Magnolia’s community beer garden (“biergarten”) festival, Magtoberfest, is set to return for its fourth year on Sunday, October 13th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. After a busy summer, Magtoberfest welcomes the Fall season with food, music, and camaraderie.
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”) is also scheduled as a standing morning event of that same day, a lot of locals consider these events to be connected, heading from Manchester in the morning to Magtoberfest in the afternoon.
This year, Magtoberfest will feature 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.”
The festival will kick off at 10 a.m. with a classic car show, which has become a favorite among both auto enthusiasts and casual visitors. Throughout the day, a lineup of live music will keep the atmosphere lively, featuring three popular bands, including “Kicked off the Bus,” “The Midnight Buzz,” and the incredibly popular band “Funbucket” as the day’s headliner. Families will also find plenty to keep the kids entertained, including games, face painting, and activities hosted by Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team.
For food lovers, Lexington Avenue will be lined with an array of local food trucks, serving everything from pizza to ice cream. This includes 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 will showcase the work of over 20 artisans who will give attendees a jump on holiday gifts by browsing handmade goods and gifts.
For 21+ adults, the star of the show may well be the Notch Brewing beer truck, returning for another year to serve a range of fall brews in the biergarten.
This year, organizers have organized a free shuttle service from Gloucester’s Stage Fort Park provided by Beauport Transportation. This will give a two-fer benefit of alleviating parking congestion in Magnolia while also giving attendees safe transportation via a designated driver.
In the end, organizers are excited for an expanded version of Magtoberfest that doesn’t just raise money for a bedrock community organization like the Magnolia Public Library, but it also encourages visitors to downtown Magnolia and hope to support local restaurants and bars, like Magnolia 525 Tavern and JD & Meyers, which will be open throughout the event.
