The German American Social Club will mark the halfway point to Oktoberfest this weekend with a special spring Bierfest in the club’s Bavarian Gardens.

The club is celebrating its German roots and looks to share true German hospitality, welcoming sense of Gemutlichkeit on April 17 &18.

The fest, to run from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, will feature two afternoons of good food, music, dancing, a beer or two all while enjoying the area’s spring weather.

“This weekend’s event is being put on to give the public an opportunity to enjoy the last of Southwest Florida’s comfortable spring weather,” said GASC President Stephen Bauer. “Attendees can look forward to authentic German food, snacks, beer, wine and music in a socially distanced garden atmosphere.”

Bierfest will offer traditional favorites such as potato pancakes, schnitzel, brats and more with entertainment by Alpine Express, the well-known German band from Orlando, to be featured on Saturday afternoon as well as club favorites Peter & Edith. The Manni Daum Trio will be featured on Sunday.

“Our club has been offering a traditional Bierfest for years, but with the restrictions we’ve all faced, this seems just that much more special to be able to open up and welcome the community back,” Bauer said. “It marks halfway to Oktoberfest and we know how much everyone is anticipating the festival this year.”

Lederhosen, dirndls, and dancing shoes welcome.

Speaking of Oktoberfest, one of the regions’ largest special events is set to return this fall after COVID-19 cancelled last year’s annual celebration.

“We are very excited to once again bring Oktoberfest back to the Southwest Florida community,” said Event Chairman Ed Freund. “This is an event that people across the area look forward to each year, and we were all disappointed to not be able to host last year.”

Bauer added, “Due to potential continued uncertainty we have scheduled German entertainment based in the U.S. to avoid international travel issues. Our organization will be able to adapt the scope of this event as appropriate to meet the current conditions in our area at any given time.”

Last month, GASC hosted a St. Patrick’s Day event, which was received and attended well, said Bauer and Freund. They feel they can provide a safe atmosphere for patrons in their large outdoor venue featuring more than 200 well-spaced tables. Hand sanitizer and facemasks are available at every event and are encouraged.

“Our guests felt safe in our spacious outdoor Bavarian Gardens (at the St. Patrick’s Day event) and we got a lot of positive feedback,” Freund said. “We follow this weekend with our upcoming Bierfest, and fully expect the same great time to be had by all. With the expanding vaccination program, we feel that we will be able to host Oktoberfest in a safe manner and bring this fine tradition back to our community.”

Bauer said many members of the GASC have already received vaccinations and staff is taking extra precaution when it comes to distributing food and drink. “GASC’s membership is rapidly progressing toward herd immunity thanks to widespread vaccinations among its ranks,” he said. “We are now exchanging pitchers in lieu of refilling and have discontinued our stein sales. All single serving cups as well as cutlery, plates and trays will be disposable. Our servers willingly wear masks and encourage the public to do the same.”

Admission to Bierfest is $5 and free for children 12 and under. Parking is free.

“Come on out with friends and family and have a fun day. We’re really excited to be back and share our famous Bavarian Gardens with the community,” Freund said.

The German American Club and Bavarian Gardens is at 2101 Pine Island Road.

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