Backpocket Brewing (pictured) of Coralville will be among the 25 Iowa breweries participating in Oktoberfest in Marion. Photo courtesy of the Marion Chamber of Commerce.
By Michael Morain
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
You don’t need an excuse to enjoy beer and polka. But just in case, try this: Marion will celebrate its inaugural Oktoberfest on Sept. 17.
The sudsy street party is the first big festival in Uptown Marion’s newly transformed Seventh Avenue, by City Square Park, where years of planning and streetscape renovations are almost complete. So now, the designated Iowa Great Place is ready to toast Oktoberfest with 25 Iowa craft breweries, plus musicians like the local Boot Jack Duo and Lyle Beaver & the Bass Notes from Iowa City.
Revelers can also play a few traditional German games, like a Hammerschlagen nail-driving contest and a stein-holding test of endurance. “We’ve heard it’s the skinny guys who always win,” says Tami Schlamp from the local chamber.
Click here for ticket information.
