Oktoberfest will be held in downtown Plant City on Saturday.
Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that Historic Plant City Main Street has been designated the September 2025 Florida Main Street Program of the Month. “Our Secretary of State has accepted our invitation and will be our Burgermeister,” Dawn Hyatt, Historic Plant City Main Street Executive Director, said. “That is a big deal. We are honored to have him. He will be introduced by our vice mayor, Jason Jones, at the welcoming ceremony at 3:30 p.m. on the stage at the corner of Evers and Drane. We just want everyone to come out and enjoy a great, family-friendly, fun event that’s free to the public.” “Burgermeister” is the German word for master of the citizens, and chair of the executive council in a town.
During Oktoberfest, live music performances on the main stage will give a vibe for onlookers who are likely to hear accordions and polkas. A second stage will feature Bavarian dancers and other entertainment. An axe-throwing trailer and targets will be set up for those who enjoy the activity and for those who want a new challenge.
The event is also offering a 100-percent free Kid Zone where children can experience a fun slide, a bouncy house, and an obstacle course. Children can also grab some free goodies.
The beer stein holding competition has proven to be an Oktoberfest favorite. In this test of strength and endurance, those determined to win hold huge, full mugs at arm’s length. The person who holds his or her stein steady for the longest time will win a great prize.
A beirgarten will offer fest goers long communal tables where they can try out traditional and local beers. Keel Farms is the sponsor of a winegarten, so Keel & Curley wine and cider will be sold there. Several streets will be closed to hold these venues and other exhibitors.
Trax Credit Union and Florida Mechanical Services, LLC are the sponsors of the Kid Zone. Howzit Creations is sponsoring karaoke. The Stein Holding Competition is sponsored by the Plant City Rotary Club. GT Grandstands is sponsoring axe throwing. The Oktoberfest title sponsor is Hillsborough County. Choo Choo Lawn Equipment, Inc. has sponsored a drawing. The cost is $5 per ticket, and the winner gets to choose from one of three $5,000 equipment packages.
“A huge thank you to our community for making this such a wonderful event, because without them, there wouldn’t be an event,” Hyatt commented. “We’d also like to thank our city government and city manager for all of their support and for the original concept. This event is proof that a great partnership can do magical things! The biggest thank you to our sponsors, because without them, we can’t put on this event.”
• Jays Premium Jerky
• Dino Air Conditioning & Heating LLC
• Plant City Community Bingo
• Sedita Kilton & Company
• Prosser Verner Foundation, Inc.
• Taylor’s Forklift
• Solution Source
• Central Florida Exteriors Inc
• Byrd & Barnhill, P.L.
• True Builders
• Big Timber Cattle Company
• Big Red Barn Events
• Bluebox Portable Sanitation
• Principle Capital Management Group
Those who would like to contribute hands-on for the event can volunteer to assist with things like set up, tear down, and operations by signing up at https://www.plantcitymainstreet.org/volunteer.
Close on the heels of Oktoberfest, Historic Plant City Main Street is hosting another happening; the Florida Main Street Fall Conference in Plant City on September 29 and 30. “We would absolutely love for our merchants to stay open during those days, because our Main Streeters love to shop and support local,” Hyatt said. Historic Plant City Main Street is giving out swag bags for the conference, so if any merchants want to add to the swag bags, 75 items need to be dropped off at the office by Friday, September 26, close of business.
