Downtown Youngstown to host Octoberfest with kids activities

A free Halloween event for children will be Saturday at the Children’s Museum of the Valley.

THE VINDICATOR

YOUNGSTOWN — An Octoberfest will be held downtown Friday and Saturday, with food, beer and live German music.

The street festival will be held on Central Square and on Federal Street between Phelps Street and Wick Avenue. Traffic will be rerouted around Central Square and Phelps.

Downtown-area restaurants will set up food booths at the city-sponsored event. The Octoberfest is the first one the city has held since the early ’90s, according to Claire Maluso of the Office of Community Development.

The festival opens at noon and closes at 11 p.m. both days.

Six bands will provide music. On Friday, the Al Ray Combo will play from 3-4:30 p.m.; Del Sinchak Band, 5-7:30 p.m.; and Heimat Klang Band, 8:30-11 p.m.

On Saturday, the Youngstown Saxon Brass Band will play from 1-4 p.m.; Del Rezak Band, 5-7:30 p.m.; and Al Hreno Orchestra, 8:30-11 p.m.

The Heimat Klang and Saxon Brass bands will dress in traditional German Octoberfest costume.

Adding to the action Saturday will be Halloween Spooktacular at the Children’s Museum of the Valley from noon until 5 p.m.

Trick-or-treating, games and activities and a live bat presentation will be included. Children ages 2 to 12 are invited to come wearing their costumes.

Free parking is available in the USA Parking garage across from the museum.

The Children’s Museum is located at 139 E. Boardman St. Admission is free to both Octoberfest and Halloween Spooktacular.