Beam Me Up, Philly: Star Trek Themed Spocktoberfest Added to 12th Annual Roxtoberfest
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Roxborough Development Corporation announces the return of one of the neighborhood's most cherished fall traditions and one of its largest street festivals. The 12th Annual Roxtoberfest will be held on Saturday, October 5th from 12:00pm to 6:00pm, with a rain date set for Sunday, October 6th. The beloved signature festival brings together the best of family-friendly fall harvest celebrations paired with the traditional feel of a German beer fest including live music, local beer, 100+ vendors, food and drink, food trucks, pet costume contest, Oktoberfest costume contest, cemetary tours, family fun and more. This year, look for the addition of a new Star Trek themed Spocktoberfest with performances by the Roddenberries, a cosplay costume contest and a Star Trek themed vendor marketplace. Also new this year, look for the addition of a Scarecrow Walk and voting for best scarecrow in partnership with Friends of Gorgas Park. Roxtoberfest will take place on Ridge Avenue between Lyceum Avenue and Leverington Avenue, with a Scarecrow Walk extending from Leverington Avenue to Hermitage Street, connecting the family fun at Gorgas Park. Don your best pair of lederhosen, sip on New Ridge Brewing Co. beer, and join us for one of the neighborhood’s most cherished fall traditions. The event is no charge and open to the public, with food and drink pay-as-you-go. Visit www.roxboroughpa.com/events and follow @roxboroughpa for more information.
"We are thrilled to host the 12th annual Roxtoberfest, Roxborough's beloved fall street festival! This event is a true celebration of our amazing community, bringing together friends and family to enjoy the vibrant spirit of Roxborough. Join us for a day of fun, food, and festivities as we highlight everything that makes our neighborhood special," said Roxborough Development Corporation Executive Director Jax Cusack.
She added, We are excited to introduce Spocktoberfest to the Roxborough community as part of our expanding Roxtoberfest. This event is a celebration of creativity, fandom, and community spirit. We look forward to seeing everyone come together to enjoy a day dedicated to one of the most beloved sci-fi franchises."
“The Roxborough Development Corporation is thrilled to bring the 12th annual Roxtoberfest to life,” said Roxborough Development Corporation Board President JoAnn Desper. “Each year, this street festival grows bigger and better, drawing attendees from across the region to experience the vibrant spirit of Roxborough. We can't wait to showcase the heart of our community and celebrate together!”
Roxtoberfest started off in 2013 as a small neighborhood street festival by the RDC with help from community partners, businesses and sponsors. It has grown each year to become one of the most well-known fall festivals in the region. The festival has always focused on a family-friendly atmosphere welcoming neighbors and visitors to the "Oktoberfest" themed fest. While there is German beer, music, decor and contests, the festival has continued to grow and expand, adding everything from a pet costume contest, to a full music line-up and much more.
NEW - FIRST EVER ROXBOROUGH SPOCKTOBERFEST
Beam me up, Scottie! Go to where no human has ever gone before. New this year to Roxtoberfest is Roxborough’s inaugural Spocktoberfest, a unique celebration of fall and fandom, set to take place on DuPont Street This exciting new event will feature a variety of vendors catering to Star Trek fans, fan clubs from all fandoms and a no charge to enter cosplay costume contest. Come ready to jam with out-of-this-world tunes from the Roddenberries - the Galaxy's premiere sci-fi party band. Come out for this celebration of Spock, Kirk and all things fandom! (See a full bio for the Roddenberries below.)
NEW - SCARECROW WALK AND SCARECROW BUILD
This year Friends of Gorgas Park are bringing back their scarecrow making event! The RDC and Friends of Gorgas Park are partnering to connect the two events with sidewalk activations including a scarecrow walk with voting for best scarecrow! This is one of the added features to make Roxtoberfest the largest in its history with more to do, more to see and more to explore than EVER before.
NEW - MINI CAR SHOW
Enjoy vintage rides with Roxborough's own Ridge Runners Car Club by the entrance of the Leverington Avenue Cemetery
KEG TAPPING
New Ridge Brewing Co. will present the keg to be tapped at the Leverington Stage at 12:30pm with a firkin of New Ridge's popular Oktoberfest beer called Festbier.
OKTOBERFEST COSTUME CONTEST
Prepare to embrace the rich traditions and vibrant fashion of Roxborough type of Bavaria at the Roxtoberfest's Lederhosen and Dirndl Contest! This exciting event invites you to showcase your best Bavarian attire, whether you're sporting a dashing pair of Lederhosen or a stunning Dirndl dress. Registration: To participate in this celebration of Bavarian culture and style, make your way to the RDC table conveniently located at 6120 Ridge Avenue and sign up. Judging will take place at the Lyceum Stage Please sign up by 3:00pm.
BEER STEIN HOLDING CONTEST
Flex your guns at the contest of strength and endurance at the MGMT Residential Main Stage on Lyceum at 3:30pm and 4:45pm. Prizes included.
COSPLAY COSTUME CONTEST
Get ready to beam up your creativity at our Star Trek costume contest! To participate in this celebration of Fandom culture and style, make your way to the RDC table conveniently located at 6120 Ridge Avenue and sign up. Judging will take place at the Lyceum Stage, so please sign up by 3:00pm and join us for an out-of-this-world experience!
PET COSTUME CONTEST
Get ready for a day of furry fun and fabulous costumes at the Roxtoberfest Pet Costume Contest! Whether your pet is a spooky sensation, a charming character, or a whimsical wonder, this event is the perfect opportunity to showcase your pet! Registration: To join in on the excitement, simply register at the RDC table located at 6120 Ridge Avenue. Upon registration, you'll receive a unique number that will help identify your pet during the contest.
KIDS ZONE
Roxtoberfest Kid Zone this year will be featured in the Roxborough Pocket Park.Relax as your little ones get their faces painted, play with gigantic bubbles, lawn games and enjoy story time with Flyleaf the Book Fairy from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.
CEMETERY TOURS
Leverington Cemetery will offer tours at 1pm and 3pm. Meet at the front gate and Don Simon will be sharing haunting historical stories from Roxborough's past.
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
Come ready for a full day of live entertainment, music and performances. The schedule for 2024 is as follows so far - with more details and line-ups to come:
Live Music
MGMT Residential Main Stage on Lyceum Avenue:
12:00pm– 12:45pm: The Galena Brass Band
12:45pm – 1:30pm: Action Karate and Jeanette’s School of Dance
1:40pm – 2:20pm: Pretzel Park Theater Co
2:30pm – 3:30pm: Galena Brass Band
3:45pm – 4:45pm: The Providers
5:00pm – 6: 00pm: The Roddenberries
RoxYunk Porchfest Stage on Leverington Avenue:
12:00pm - 12:45pm: The Band Joe
1:15pm - 2:15pm: Justin Kerecz
2:30pm -3:15pm: Lazer Shark
3:45pm - 4:30pm: Fonvery
5 :00pm - 5:45pm: Moon Poodle
FOOD AND DRINK
For food and drink options on the street, festival-goers should come hungry and thirsty for food trucks, restaurants and breweries serving outside, including:
* Pumpkin and Oktoberfest Beer featured by beer partner New Ridge Brewing Co.
* Canned cocktails from Top Tails Distillery
* The Clean Plate Club | Chef-driven food truck featuring seasonal and local produce
* A Taste of Philly | Classic Philly treats … with a twist
* The Little Sicilian | Bite-sized arancini in a variety of flavors
* Taqueria Dos Hermanos | Delicious Mexican plates from a beloved food cart
* Humpty's Dumplings | Savory dumplings with a variety of fillings
* Frios Gourmet Pops | Gourmet ice pops
* Taqueria Los Gallos| Gourmet tacos and more
* Philadelphia Tropical Treats | Tropical fruit bowls
* Delhi Street Bakery |
* Deke’s BBQ | Savory sandwiches and plates
* Mr Burger’s Best in Town | Burgers
* Dunkin’ Community Cruiser | Coffee
* Laughing Crab Catering
* Mike’s BBQ | Fresh-smoked barbecue
Restaurants along the festival footprint open for dine-in, take-out and festival features will include:
* White Yak
* Taylor’s Cafe
* Santucci's Roxborough
* Roma’s Pizza
* Dream House Asian Bistro
ARTISTS, MAKERS, COMMUNITY GROUPS AND VENDORS
Beyond food and drink options, come ready to shop from local small businesses, artists and makers, plus meet local community groups. Vendors will include:
* Joan By J. Soap Creations | Artisan Handmade Soaps
* Whinnies Barkery & Pet Boutique | Pet Items
* The Metz Art Gallery | Artwork
* Jay McQuirns | Artwork
* Art History 101 | Clothing
* Crimson Fox | Graphic Designer
* Lily Lough Jewelry | Jewelry
* BWE Boutique | Candles & Concrete Decor
* CeCe Sews | Clothing
* kkmjstudio | Home Decor
* SunnyAyreCrafts & Arts and Feels | Art, Home Decor, Accessories, Jewelry
* Build-a-Balloon | Balloon Art
* Sow & Sew | Boutique Truck
* Anchor & Spruce | Artwork
* Color & Flame Handmade | Candles & Bath Products
* Phannies | Accessories/Bags
* BUDDERTOOL, LLC | Home decor
* Heartfelt Creations by Lisa | Jewelry
* Ninimosi Designs | Jewelry
* Thrive Flower | Beauty & Wellness Products
* Molly Rose Post Jewelry | Jewelry
* Zhang Sah | Martial Arts
* Tiebro handmade bow ties | Bow ties for people and pets
* Love City Shirts | Clothing
* Pals Socks | Elegant Socks
* Art History 101 | Famed graphic tees and clothing
* Jay McQuirns | A legend of the Philadelphia comic scene
* isRiel Handmade | Hair and beauty products
* Champagne on a Wednesday | Jewelry
* JK Custom Apparel | Clothing
* Carter James, Co. | Jewelry
* Wyntermade | Kid’s and baby clothes
* Purrfect Handcrafted Soaps | Handmade soaps
* Hammy’s Workshop | A local Roxborough business
* Wicked and Wild Stitch Co. | Hand-embroidered art
* All American Gutter Protection | Home services
* Native Crafts | Artwork
* M&A Fashion | Clothing
* T-Mobile | Phones and More
* Pressed Vibrations | Artwork
* Beelinked Permanent Jewelry | Jewelry
* Rawk U School of Music | Music Classes
* TickleMutt | Pet Goods
* The Red Barnacle | Artwork
* Fennel & Thyme Co | Artwork
* Saint Rocco’s Treats | Pet Goods
* Quilted Lancaster | Quilts
* Natasha Lynne Studios
* Black Bunny Skincare | Beauty and Bath
* First Tee- Greater Philadelphia
* State Representative Tarik Khan
* Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association
* Manayunk-Roxborough Art Center
* Friends of the Roxborough Library
* CityLight Church
* Intercommunity Action
* Village on the Ridge
* The Block Church
* Palestine Palestine Roxborough Lodge No. 135 F&AM
* Bethany Christian Services
* Zhang Sah
* Girl Scouts of Eastern PA
CONNECT AND THANKS
Roxtoberfest is organized by Roxborough Development Corporation, with support from major sponsors MGMT Residential, European Wax Center, Independence Blue Cross, New Ridge Brewing Company, Anastasio Trucking Company, Roxborough Memorial Hospital, and Comcast/Xfinity.
Website: www.roxboroughpa.com/events/roxtoberfest-2024
Facebook/Instagram: @roxboroughpa
Hashtags: #Roxtoberfest #RoxboroughPA #Spocktoberfest
TRAVEL AND PARKING
By Car - Just across the Schuylkill from I-76, Roxborough is easy to reach by car. The drive is 11 minutes from Chestnut Hill, 19 minutes from University City, and 22 minutes from Center City Philadelphia. It is just over 20 minutes from the shopping hub in King of Prussia and less than half an hour from the Philadelphia International Airport. For parking, two parking lots are available for convenient access to the festival, one at 465 Leverington Avenue and the other at 514 Dupont Street.
By Bike - The scenic, riverside Kelly Drive makes biking to Roxborough from Center City an easy ride. Just ride north on the bike path beside the Schuylkill River until it hits Main Street in Manayunk. Then that will take you right through Manayunk and into the heart of Roxborough.
By Bus - An array of busses run right through Roxborough. The #9 runs from Center City to Andorra. The #27 goes from Plymouth Meeting Mall to Center City. The #32 will take you right from Roxborough to Center City via Philadelphia University. The #35 runs a Manayunk / Roxborough Loop. The #38 goes from 5th and Market to Wissahickon. And the #65 goes from Germantown / Chelten to 69th St. Transportation Center.
By Train - Septa’s Manayunk/Norristown Regional Rail Line runs out to Roxborough, stopping at Wissahickon, Manayunk and Ivy Ridge.
ABOUT THE RODDENBERRIES
The Roddenberries have been featured on some of the biggest tv and radio stations. They’ve performed at multiple venues, conventions and events around the country; including Star Trek’s Official 50th Anniversary Convention, 55 & 57 Year Mission Conventions and ST-LV: Trek to Vegas Convention all at The Rio Las Vegas and the 56 Year Mission Convention at Bally's Las Vegas; New York, Wizard World and Keystone Comic Cons, World Café Live, City Winery, The Landis Theater, planetariums, museums and colleges. They’ve been joined onstage by multiple celebrities and personalities, including Tim Russ, Ben Vereen, Rainn Wilson, Greg Grunberg, Robert Picardo, Bonnie Gordon, Star Trek’s Rod Roddenberry, J.G. Hertzler, Robert O’Reilly, Chase Masterson, Jeffrey Combs, Isa Briones, Tawny Newsome, Dawnn Lewis, Troy Baker, Wesley Eure, Kathy Coleman, Brian O'Halloran and Jeff Anderson.
The Roddenberries' versatility spans the realms of Star Trek, Star Wars, sci-fi/fantasy, gaming, Dr. Who and superhero fiction in an effort to unite and entertain multiple generations of fans throughout the Nerd-o-Sphere. From artful recreations of movie and tv scores to pop/rock/classics parodies, this fun, energetic troupe boldly goes where no Star Band has gone before in a unique spectacle of pop culture rock-n-roll theater, comedy, and pure sci-fi awesomeness!
ABOUT ROXBOROUGH
Roxborough is unique because of its history as one of America's oldest towns. Back in the 1600's it was a neighborhood of farms stretching from the clear waters of the Wissahickon Creek to the apex of Ridge Avenue. Now it has a more city-like appearance still with a small-town charm. It's close to the Wissahickon where many enjoy the trails and nature and close enough to hustle and bustle of the city for work and outings.
ABOUT ROXBOROUGH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
The Roxborough Development Corporation is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, economic development organization dedicated to enhancing and supporting the growth of the Roxborough neighborhoods and Ridge Avenue commercial corridor.
Find us on social media @roxboroughpa
Visit www.roxboroughpa.com/events for more information.
