Wilder Bowl will be converted into a biergarten today during the first annual Okt’Scoberfest at TGIF. The event, hosted by the Dionysus Disco, will take place from 4 – 7 p.m.

Students on the way to and from class this past week may have noticed a large white tent pitched outside of Mudd library. As opposed to other TGIF events, which are typically informal gatherings on the grass, Okt’Scoberfest will take place in the tent — one of several unique offerings students will not want to miss out on. In case of rain, the event will be held in the ’Sco.

For starters, ’Sco employees will be offering $1 bratwursts, a traditional German sausage. Non-meat options will also be available.

Additionally, the first 75 people to order a Great Lakes Brewery Oktoberfest beer will be given a free commemorative glass stein. The offer is a nod to the Great Lakes Brewing Company, a microbrewery headquartered in Cleveland. Though traditional German beverages are often served at Oktoberfest — a European tradition dating back to the nineteenth century — the ’Sco has decided to celebrate locally-crafted beer.

“This event is special because it’s the first in its history,” said College senior Julie Schreiber, who works at the ’Sco. “It’s important to participate in these kinds of events because they’re provided by students and for students. Also, no one does homework on a Friday afternoon, [so] why not have some fun.”

College senior Meg Parker is also convinced of the event’s important role in fostering community.

“I think it’s important for Oberlin students to engage in events like this because it builds community,” she said. “Events like TGIF, open mics at the Cat, and workshops in Wilder are all opportunities for us to build community. Events like Okt’Scoberfest can serve as a catalyst for building relationships between students across social communities.”

Both Parker and Schreiber acknowledged the importance of the event’s originators, College sophomore Will Hagan and senior Dan Nerenhausen, who took the lead on planning Okt’Scoberfest.

“They’re putting a huge push behind this and that’s what makes me so excited,” Parker said. “I love seeing students energized for things; that type of energy is contagious.”

In addition to being entertaining and energizing, it is also important to note that TGIF events — put on every Friday in Wilder Bowl, weather permitting — are completely free to attend.

“I always believe in seeing other cultures and experiencing them is important,” College first-year Estrella Gomez Hernandez said. “Experiencing the culture of another country makes you feel a slight connection or understanding with the people who live there.”

Oktoberfest — the event from which Okt’Scoberfest draws its name — has been a long-standing tradition in Munich since 1810. Originating from a Bavarian tradition, it’s categorized as a Volksfest — a German festival celebrated with all types of food, beer, and activities. In 2010, the festival, which is taking place this year Sept. 22 – Oct. 7, celebrated its 200th anniversary with a horse race complete with ceremonial attire.

Though there will be no horse race at Okt’Scoberfest — that we know of yet — there will be cornhole and other games, as well as live music. Attendees should also keep in mind that this is not the last event the ’Sco has planned for this fall. Indeed, the venue has a plethora of events and activities planned for the entirety of the fall semester.

“Okt’Scoberfest is really the kick-off event for us — we have a lot planned for Halloweek, stress relievers for midterms, and more,” Parker said in an email to the Review. “The staff knows that the ’Sco is a multi-purpose space and we’re hoping to showcase its variety this fall.”