The Oktoberfest celebration at Lakeside Chautauqua on Saturday, Sept. 5 will wrap up with fireworks along the waterfront at 9 p.m. Officials will have room for social distancing and want everyone to wear masks.

Oktoberfest is the biggest folk festival in the world, with millions of people flocking to Munich, Germany each year. This festival has become a phenomenon, and celebrations can be found all over the world.

On Saturday, Sept. 5, Lakeside Chautauqua will present its celebration of Oktoberfest as mugs of root beer are hoisted, a Bavarian feast is devoured, lively polka music is played, and a dazzling fireworks show completes the day.

To kick-off the celebration, The Chardon Polka Band brings its extensive catalog of traditional polkas from 4-7 p.m. at the Steele Memorial Bandstand. This modern polka band isn’t afraid to bring their own tunes into the mix or surprise audiences with polka-pop covers that speak to a new generation.

Ward Catering offers a delicious menu of Bavarian favorites, including bratwurst, pork and sauerkraut, perogies, soft pretzel, German potato salad, corn dogs, root beer floats, bottled water and canned pop from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on the Hotel Lakeside lawn. A la carte items are $2 to $5 or order a $12 platter. All major credit cards are accepted.

Wrap up a fun day with fireworks along the waterfront at 9 p.m. A barge will be used to launch the fireworks north of the dock. The Rescue Marine barge will be positioned further out to allow for a wide viewing area. To practice safe social distancing, please spread out along the entire lakefront and wear masks. In the case of inclement weather, the fireworks will move to Sunday, Sept. 6.

At its core, Oktoberfest is really about coming together and having a good time, and Lakesiders hope you’ll join them for a safe, family fun event. Please wear a mask and practice safe social distancing.

Celebrate the entire weekend at Lakeside! Book a room at historic Hotel Lakeside or the Fountain Inn. For more information, visit lakesideohio.com/accommodations.

While you’re at Lakeside, walk Ohio’s Most Beautiful Mile along the Lake Erie shoreline, play a round of miniature golf or shuffleboard, make a reservation for Saturday Tea at the Hotel Lakeside Dining Room (lakesideohio.com/diningroom), shop, dine and explore.

A Daily or Season Chautauqua Pass is required to enter Lakeside during the gated Chautauqua season from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. A Daily Chautauqua Pass is $17/adult and $10/youth (ages 13-24) per day. Children ages 12 and under and guests over the age of 90 are always free.

Please Note: A Partial Day (3-hour) Pass ($6) will not be available for purchase after 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, and the 90-minute Shopping/Dining Pass will not be available after 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5.