WestoberFest Draws Biggest Crowd Ever!
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The ninth annual WestoberFest organized by Westport Downtown Association drew its biggest crowd ever to Elm Street on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The great attendance occurred even though there were two other major events in Westport that same day and time, Earthplace Fall Fest and the Slice Of Saugatuck.
Attendees were able to sample craft beers for every palate with over 20 breweries and more than 50 local and regional brews available to enjoy. There was a nice selection of foods as well including the Blind Rhino food truck.
Entertainment included the first ever hosen-off, which gave men the stage to strut in their finest lederhosen.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
One Bad Oyster again performed on stage after being a big hit at last year's event.
Lonnie Quinn returned for the third time as host and emcee and his duties included running the "balance your beer stein" competition.
Three brave women took took up the challenge performing a variety tests of balancing a beer stein while making different moves designed to force one to spill their beer. It came down to two contestants who displayed great balance and flexibility and were able to hold their beer steady for each test creating a tie.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The crowd was focused on every move of the "balance the beer stein" contest, waiting to see who would prevail.
In the end the winner was decided by which of the two contestants could chug the full stein the fastest. Lily Williams from Maine, blue cap who was visiting family in town showed her chugging ability was on par with her balancing skill and raised her empty stein in victory.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
This year, Westoberfest partnered with 3 art schools providing games and activities for the whole family. We’re not sure who came up with the “throw the ball into the pot”, but it WAS popular!
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
No matter what event we cover in Westport, there is never a shortage of awesome four-legged attendees.
The magnificent canine at the right is a long haired Akita, a Japanese breed which once guarded royalty. The can cost from $1,000 to $2,000 or more, yet this beauty, who was certainly a center of attention, was actually a rescue who had spent some time living on the street.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.