After more than a decade, Geier's Oktoberfest is making its long-awaited return. On October 4-5, 2025, The Yard at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Bavaria. This family-friendly festival brings German traditions to life with a local touch, filling the weekend with music, great food, and plenty of community spirit.
A Weekend of Celebration
The two-day event runs Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors can look forward to a full slate of activities, from lively performances to artisan shopping. Live entertainment includes the Manni Daum Trio and Tahja International Productions, both bringing authentic German music and dance to the stage throughout the weekend.
Adding to the excitement, the Sarasota German Car Club will host a showcase on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring both new and classic German automobiles. Guests can wander between the music, the car show, and the vendor booths, all while enjoying Bavarian specialties.
Food, Drinks, and Gemütlichkeit
Geier's Oktoberfest wouldn't feel right without classic German food, and Geier's Sausage Kitchen is bringing it front and center. The Geier family has made a name for themselves along the Gulf Coast with their handcrafted sausages, and this year they're serving up a menu that honors their heritage--bratwursts sizzling off the grill, warm pretzels straight from the oven, and plenty of hearty sides to go with it all
The beer tents and wine stations, provided in partnership with Gold Coast Eagle Distributing and the Marriott mixology team, will keep the steins full. Non-alcoholic options will also be available, making the event welcoming to all ages. Guests are even encouraged to bring their own steins to join in the spirit of tradition.
Something for Everyone
Families with kids will appreciate the dedicated Kinderecke Kids Corner, sponsored by Early Learning of Manatee County. The area will feature activities designed with younger guests in mind, so parents can relax while children play. Games and artisan vendors round out the weekend, ensuring there's something to enjoy for every age group.
Admission and parking are both free, making it easy for the community to join in. Visitors planning to stay the weekend can also take advantage of a special offer at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, with 20% off rooms on October 3-4 using promo code E6780.
A Legacy Four Generations Strong
Geier's Oktoberfest is more than an event for the Geier family--it's a continuation of a story that stretches back nearly a century. It began in 1926 when Gustav Geier opened a butcher shop in Selb, Germany. His son Karl and wife Gisa carried that tradition forward when they founded Geier's Sausage Kitchen in Sarasota in 1981. Today, their daughters Judy and Caroline, along with granddaughters Nakita and Sierra, carry on the business with the same dedication to authentic recipes and Old-World craftsmanship.
For the Geiers, bringing Oktoberfest back is as much about heritage as it is about hospitality. "It's not only a chance to celebrate Bavarian culture--it's a way for us to share our family's heritage and thank the community that has supported us for more than 40 years," said Nakita Chadwick, granddaughter and operations manager.
Event Details at a Glance
Location: The Yard at South Bay, Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa
Dates: Saturday, October 4 & Sunday, October 5, 2025
Hours: Saturday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. | Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Entertainment: Manni Daum Trio, Tahja International Productions, and the Sarasota German Car Club showcase
Food & Drink: Bavarian specialties from Geier's Sausage Kitchen, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options
Admission: Free (with free parking)
For updates and event details, follow Geier's Oktoberfest and Geier's Sausage Kitchen on Facebook.
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