NEWS

Framingham's Oktoberfest celebration returns Saturday at two downtown locations

Lillian Eden
MetroWest Daily News

FRAMINGHAM — Framingham’s Oktoberfest is back again from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, with organizers hoping for a sunny day to go along with cold beer and an artisans market.

“I think it will be a fun day out,” said Anthony Lucivero, executive director of Downtown Framingham Inc., the event's organizer. DFI is a nonprofit working to highlight local businesses and create a thriving downtown.

“It will be a great event for everyone… it’s family-friendly,” Lucivero added.

Oktoberfest festivities will be held in two locations: the Downtown Common and Framingham Station Steakhouse.

Downtown Common will have live music, organizations with information tables and an artisans market that will have more than 10 local vendors, including artists, knitters, the Framingham makerspace and a maker of vegan deserts.

More: Lucivero takes over as executive director at Downtown Framingham Inc.

There will also be a Halloween costume contest, with a $200 Wegmans gift card awarded for best costume.

Framingham Station Steakhouse will also host a beer garden. For those 21 and older, two drink tickets come with the $10 admission fee.

The Downtown Common will be one of the venues for this Saturday's Oktoberfest event in Framingham.

For Lucivero, who became DFI's executive director early last year, this is his second time organizing Oktoberfest. He said things are going much smoother this year, and that because the layout is different, people can browse artisans' offerings while enjoying live music. Artists' tents will be on the common.

Last year, the artisans market was on the steps of Memorial Hall plaza and "it was just very spread out,” Lucivero said.

The rain date for the event is Oct. 15. Lucivero said that he would make the call on Friday morning but for now the weather looks fine, if a bit chilly.

More:Whether it's to create or collaborate, MetroWest hobbyists have a place to go

“People will be moving around, so it won’t be too bad,” he said. “There will be tables for people to sit and relax and it should be a good time.”

Can’t get enough of fall? Here are some other upcoming fall- and Oktoberfest-themed events in MetroWest.

October Fest at DoubleTree Boston, Milford

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30 

Where: 11 Beaver St., Milford 

Website: https://tinyurl.com/2ek62mwc

If you go: There will be raffles, vendors, live music, food trucks and a cash bar. The event is also an opportunity to donate to the Milford Youth Center.  

Southborough Pumpkin Stroll and Heritage Day

When: Heritage Day is 10 a.m. top 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 10. Rain or shine.

Where: St. Mark’s Field at the intersection of Routes 30 and 85.

Website: www.southboroughma.myrec.com; www.mysouthborough.com; and www.facebook.com/events/rotary-club-of-southborough

If you go: There will be artisan and craft booths, as well as food trucks and local businesses. Pumpkins for the pumpkin stroll can be dropped off from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, and will be on display on Sunday. Pumpkins will be lined around the Old Burial Ground, starting on Common Street and ending at the corner of St. Mark's Street. The best time to view the lit pumpkins is from dusk onward.  

Ashland Corner Spot FallFest and other events

When: From 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15

Where: The Corner Spot, 6 Cherry St., Ashland

Website: www.thecornerspotashland.com

If you go: The Corner Spot in Ashland is a public hangout and pop-up business venue with events and shopping throughout the year. There will also be a beer garden from Oct. 21 – 23 hosted by Zelus beer company which is based in Medfield. The FallFest on Oct. 15 will feature face painting, food trucks, deserts and seasonal beer and wines from Wine Empire.