Bexbach Bash | September First Fridays
Friday, September 5, 5 – 9 p.m.
Downtown Goshen comes alive with a fun and festive First Fridays version of Oktoberfest, celebrating our sister city in Germany!
An Oktoberfest stein holding contest, Hammerschlagen, live music, Goshen Brewing Company brews, and delicious delicacies, are just some of the exciting activities to be held on the Elkhart County Courthouse grounds.
Entertainment
Shopping specials, entertainment, and delicious foods and drinks, including Bavarian brews and delicacies, are on the Oktoberfest agenda, and an Oktoberfest costume contest adds to the fun! And be sure to check out the Volkswagen Showcase happening on Main!
Enjoy free entertainment from the Miller Poultry Main Stage, and presented by the Elkhart County CVB!
- 5:30 – 6 p.m. – Rebel Noire and the Accomplices
- 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Jake Miller and the Midwest Heat
- 8 – 9 p.m. – Grupo Marca Grande
Look out for Janus Motorcyles while on the festival grounds! There, you can find and play the classic German game Hammerschlagen (18+) all while checking out their bikes! And don’t forget to dress in your best dirndl or lederhosen for a chance to be entered into the Bexbach Bash Costume Contest! Those wishing to participate can enter anytime between 6 and 7 p.m. in the Beer Garden. Costumes will be judged based on theme appropriateness, family-friendly (no obscene imagery or profanities), creativity, and overall aesthetic. Winners will be contacted following the event.
Food and Drink
Area restaurants will feature a selection of summertime food and drinks. The First Fridays Beer Garden, hosted by Goshen Brewing Company, will be open to satiate your thirst. Make sure to sign up for the 21+ Stein-Holding Contest while you hang out in the beer garden! And don’t forget the many food trucks—there’ll be no shortage of ways to fill your belly at the Bexbach Bash!
- Stop by Maple City Market for cold drinks, ice cream, deli meals, and Co-op Deals for back to school.
- Ten Thousand Villages will have samples of a German favorite: Potato Salad! Made with Soup of Success Dill Dip mix sold in store!
Food trucks, including member businesses Tropicana Ice Cream, Wiener Shack, and Shirley’s Popcorn, will be out again this month!
Kids Activities
Bring the entire family to experience this family-friendly event. Bexbach Bash will feature a variety of activities for kids; including free crafts. The Chill Zone, presented by DJ Construction and the Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart County, will have games and snacks on hand to entertain all visiting young adults!
- Head next door to the Chill Zone to sign up for the youth Stein-Holding Contest (ages 6 to 12). Water only in these steins!
- Drop by Garden City Church for free family activities and crafts!
- Hive of Light will host Kevin Long, who will have balloon animals and magic tricks!
Be sure to pick up a Lotería Card at participating businesses Tropicana Ice Cream, The Green Bee, Goshen Historical Society, I M SHE, El Imperial, The Nut Shoppe, Catitude Cafe, Ten Thousand Villages, South Side Soda Shop, Hollywood Fade, and Maple City Market, in collaboration with the Hispanic Heritage Market happening on September 13th.
Downtown Business Promotions
As the end of summer approaches, stores offer Labor Day sales and show off their new fall releases.
- Tour the Goshen Historical Society’s Bexbach installation to learn more about Goshen’s sister city in Germany!
- Join Fables Books for an evening of inspiring storytelling with three incredible Indiana authors whose work explores hidden truths, personal transformation, and unshakable faith: Jamie Ward, Louise Gaghan, and Pebbles Wireman.
- Enjoy 30% summer clothing at Woldruff’s Apparel.
- Welcome Catitude Cafe to the neighborhood! Both their cat lounge and gift shop will be open for business!
- Elephant Bar will host a vintage market featuring vintage clothing, jewelry, and more from 5 to 11 p.m.
- Go thrift with ReFind Consignment and take advantage of 50% off spring and summer clothing, and 25% off designer items.
- Check out the new fall releases at I M SHE.
Be sure to check out our member booths on the Courthouse Lawn: Fused 508, Giving Tree Massage, and DN3D Prints!
Map Key: 1. Food Trucks | 2. Miller Poultry Main Stage | 3. Chill Zone | 4. Information Table | 5. Face-Painting | 6. Youth Stein-Holding Contest | 7. Volkswagen Showcase Entrance | 8. Volkswagen Showcase | 9. 21+ Stein-Holding Contest, Costume Contest | 10. Goshen Brewing Co. Beer Garden | 11. Hammerschlagen | 12. Well-Crafted Artisan Showcase | 13. Goshen Health Mother’s Tent
Thank You September First Fridays Sponsors!
Downtown Goshen Inc. and First Fridays are here to celebrate Goshen and the wonderful arts and community that we share. That means that if you attend an event in downtown Goshen, your image might appear in a future celebration of that event or a promotion of one of our future events. This is because our community is the most essential part of First Fridays! We pride ourselves in being an organization that celebrates everyone and will do our best to present you in the best way possible. We are incredibly proud and happy that you enjoy our events and that you are part of our fantastic community! Thank you for joining us at First Fridays and having fun in downtown Goshen.
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