Magnolia’s community beer garden (“biergarten”) festival, Magtoberfest, returned for its fourth year this weekend. It was a rainy, cold morning on Sunday, but locals nevertheless turned out for the food, music, and camaraderie. Oh yes, and the beer.
Hosted by the Magnolia Library & Community Center, the event has become a bonified outdoor tradition that takes over Magnolia’s downtown Lexington Avenue. It’s typically scheduled for the Sunday of the long holiday weekend of Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day, and since Manchester’s Cardboard Boat Regatta (a.k.a., “Float or Die”) was also scheduled as a standing morning event of that same day, a lot of locals headed over from Manchester and around Cape Ann to downtown Magnolia.
This year, Magtoberfest featured a mix of local fare, live music, and family-friendly activities. The event stands out because it brings together elements of Magnolia’s tight-knit spirit. It’s also a significant fundraising opportunity for the Magnolia Library, a cornerstone for the neighborhood.
“There's just something about the crisp fall air and the sight of Lexington Avenue filled with people enjoying themselves that makes Magtoberfest special,” said Alana Horne, a member of the planning committee. “It’s the kind of day that reminds you why you love living in Magnolia.”
For food lovers, Lexington Avenue will be lined with an array of local food trucks, serving everything from pizza to ice cream. This included local favorites like Meat and Sweet Foods or a sweet treat from Holy Cow Ice Cream, both of Gloucester. Inside the library’s Jones Hall, the Cape Ann Makers Market showcased the work of over 20 artisans who gave attendees a jump on holiday gifts by browsing handmade goods and gifts.
