ICT BloktoberFest 2017 - Oct. 13 & 14

October 11, 2017

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ICT Bloktoberfest is Wichita's biggest fall party, with two days of entertainment, food and festivities. 2017's Bloktoberfest is Friday, Oct. 13 and Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Wichita Waterwalk Plaza in downtown Wichita. The family friendly event is free to attend, though some events have an admission fee.

This is the second year for the event, which has relocated from Union Station after a wildly successful inaugural year.

“It's not your average Oktoberfest,” said Crystal McDonald, one of the event’s founders. “We combined the best of a traditional block party with an Oktoberfest flair.”

Here's what to expect:

When is ICT Bloktoberfest?

Friday, October 13 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, October 14th from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. There are a number of events throughout each day, see the full schedule below.

ICT Bloktoberfest Tickets

What is Bloktoberfest?

It's Wichita's block party to end all block parties. The event is free to attend, and will feature live music, a car show, lawn games, giveaways, Wiener dog races and other activities.

“We feel like there is definitely a growing need for fun, family-friendly, and free community-based activities in downtown Wichita. Our event offers something for everyone from young to old, which is what I think is great about this event.” McDonald said.

In addition to the free activities, tickets can be purchased for a beer sampling and sausage sampling event.

Sausage Tasting - $25
It’s not a true Oktoberfest without sausage, right? At BloktoberFest, 13 local businesses put their sausage to the test for the title of King Wiener, and you get to help choose the wiener! Oops, I mean winner. Let your voice be heard and your belly is full by participating in the event’s sausage tasting.

Beerfest - $40
Also a staple of the traditional Oktoberfest celebration, beer will also play a big role in the second annual ICT BloktoberFest. Beerfest is on Friday, October 13th only (though beer will be sold at the Beer Garden on Saturday as well). Search for the best local and seasonal October beers at this exclusive tasting party.

Friendly Competitions
A hot dog eating contest will be held, so channel your inner Kobayashi and give it your best shot! If you’re more into drinking than eating, you can enter a beer belly contest. You can also test your endurance with a stein hoisting competition.

Wiener Dog Costume Contest and Wiener Dog Races
Wichita’s BloktoberFest will have a costume contest. No, not for people, but for weenie dogs! Talk about cuteness overload. The event also highlights wiener dog races, which is the best kind of race there is, obviously. That’s right, get excited.

Live Polka Music
The event will feature live polka bands to authenticate the Oktoberfest experience. A live DJ and local musicians “Groove 42” will also perform.

Food Trucks
Wichita's awesome food truck scene will be on full display. Eight food and dessert trucks will be at Bloktoberfest, offering a variety of food and snack options.

Battle of the Burger - $25
KETCH has partnered with Bloktoberfest this year to add Battle of the Burger to the evening lineup. Enjoy the best of Wichita’s Burger scene!

Walktoberfest
Saturday, October 14th at Waterwalk, prior to the Bloktoberfest activities. A 5K and a 1 Mile Fun Run with proceeds benefiting KETCH and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Furry Friends
This event is pet-friendly, so come prepared to make some new furry friends, and feel free to bring your pet along. Of course, only bring your pet if they're comfortable in large crowds.

A Chance to Give Back
A portion of the proceeds from BloktoberFest will benefit the local charity, Ketch. The Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped, Inc. (KETCH) has stood as a leader in the rehabilitation industry, serving over 30,000 individuals with disabilities.