Proudly celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the German American Social Club of Cape Coral is opening its Bavarian Gardens to replicate the fun of Oktoberfest and to celebrate its German heritage on the weekend of Feb. 17-18. After the huge success of its 38th Oktoberfest last year, the club members cannot wait to celebrate good times and sunshine, teaming up to get the festivities back into full swing for its Southwest Florida Freunde.

With German music performed by the Manni Daum Trio throughout the day, the Bavarian Gardens will be bustling, and the organizers anticipate a crowd of dancers or foot tappers on the dance floor at the pavilion, raising their cups and enjoying a potato pancake or a brat.

Once again, the members of GASC are working hard to prepare for the first of the two outdoor Biergarten festivals planned this season. The party for the community will be held Bavarian-style with two fun-filled afternoons of German food, beer or wine, music, and, above all, what everyone’s come to understand as Gemütlichkeit.

Throughout the day, the gardens will be filled with German traditional music and the aroma of typical German fare such as bratwurst, knockwurst, schnitzel and potato pancakes. With fun planned for kids and grownups alike, there’s plenty to look forward to as the community can enjoy the shaded gardens with friends and family.

And from 5-8 p.m. Saturday night, the club will be featuring the international blues and rock duo Martini Russa, a virtuoso guitarist Martini (Brazil/Spain) and vocalist and rhythm guitarist Anastasia (Russia/USA). Their repertoire spans over 100 years, comprising of unique acoustic-electric renditions of blues standards, classic rock ballads, and fiery originals.

Tickets are $5 and parking is free, as are children ages 12 and under.

And it doesn’t stop there. Marking halfway to this year’s 39th annual Oktoberfest, another festival is planned for April. Check out the club’s website for more information on the various events being offered.

The club opens its doors to members and the public for dinner and dancing every Friday at 5:30 p.m.