Pumpkins, polka, and Cheeseburgers in Paradise: South Euclid’s October Feast returns
Tom Todd strumming and singing the Parrothead tunes for Cheesburgers in Paradise.
Fall is in the air, and the City of South Euclid’s annual October Feast will be serving up a little bit of everything—from free pumpkins and creative costume contests to polka music, fresh doughnuts, and a Jimmy Buffett tribute band.
The annual community celebration returns Saturday, Oct. 24, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., with a new home at the South Euclid Food Truck Park, 4477 Rushton Road, South Euclid 44121.
The move from Bexley Park gives organizers of the popular fall festival more room to spread out, with activities filling the park and spilling into a portion of the surrounding street. The venue, which hosts the city’s summer concert series and Rock the Block, offers plenty of seating, a fire pit area, and a pavilion for live entertainment.
“We love the food truck park,” says South Euclid Parks and Recreation director Daniel Subwick. “We love its location in the downtown district. Obviously, it’s the site of Rock the Block. We have a full summer schedule with music and food trucks. It’s really a great place to hold events.”
While city officials changed the location this year, the ingredients that make October Feast a community favorite remain:lLive music, local vendors, family-friendly activities, three contests—each with $250 cash prizes—and free pumpkins from Giant Eagle and Marc’s.
Joe Strukel of the Polka PIrates.Pumpkins, polka, and a little island spirit
For attendees who want to bring home a little Halloween spirit, the free pumpkins are a big draw, says Subwick. Each store donates 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 ultimately became October Feast in 2021.
The pumpkins are free while supplies last, and organizers do their best to make sure every family gets at least one to take home for carving or decorating.
October Feast offers a mix of music, with The Polka Pirates kicking things off with lively music, followed by the afternoon’s costume and stein-holding contests. Then, the Jimmy Buffett tribute band Cheeseburgers in Paradise will take the stage with Buffett’s well-known island rock songs.
“They’re really fun, entertaining, energetic, tribute band,” Subwick says.
The band plays all of Buffett’s hits—giving fans a chance to sing along and keep the late musician’s music alive. Performances will take place beneath the Food Truck Park pavilion, with a heated tent available if the weather turns chilly.
“We have big heaters, and if we need to, we’ll close up the walls and we’ll make it toasty in there,” Subwick says. “So everybody has a place to warm up.”
The costume contests—for both humans and pets—are highlights of South Euclid's October Feast.Three contests, three chances to win $250
Subwick says the contests are one of the highlights of October Feast, bringing out the creativity and competitive spirit that make South Euclid’s festivals memorable. The three contests include a dog costume contest, a human costume contest for individuals or groups, and a stein-holding contest.
“I think the contests are the favorite,” he says. “It’s great to see the community come together and just have fun and be silly for that little brief time together.”
The dog costume contest, sponsored by One South Euclid, invites four-legged festivalgoers to show off their Halloween best. The human costume contest starts with children before moving on to teens and adults, with judges narrowing the field until one individual or group takes home the prize.
Past entries have included elaborate group costumes—including one family that won the cash price for coming dressed as the characters from “Little Shop of Horrors.” Subwick says it is always exciting to see what participants come up with.
The third competition tests endurance with the stein-holding contest. Participants hold a filled stein out in front of them for as long as possible, competing for the $250 prize. It may look easy at first, but the challenge quickly becomes apparent.
“Within the first 30 seconds, you start to see people shaking and sweating,” Subwick says. “You quickly realize it doesn’t matter how big and strong you are. It’s definitely a mind-over-matter situation.”
The contest is difficult, he adds, but it’s all in good fun. Subwick says participants can always put down their steins if they have had enough and let the others keep going.
Trucking in fall flavors
October Feast’s food lineup offers plenty of both sweet and savory options for hungry festivalgoers.
The Pierogi Lady offers a variety of pierogi's, including vegan options.The Pierogi Lady returns this year with her popular pierogies—served with both traditional and vegan options—while
You Enjoy My Donuts is new to October Feast, bringing fresh donuts and hot coffee. Great Lakes Brewing Co. also will sell its Oktoberfest, adding another Oktoberfest touch to the event.
Additionally, about 20 local makers and vendors will set up shop through Indie Green Market, where visitors can browse locally made goods and buy gifts for friends and family as the holiday shopping season approaches.
Let’s Play
Families will find plenty to keep younger visitors entertained, including a bounce house, an inflatable slide, face painting, a bubble performer, and a mobile gaming truck.
It's all fun and games at South Euclid's October Feast!Blue Rose Entertainment’s Allison Marie will return to October Feast with face painting, while the Let’s Play Mobile Gaming truck will have video games, its inflatables, and Nerf ball games.
The South Euclid Tree Commission will distribute free tree saplings, giving residents a live gift that will keep growing long after the pumpkins have been carved and the Halloween decorations come down.
You Enjoy My Donuts.A fall-themed photo display will give guests a backdrop for seasonal photos, while the fire pit and other seating provide places to take a break between activities.
October Feast is open to anyone looking to celebrate the fall season in South Euclid. Admission is free, with food, beer, and vendor creations available for sale.
Subwick says he just wants to give people a welcoming place to gather, enjoy the season, and have some fun together.
Whether you come for the free pumpkins, the costume contests, the food trucks, or a little Jimmy Buffett singalong, October Feast offers plenty of ways to celebrate the season.
The free festival welcomes everyone to enjoy a fall afternoon filled with food, music, and community fun at the Food Truck Park in downtown South Euclid on Oct. 24 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
