A Beloved Tradition Returns:

Geier’s Oktoberfest Comes Back to the Gulf Coast

After more than a decade, one of the region’s most anticipated cultural celebrations is making its return. Geier’s Oktoberfest will be held October 4–5, 2025, at The Yard at South Bay, Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa.

Presented in partnership with the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, The Yard, the Hernando DeSoto Crewe, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, and the Sarasota German Car Club, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable weekend filled with authentic food, drinks, music, and hospitality for the whole community.

What to Expect

Festival highlights include:

Authentic Flavors – Traditional Bavarian fare handcrafted by Geier’s Sausage Kitchen.
Raise a Stein – Enjoy specialty brews and cocktails from Gold Coast Eagle Distributing and the Marriott mixology team. (Guests are encouraged to bring their own steins!)
Live Entertainment – Performances by the Manni Daum Trio and Tahja International Productions, featuring traditional German music and dance.
German Car Show – The Sarasota German Car Club will showcase classic and modern German automobiles (Saturday, Oct. 4, 11 AM–3 PM).
Family Fun – The Kinderecke Kids Corner, sponsored by Early Learning of Manatee County, along with artisan vendors and festive games.
Special Offer – 20% off accommodations at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, October 3–4 (Use promo code E6780).
Free Admission & Parking – Making it easy for the whole community to join in the fun.

A Family Legacy

For the Geier family, Oktoberfest is more than a festival—it’s a living tradition rooted in nearly a century of family history. It began in 1926 when Gustav Geier opened a butcher shop in Selb, Germany. His son Karl, a Master Sausage Maker, and wife Gisa later brought that heritage to Sarasota, founding Geier’s Sausage Kitchen in 1981.

Today, the legacy continues with their daughter Caroline and granddaughters Nakita and Sierra, who now lead daily operations—four generations strong.

“We are thrilled to bring Geier’s Oktoberfest back to the community,” said Nakita Chadwick, granddaughter and operations manager. “It’s not only a chance to celebrate Bavarian culture—it’s a way for us to share our family’s heritage and thank the community that has supported us for more than 40 years.”