Ready to Rocktoberfest

COMMUNITY CATALYSTS

As two of Rocktoberfest’s original cofounders, they outlasted the early crew. By year three, everyone else had moved on, but Joanna and Micole stayed committed to rallying the community around music, the arts, and food while supporting the Millburn Education Foundation (MEF). In 2015, what began as a teen “Battle of the Bands” idea evolved during a pivotal MEF planning session. They rebranded the event as the Grateful Ed Foundation for Rocktoberfest, even running a student logo contest for the debut. Building on past fundraisers like the high school’s Fall Fest and the gala-style Millburn Schools Rock, Joanna and Micole aimed for something different—a “friend-raiser” that pulled in all ages for music, shopping, the arts, and eats, all tied to philanthropy.

Inspired by local events like Maplewoodstock, they saw untapped potential in Millburn’s creatives, family bands, and festival fans. “This was our dream,” they say now, having attended countless events themselves. Ten years later, they’re mapping out the next decade.

Rocktoberfest’s breakout moment came in 2021, post-COVID and right after Hurricane Ida f looded the town. With only two months to plan and after disaster struck just weeks earlier, Joanna and Micole redirected volunteers to cleanup efforts. The community stepped up, channeling that energy into the festival.

“It was exactly what we needed after the pandemic and floods,” they recall. Proceeds doubled compared with previous years, aid went to the victims, and the event delivered a much-needed dose of joy through tunes, art, and food.

A SKY FULL OF STARS

Rocktoberfest celebrates its 10th anniversary on Sept. 13 (rain date: Sept. 20), from noon to 10:00 p.m. The Bauer Main Stage will be headlined by Fix You, a top-tier Coldplay tribute band that channels the British rockers’ anthems—from “Yellow” and “Clocks” to the emotional punch of their namesake track, “Fix You.” They’ve become a go-to for fans craving stadium-level energy without the jet lag. They’ve packed venues like Montclair’s Wellmont Theater, and their appearance on E!’s “Clash of the Cover Bands” sealed the deal. “They’re the icing on the cake,” the co-founders say.

The rest of the lineup keeps the momentum across three additional stages: Riverside for an eclectic lineup of teen bands and dancers; the Low Sensory Stage (indoors) for quieter sets; and Boxcar Bar & Restaurant for all-day music leading into the after-party. With a genre mash-up of rock, pop, Bollywood, and beyond, there’s something for every ear.

GREATEST HITS

Staples like the Kid Zone keep drawing crowds, with rides like the Spinner now running until sundown due to demand—families love sticking around all day.

Visitors can also browse artisan and retail vendors and enjoy a food court featuring tasty treats from a wide variety of cuisines.

Newer additions—like last year’s hit, the Silent Disco—get a bigger footprint, with themed music and props. An upgraded Special Olympics New Jersey obstacle course joins the mix. The Inclusivity Zone, launched two years ago, offers acoustic music, quiet activities, and sensory-friendly options, and it has grown into a welcoming hub. “It’s encouraging how it’s expanded,” Joanna and Micole add. “We hope to include everyone in this event, even those for whom loud sounds can be intimidating.”

ROCK ON

Rocktoberfest has grown thanks to incredible community support—from township employees (the business administrator, police, fire department, Department of Public Works, and more) and community volunteers to the new team of more than 40 dedicated student interns from both public and private schools. “It is truly a team effort!” the co-founders share.

“When we introduce ourselves around town and Rocktoberfest comes up, we often hear stories about it being the official kickoff event of the school year,” they share. “We aspire to a time when attendees show up to claim their seats in front of the stage, and we think that’s a realistic goal.” For now, families have made it a beloved tradition—and that’s a win worth celebrating.

Check out www.rocktoberfest.millburnedfoundation.org for the full lineup.

BY EVE GOLDEN