Oktoberfest opens Friday Annual festival includes pizza judging, bags tourney, more

02VP Python line
A pithy python comes out for Oktoberfest… That’s a 15-foot python stretched out across seven brave but squeamish kids at last year’s Villa Park Oktoberfest. This year’s event opens Thursday, Sept. 9 and continues through the weekend. On Sunday, this python, an alligator and others will be on display as part of Cold Blooded Creatures show on Sunday. More information can be found elsewhere in this issue. photo: Independent archives

Villa Park – The 37th Annual Villa Park Oktoberfest opens on Friday, September 9 from 5-11 p.m. at Lion’s Park, 320 E. Wildwood Avenue, and continues through the weekend.

This year’s festival celebrates 37 years of family fun.  Opening night is 5-11 p.m. with music at 8 p.m. by Semple.  Food vendors and the Lions Beer Tent will be available all three days of the festival.

On Saturday, the Fest is open from 12 noon to 11 p.m. An unlimited ride special of $20 per person is available from 12-5 p.m. Other activities include sponsor booths, kids’ activities, a bags tournament, and a show from Cold Blooded Creatures featuring Bubba the Alligator.

A parent and teen pizza judging contest will be held at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday. Pre-register and be the judge of who has the best pizza in Villa Park.

Also on Saturday, Heartsfield will be on stage at 5 p.m. and the headliner will be Modern Day Romeos at 8 p.m.

Sunday’s activities include the unlimited ride special of $20 from 12-5 p.m. and performances by local talent, The Pedestrians and Fenced In. For a complete listing of event and activity times visit.