CRESTVIEW, Fla., Oct. 2, 2025—The Crestview History Museum will celebrate Oktoberfest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 11.

The museum’s observance on its October Second Saturday opening features displays of various beer-drinking vessels inside the almost-century-old Bush House, re-monikered Das Busch Haus, for the day. 

Outside, colorful flags of German länder—federal states—will adorn the house.

Other temporary displays look at various aspects of German and Bavarian culture, such as models of German castles and artifacts from German history, including its dark Third Reich and East Germany days.

These exhibits will be up through October.

Free samples of traditional German cuisine will be available, such as brezen (pretzels), Lebkuchen (spice cookies) and Spezi (a popular soft drink that is half cola, half orange soda) will be available in the kitchen. Donations are welcome.

Visitors are encouraged to dress for Oktoberfest for their museum visit and while there, sample the cuisine, listen to German music and greet Berliners Tillman Fischer and his son, Jonah, who are visiting Crestview friends for two weeks. Visitors should feel free to ask the Fischers questions about German history and culture.

Upcoming Second Saturday openings are “A Salute to America’s Military” in honor of Veterans Day Nov. 8, and “Christmas at the Bush House” Dec. 13.

The Crestview History Museum is in the historic Bush House located at 198 South Wilson St. and is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. most second Saturdays of the month. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call the museum at 850-395-5459.

Brian Hughes, City of Crestview cultural services specialist