The German American Social Club of Cape Coral is marking the halfway point to Oktoberfest this Saturday and Sunday with live music and good eats.

The fourth and final of special Biergarten festivals brought to the Southwest Florida community by the GASC take place on the Bavarian Grounds this Saturday and Sunday. The usual classic German food and drink menu will be available, as will more American-style choices. The variances in the food and drink menu extend to the entertainment, as traditional German tunes will play, along with an award-winning blues band.

From 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, the multi-award-winning band, “The Pitbull of Blues Band” will take the stage, led by dynamic front man, guitarist and songwriter Josh “The Pitbull of Blues” Rowand. The high-energy band is a regular on the festival circuit, known for their fun-loving mix of traditional and original blues. The more traditional music acts will include Manni Daum, Werner Smolka, Duo Surprise, and Sepp Diebholder.

“We’ve definitely gotten our ability to operate back,” said GASC President Steve Bauer. “Our first event back in the end of February was our largest and making up for the fact we didn’t have Oktoberfest due to the hurricane. The first, and now, our last, were meant to be bookends of our garden fest season. It’s going to be very parallel to what we did in February. We’re excited to close out the season and let everybody know and reconfirm we’ll have Oktoberfest the last two weekends of October.”

A crowd favorite for the kids in the colorful festival train will be returning, and there will be a kids’ crafts corner and face painting, offering fun for the entire family.

The last three festivals in the Bavarian Gardens were bustling with good food, beer, cheer and more. Those seated around the dance floor at the pavilion were tapping their feet and raising their cups. Bauer is extremely pleased to see the response of the community to the club’s invitation to celebrate Southwest Florida Strong in Cape Coral.

The club’s kitchen and manpower are fully up to speed, allowing everything to be up-and-running as normal.

He said revenue from the festivals has helped the club stabilize after not being able to put one of the largest events the region sees each year.

Tickets are $5 and parking is free, as is admission for children 12 and under. Hours are on Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7.

“We think we’re going to have good weather and we’ve got a more diverse menu again,” Bauer said. “We’ll still have the favorites, and it’s going to be as close as we can get to an Oktoberfest in April as possible.”

The GASC also has a barbecue picnic planned for Sunday, May 28, to mark Memorial Day featuring live country music.

For more information on the GASC and upcoming events, visit gasc-capecoral.com. The club opens its doors to members and the public for dinner and dancing every Friday night at 5.30 p.m.

The GASC is at 2101 Southwest Pine Island Road.