Even though the weather is quite warm, it’s that season for cold beer and fun at Oktoberfests around the area.
One that’s down in the Eastern Market area you might want to check out is this Sunday, September 23 at St. Joseph’s. This is the 12th year for the event.
It kicks off just after noon — 12:30 p.m. — and runs until 8:30 p.m. so even if you hang out until the end you’ll still be good for work Monday morning.
We’re going to get into the lineup for the day in a second, but let’s talk about a very special guest of honor — the Sistine Chapel Choir. According to organizers, the “Pope’s Choir” will attend Oktoberfest during their free time in Detroit. However, there is no Sistine Choir Chapel concert. You’ll just maybe get the chance to meet them.
In the Church at St. Joseph Oratory:
— 9 a.m. Low Mass
— 11 a.m. Solemn High Orchestral Mass (Franz Schubert’s Mass in G) with German hymns
— Church Tours
— 3 p.m. Sacred Music Concert given by Oratory musicians
— 6 p.m. Solemn Vespers
Entertainment under the Big Tent:
— Siasswasser Tanzlmusi Bavarian band
— G.T.E.V. Edelweiss Detroit Bavarian dancers
— Notre Dame Prep Jazz Band
— DJ Glockenspiel
Also, there’s an authentic German dinner, seasonal Oktoberfest beer, children’s games for all ages, pumpkin decorating, a silent auction, an “Attic Treasures Tent,” and what Oktoberfest would be complete without a stein hoisting contest?
Admission to the festival is free, and there’s free guarded parking they’ll set you up with, too! And for those of us in the neighborhood, there’s bike parking as well.
St. Joseph’s is at 1828 Jay Street in Detroit, just off Gratiot.
