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2023 Oktoberfest: Music Dance and heaps more!

Be blown away by the electrifying entertainment at Emu Park Oktoberfest 2023! 

The Unstoppable “Kalendar Band” and Karen Williams (aka “Heidi”)

Leading the charge is the internationally renowned “Kalendar Band.” These multi-talented musicians not only create magic with their instruments but also share an unbreakable bond with the audience. Get ready for a whirlwind of excitement as they take the Oktoberfest stage. Picture this: OOMPAHPAH tunes, traditional Bavarian folk dancing, ringing cowbells, the haunting echoes of Swiss Alp horns, and the enchanting yodeling of Karen Williams, also known as “Heidi” the yodeling queen. From heartwarming German ballads to raucous beer-drinking anthems, they’ll have you knee-slapping, toe-tapping, and even trying your hand (or feet) at slap dancing, hat dancing, and yes, even chicken dancing! It’s a party you won’t want to miss.

Local Gems – “Dawn & The Sax” with Guitarist Peter Field

But wait, there’s more! Emu Park has its own local treasures – the dynamic duo “Dawn & The Sax.” Their musical prowess knows no bounds, spanning soul, R&B, jazz, pop, and rock. They’ll groove their way into your heart, and this year, they’re joined by the talented guitarist, Peter Field. Get ready to be mesmerized by their soulful melodies and infectious rhythms.

So, what are you waiting for? Join us for a fantastic day of non-stop entertainment, where you can let loose, hit the dance floor, and make unforgettable memories at Emu Park Oktoberfest 2023! It’s a celebration like no other.

The Raffle is Drawn on the DAY!

Raffle tickets, at $2.00 a ticket, will be selling at the festival with the raffle drawn at the festival at 6:00pm.  Winners will receive one of the following great prizes offered by our fantastic raffle sponsors:

1st prize
2 nights accommodation on Heron Island for 2 adults including breakfasts and transfers.

Value $1216

2nd Prize
2 nights accommodation at Great Keppel Island Hideaway for 2 adults, includes transfers.
Value $500

3rd prize
2 nights accommodation for 2 adults, at Oshen Apartments Yeppoon.
Value $470

DRAWN at OKTOBERFEST 6.00pm on Saturday 28/10/2023
TICKET PRICE $ 2.00

2023 Sponsors

  • Livingstone Shire Council
  • Stage & Audio
  • Absolute Waste
  • WIN
  • Channel 7
  • Channel 10
  • 4RO
  • Triple M
  • CQ Today
  • Heron Island
  • Oshen Apartments
  • GKI Hideaway
  • CDC Youngs Bus Service

Past entertainment

Sneaky Schnitzel:

Mike Barber &Nathan Parker [aka “Safe Sax”] –

Mike on vocal and guitars, a professional musician of 45 years and a mainstay of the Brisbane music scene.  Mike has created some of Queensland’s most successful acts and has played with and supported such artists as George Harrison, Sting, John Farnham, The Pointer Sisters, Wendy Mathews, Mental as Anything and many more;

Nathan on saxes/clarinet and vocals, a professional of 35 years with four instrument albums under his belt, and one of the best woodwind exponents in Australia.  Nathan has played with Glen Shorrock, Brian Cadd and is currently performing in a Blues Brothers, Bruce Springsteen and Dire Straits tribute band as well as Safe Sax.

Pete Neville with a wealth of performing experience both as a musician and as an MC/host has a background in theatre and live music, touring nationally and internationally.  Pete builds a rapport with his audience by bringing an energetic, comic, and professional delivery to lift any crowd.  He has speciality in Oktoberfest games and parties from years of  performing at the Lowenbrau in The Rocks in Sydney and at the Munich in Southbank, Brisbane and has toured with countless jazz and pop groups internationally as a professional drummer.

Scott Browne, also no stranger to the music industry, began his musical career by completing a Bachelor of Music and awarded most outstanding instrumentalist.  He formed his own music group touring the world for the past 20 years, performing at many 5-star hotels and ships, around Asia, America and Europe.  He can be regularly heard on radio and television in the capacity of brass player or composer/arranger.  Scott has also toured with countless orchestras and bands including being the musical director and keyboard player for the iconic Australian group “Little River Band”.

Dawn & The Sax:

Dawn is a very talented and experienced singer with great stage presence, a natural performer who interacts with the audience to create an exciting atmosphere.  Greg is a highly accomplished saxophone player with many years of experience.  He is a multi talented, passionate performer who also plays flute and harmonica, complimenting perfectly Dawn’s soulful vocals.

History of Oktoberfest:

The first Oktoberfest was not really a festival at all, but the public celebration of the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Bavaria who married on October 12, 1810.  All the residents of Munich were invited to the celebration that took place on October 17, 1810 on the grounds of The resienwiese (“Therese’s meadow” named in honor of the bride), a large meadow in Munich. The celebration featured a horse race, beer, food, music and dancing.  Anniversary celebrations continued each year, usually starting in late September and ending in the first week of October. Oktoberfests have been held in Munich for almost 200 years (with the exception of epidemics or war).