MEDIA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

43rd Annual Octoberfest Set for October 10 and 11 in Downtown Cleveland

CLEVELAND, Mississippi -- Downtown Cleveland will come alive with music, food, and community spirit as the 43rd Annual Octoberfest takes place Friday and Saturday, October 10 and 11. The beloved tradition returns with a whole weekend of entertainment, family fun, and world-class barbecue.

The festivities begin Friday at 5:30 p.m. with the Lighting of the Grill, led by Delta State University President Dr. Dan Ennis and the spirited Fighting Okra in honor of DSU’s Centennial year. This opening moment also kicks off the Memphis Barbecue Network-sanctioned competition, the grand finale of the Delta BBQ Brawl circuit, where teams will compete for nearly $13,000 in prize money.

Friday’s live music on the Cannon Motors Stage begins at 5:45 p.m. with a Delta favorite, Ava Fratesi, followed by headliner Joe Garcia and The Big Guns at 7:00 p.m. Festival goers can also enjoy Wicker’s Tour of Champions, sponsored by Jeff Jones, featuring tastings from award-winning barbecue teams. Tickets for the Tour of Champions and the new VIP Area are available at octoberfestms.com. The VIP Area will feature exclusive cooking demonstrations, premium seating, and televisions streaming college football throughout the day.

On Saturday, the Delta Arts Alliance will host a crafts area beginning at 8:30 a.m., and the VIP Area will open with coffee and breakfast bites provided by Mississippi Grounds and Yo Eddie BBQ. The morning will also feature a Bloody Mary demonstration with Jurbie McSwash, followed by food bars sponsored by Wicker’s and JonesyQ BBQ Co. Families can enjoy hands-on children’s activities, while community entertainment starts at 9:30 a.m. with local dance and gymnastics groups. Live music continues throughout the day with performances by the 41st Army Band, Doc and The Refills, and The Cuz Band.

More than 100 arts and crafts vendors will be on hand Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., along with a wide variety of food and concession stands. A dedicated children’s area will be open both Friday and Saturday. The weekend will conclude with the announcement of the barbecue competition winners between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday evening.

“This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and volunteers,” said Robert Maxwell, President of the Cleveland Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce. “Octoberfest showcases the best of Cleveland and is a true community celebration.”

More reasons to visit Cleveland that weekend
Octoberfest is only part of the excitement. On Thursday, October 9, the Bologna Performing Arts Center will host country music favorites Little Texas at 7:30 p.m., giving visitors even more opportunities to enjoy live entertainment during their stay.

Official Octoberfest merchandise, including t shirts, hats, and stickers, is available now on our website.

For more information, visit octoberfestms.com or contact the Cleveland Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce at 662 843 2712.