South Euclid’s annual October Feast returns Saturday, Oct. 24, with free pumpkins, polka music, costume contests and a Jimmy Buffett tribute band — and with a new home. The free, family-friendly festival runs from noon to 5 p.m. at the South Euclid Food Truck Park, 4477 Rushton Road, a move from Bexley Park that gives organizers more room to spread out.
City parks and recreation director Daniel Subwick said the city loves the food truck park’s location in the downtown district, noting that the venue hosts South Euclid’s summer concert series and Rock the Block, with plenty of seating, a fire pit area and a pavilion for live entertainment. Activities will fill the park and spill into a portion of the surrounding street, and a heated tent will be available under the pavilion if the weather turns chilly.
The free pumpkins remain a centerpiece. The South Euclid Giant Eagle and the Mayfield and Green Marc’s each donate two bins of pumpkins, continuing a tradition that began with Pumpkins in the Park, which ran from 2016 to 2019, merged with Harvest Fest, and became October Feast in 2021. The pumpkins are free while supplies last, and organizers try to make sure every family gets at least one to take home for carving or decorating.
Music runs through the afternoon. The Polka Pirates kick the festival off, playing from noon to 2 p.m., followed by the day’s contests, and then Cheeseburgers in Paradise, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, takes the stage with the late singer’s island rock songs. Subwick called the tribute act fun, entertaining and energetic, giving fans a chance to sing along beneath the pavilion.
Three contests, each carrying a $250 cash prize, are among the day’s highlights: a dog costume contest sponsored by One South Euclid, a human costume contest for individuals or groups that starts with children before moving to teens and adults, and a stein-holding contest that tests how long participants can hold a filled stein straight out in front of them. Subwick said the shaking and sweating start within the first 30 seconds, and that the challenge quickly becomes a matter of mind over matter.
Food and shopping round out the afternoon. The Pierogi Lady returns with traditional and vegan pierogies, Franks ‘N Shakes offers hot dogs, brats, nachos and milkshakes, You Enjoy My Donuts is new this year with fresh doughnuts and hot coffee, and Great Lakes Brewing Co. will sell its Oktoberfest. About 20 local makers and vendors will set up through the Indie Green Market, and families will find a bounce house, an inflatable slide, face painting, a bubble performer and a mobile gaming truck, plus free tree saplings from the South Euclid Tree Commission.
Admission to October Feast is free and open to anyone, with food, beer and vendor items available for sale. A fall-themed photo display will offer a backdrop for seasonal pictures. Subwick said the aim is simple: to give people a welcoming place to gather, enjoy the season and have some fun together before winter arrives in Northeast Ohio.