengerbund, will entertain at intervals during the festival. They perform in the colorful "Tracht" - the traditional costume patterned after the distinctive style of Miesbach in Bavaria. The men wear "Lederhosen" - buck skin leather pants - the women a "Dirndl" - a dress consisting of several parts: skirt, blouse, vest, apron, shawl, completed with a special hat.

 

The Enzian Musikanten, the Saengerbund's house band, will open the festival each day with their performance. We welcome back our friends the Almwind from Austria to play music for us throughout the weekend.

 

Imported Gifts and Souvenirs: Oktoberfest souvenirs including mugs, glassware, t-shirts, hats and accessories are available in a great variety.

 

Amusement Rides: Included in the admission price are unlimited free amusement rides. Midway games set up by the amusement company do cost extra.

Good Vibes are what you can expect at the Peoples Festival!  There is something for Everyone here!

 

The Children’s Village, Healing Garden, Bamboo Rain Hut, International Food Court, Arts and Crafts from around the world, Beer Garden and Wine Bar and some great positive Live Music from the stage, and soooo many great vibes from the people!  Unity & One Love, Always!

 

This festival is rooted in Love! Ibis (Godfrey Pitts), who Bob's mother always said was Bob's only friend in Wilmington, met Bob around 1968 and they became great friends for life. With his wife Genoveva (Genny) & their six children at the helm, they made realizing this Tribute to Bob Marley their mission. With the help of hundreds of dedicated volunteers throughout the years, they have produced a world-class event that has become one of the most anticipated events of the season in Wilmington drawing thousands from far and near!  Our mission is to foster and promote cultural diversity through music, art, and educational programs that inspire Unity and One Love in our community as we were inspired to do by our beloved friend and brother, The Honorable Robert Nesta Marley, O.M. 

 

It has been an honor to bring this event to our city.  In our 27 year history, we have never canceled nor skipped this important event!  We welcome you to join the Rastaman Vibration and help lift the spirit of One Love!