Crisp fall air, the sound of live music drifting down Becher Street, the clink of steins and the scent of sizzling bratwurst... it can only mean one thing: Blocktoberfest is back.
On Saturday, Oct. 4 from noon to 8 p.m., the 5th Annual Blocktoberfest & Artisan Market will transform Becher Street (between 68th and 70th Streets) into a lively, family-friendly celebration of all things autumn.
A feast fit for fall
Food is at the heart of Blocktoberfest and this year’s lineup doesn’t disappoint. Station No. 6 is serving up hearty German fare, from bratwurst and pork schnitzel to full German dinners. Becher Meats will bring the smoke with BBQ plates, pork sandwiches and wings, while West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe, Wild Roots, Archie’s Flat Top, Scratch Ice Cream and The Bake Sale round out the menu with plenty of local flavor.
To kick things off, Lakefront Brewery will tap a free firkin at noon at the Station No. 6 Grilling Stand. It’s the perfect way to raise a glass to the season. And yes, there will be plenty of Oktoberfest beer flowing throughout the day.
Market finds & artisan flavors
Beyond the food stands, Blocktoberfest is also a chance to explore some of the area’s most creative makers and producers. The artisan market, curated by LitMKE, will feature
There will also be a curated selection of food vendors featuring items including craft chocolate (Tabal) and artisanal cheeses (Hill Valley Dairy, Burnett Dairy Cooperative, Alpinage) to unique treats like Carrie’s Crispies, Peanut Butter & Jelly Deli, Smokin T’s and Cream City Caramels. Shoppers can stock up on Wisconsin farm favorites, fresh-baked goods and small-batch specialties, making it part festival, part farmers market.
Music, kids’ fun & conviviality
Live music sets the tone all afternoon and evening, with Kid Elephant (12-2 p.m.), Driveway Thriftdwellers (3-5 p.m.) and Lost Orange Cat (6-8 p.m.) taking the stage. For families, a dedicated Kids Activity Area hosted by the West Allis-West Milwaukee Recreation Department ensures little ones can join in the fun.
At its core, Blocktoberfest is about more than food and music, it’s about neighbors gathering, local businesses showing off their wares and the simple joy of celebrating the season.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
.jpeg)
