2nd Annual Oktoberfest In Champaign Saturday

If you’re around downtown Champaign Saturday, be prepared to see some lederhosen wearers at the second annual Oktoberfest, in front of the Orpheum Theatre.

Organizer Eric Robeson started the festival last fall after years of attending Oktoberfests in Chicago and Munich with his friends.

"We always wanted to do one here in Champaign-Urbana and there are some smaller ones that some of the restaurants and bars do, but there wasn’t this kind of big, community type event, and we always knew we wanted to do a charitable component to it as well," he said.  "And someone recommended, 'hey, why don’t you contact the DSC (Development Services Center), they’re usually up for things like this and it’s been a great partnership."

All proceeds go to the DSC.  This year’s event will bring in more local food options - including schnitzel on a stick and 1,000 pounds of sausage. 

Three area breweries are teaming up to brew the CU Oktoberfest Lager right on sight.  Entertainment for the evening includes three bands and lessons for prospective polka dancers.