JERSEYVILLE – A Jerseyville version of Oktoberfest returns this weekend, bringing German food, music and more to the American Legion Post #492.
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Strassenfest 2026 will be held this Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 at the Jerseyville American Legion grounds at 300 Veterans Parkway.
Commander Duane Montgomery with American Legion Post #492 said there was a strong turnout for last year’s Strassenfest, which marked the festival’s resurrection after long being discontinued. Strassenfest originally began in the early 1970s before previously ending in the 1980s.
“We have a German polka band, German beer, German food,” Montgomery said. “It’s similar to Oktoberfest, it’s just Jerseyville has always called it Strassenfest.”
Live musical acts will provide entertainment throughout the festival. The St. Louis Express Band (Polka) performs both nights from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by Soulshine Groove on Friday night and El Dread on Saturday night, both from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Hungry attendees can enjoy Bratwursts, German potato salad and sweet corn on the cob, as well as beverages sold on site. No outside drinks or coolers are allowed, but German-style attire is always encouraged.
“We did have a few people show up in lederhosen and German attire last year, which was really nice,” Montgomery said. “Our bartenders will be in costumes, dressed real nice in their dresses. There will be some lederhosen walking around.”
Both nights will also feature 50/50 raffles for German-style beer steins, with proceeds benefiting the American Legion. Montgomery said the drawing will take place after 52 raffle cards have been sold.
Montgomery said he remembers attending the festival as a child and seeing how the event brought together several community members. He hopes to recreate that sense of community connection and celebration with the now-annual Strassenfest.
More information about this year’s Strassenfest is available on the official Facebook event page or Riverbender.com/events.
