About This Festival

The New Palestine Lions Club Oktoberfest on September 13, 2025, is a lively, family-friendly event featuring traditional German and American foods, beer and wine, live music, vendors, crafts, and a special kids area with bounce houses and games. It takes place at 5242 West U.S. 52 in New Palestine, Indiana.

The event begins with a parade down Main Street at 11:00 am and runs from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Activities include performances by German dancers inside the Lions Club building, live music by the Indianapolis Liederkranz German Band and Plug-N-Play (both requiring attendees to bring lawn chairs), a Root Beer Garden and kids activities supported by the New Palestine High School Choir Boosters, vendor and craft booths, and food offerings from Silkelicious, Ernie & Smokin' Barrel BBQ, plus traditional German fare. The festival prohibits outside food, drinks, and alcohol. There is free parking available and the event is open to all ages.

The vibe is festive and community-oriented, with a strong emphasis on traditional Oktoberfest culture blended with local New Palestine charm. Entertainment features a mix of live bands, German dancers, cloggers (Hearts A Blaze), and local high school choir performances, including show choirs that have been featured in recent celebrations. The event space, the New Palestine Lions Club building and grounds, offer a welcoming environment for families and adults alike.

Historically, the Oktoberfest hosted by the New Palestine Lions Club is their largest annual event, designed to bring the community together while supporting local causes such as scholarships for New Palestine High School students. The festival has been celebrated for several years with growing attendance and local involvement, reflecting a commitment to both German tradition and community fundraising.

A rough schedule of main activities:

  • 11:00 am – Parade on Main Street to kick off the festivities
  • 12:00 pm – Festival opens with food, vendors, kids activities, and beer & wine garden
  • 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm – Live music performances by Indianapolis Liederkranz German Band and Plug-N-Play; German dancers and cloggers perform inside the Lions Club building
  • Throughout the day – Kids' bounce houses, games, and Root Beer Garden activities supported by the high school choir boosters

The event primarily centers around traditional Oktoberfest celebrations with a local twist, making it a fun and culturally rich experience for all ages.