The Upper Tampa Bay Chamber Oktoberfest with authentic German food, German beer and a Munich style tent is considered by many to be the largest, most authentic Oktoberfest in West Central Florida.

Judging by the 25,000 happy guests we had in 2010 it's hard to disagree.  And it gets even better in 2011 as we're adding a Rocktoberfest and the Oktoberfest which promises to be a hilarious display of teamwork, speed, power and courage. The Newhouse Media Group was kind enough to document some of the happenings in high definition video.  Take a look to see what it's all about...a great family time with something to do for kids of all ages.

We're already working on next year's event.  So mark your calendar now for  the weekend of October 28-30 2011 at Tampa Bay Downs.  Oktoberfest brings the best of Old Bavaria and New Florida together for three full days of authentic German food, drink, music and dancing ... along with a spectacular carnival & midway, a great arts & crafts show, and the wildest array of audience participation contests that the Tampa Bay area has ever seen!

So, you ask, just how did the Top o’ the Bay suddenly become Bavaria by the Bay?  To tell you the truth, we have no idea!  But as for the history of Oktoberfest itself, well, that’s a completely different story... 

Way back on October 12, 1810, the event which the world now knows as “Oktoberfest” began in Germany as a simple wedding reception.  OK, so maybe it wasn’t so simple. After all, the participants were Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony, and every man, woman and child in the city of Munich was invited.  But, hey ... it was a wedding that got this whole thing started. 

Two hundred years later, the 16th Annual Top o’ the Bay Oktoberfest is a “wedding” as well ... a wedding of Old Bavarian and New Floridian cultures, meshing Old World customs with New World traditions in a festival which has quickly become one of the most popular annual events in the entire Tampa Bay area.

We are adding Thursday night to the mix with Rocktoberfest from 6-10. Carnival, food, beer and some Classic Rock.

For more information, call the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce at (813) 855-4233.

To be a part of Oktoberfest as a sponsor, vendor or volunteer please contact us at 813.855.4233 or email Mark mhowe@UTBchamber.com