It makes sense that the Winter Parktoberfest, welcoming festivalgoers for its second year on Sept. 6, would be the brainchild of a polka bandleader.
His name is Rick Kissinger, and when he joined the Winter Park Rotary Club in 2024, he wondered why the city didn’t have its own Oktoberfest event.
“Every vibrant city has signature festivals, so why not us?” he asked his fellow Rotarians, who at first found the idea a little out there.
“But after six months of persistence — and more than a little convincing — a small team finally came together to give it a try.”
Don your best dirndl and come for the gemütlichkeit (good cheer and community spirit) at Winter Parktoberfest on Sept. 6, at Mead Botanical Garden. (Courtesy Oviedo Photo Club)
They pulled it together with just a couple of months’ planning. But, says Kissinger, “Seeing the community’s response made it all worthwhile.”
And so this year, when the second go-round comes to Mead Botanical Garden on Sept. 6 from 4-10 p.m., returning guests and newcomers will enjoy a party that merges past and present.
“The festival embraces the spirit of King Ludwig’s first Oktoberfest in 1810, but in a modern, family-friendly way,” says Kissinger, “swapping sword fights and jousting for dachshund races, polka bands, food trucks, and plenty of gemütlichkeit (good cheer and community spirit).”
And this year, guests can expect even more.
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Returning purveyor Hollerbach’s will bring its Central Florida-legendary brand of classic German cuisine, alongside goodies from Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, Rascal’s Rockin’ Beignets and Rosario’s Kitchen.
Additionally, the VIP Biergarten experience will be expanded, with more seating and offerings, including imported beers straight from the Warsteiner Brauerei in Germany.
Interactive family activities that include four-legged members will be on-hand (or paw), as well. All, including pups, are welcome to dress up and enjoy the Dachshund Dash doggie race (non-dachshunds are welcome).
German dishes from Hollerbach’s Restaurant, along with treats from a host of local food trucks, will be available for festivalgoers. (Courtesy Oviedo Photo Club)
“It’s one of the most crowd-pleasing highlights,” says Kissinger of the event affectionately dubbed ‘The Wiener Races.’ “The most adorable competition you’ll ever see … it’s become a signature part of the event that families look forward to every year.”
This year, that’s expanded, too, as Florida Wiener Dog Derby & Rescue will be joining in the festivities.
From the opening flag ceremony and keg tapping by Winter Park Mayor Sheila DeCiccio, and live entertainment from the Brussels Sprouts German Polka Band, as well as traditional German performances throughout the evening — not to mention Oktoberfest standards such as the stein hoist and kraut eating competitions — planners and participants in this volunteer-run event look forward to hosting the community.
Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.
If you go
Winter Parktoberfest will take place 4-10 p.m. Sept. 6 at Mead Botanical Garden (1300 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park, 407-622-6323; meadgarden.org). General admission: $25 in advance (purchase via: eventbrite.com/e/winter-parktoberfest-2nd-annual-winter-park-oktoberfest-tickets-1318924892859), $30 at the gate includes first drink free (beer, wine or non-alcoholic). Kids 15 and younger are free with a ticketed adult. VIP Experience $125/per person or two VIP tickets for $200 (limited availability). VIP tickets include full dinner plate, dessert and unlimited German beer.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/08/26/winter-parktoberfest-returns-to-mead-botanical-garden/
