Matt’s birthday trolley tour has already sold out! If you want to Rediscover Dunwoody, you’ll have to hop on next month’s ride. Mark Galvin from Discover Dunwoody joins Matt to talk about everything popping up around town—starting with those new steel gateway signs. He breaks down who paid for them, why they matter, and what they mean for the city’s future. The whole episode is really about what’s new.
Did you know High Street will eventually be even larger than Avalon? It’s gearing up to welcome Rosetta Bakery, Hampton Social, CRÚ Food & Wine Bar, Varuni Napoli, and Alo Yoga. Over at Campus 244, CT Cantina & Taqueria is drawing crowds with its chef-driven menu and hidden gem, Tierra Coffee. Stäge Kitchen & Bar is coming soon with upscale seafood, steak, and sushi. And Ashford Place is getting a big refresh with Stone Age Korean Steakhouse and Desi District moving in.
How Dunwoody Oktoberfest is Brewing Something Big for 2025
There’s a fresh buzz in the Dunwoody air, and it’s the excitement surrounding Dunwoody Oktoberfest 2025, happening Saturday, September 27 from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church. In this episode of the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast, host Matt Weber chats with Denice Dudley, the lead organizer behind the festival, and Katie Prellwitz, the main sponsor and creative force from Leverage Communications.
If you’re thinking about sponsoring the event, now is the time. Early sponsors will be included in all the pre-event marketing, especially during the high-visibility Dunwoody 4th of July Parade, which is being used as a launchpad to promote Oktoberfest. It’s a prime opportunity to get your brand in front of thousands of Dunwoody residents well before the festival date.
Together, Denice and Katie are turning a local tradition into a can’t-miss fall celebration, blending family-friendly vibes with authentic German flair. The episode dives deep into how the festival is growing, why community partnerships matter, and how this year’s marketing push through the Dunwoody 4th of July Parade sets the tone for a whole new level of engagement.
The Vision Behind Dunwoody Oktoberfest
Denice Dudley isn’t just organizing an event; she’s building a tradition. Dunwoody Oktoberfest began as a modest community get-together and has since evolved into one of the area's most anticipated fall festivals. With an expected attendance of over 5,000 residents, the event combines craft beer, live music, and activities for all ages. It’s family-forward but fun enough for adults, offering an Oktoberfest-style beer garden, food vendors, local artisans, and a festive kid zone.
This year, the energy is noticeably different. Thanks to Denice’s leadership and Katie’s strategic support as the main sponsor, the festival is being repositioned as a central moment on the Dunwoody calendar, a hyperlocal celebration that still manages to feel like a big-city event. For anyone living in Dunwoody or moving to Dunwoody, the event promises a unique mix of small-town warmth and large-scale fun.
Proceeds from Dunwoody Oktoberfest benefit local causes, including St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, Malachi's Storehouse, and Anchor Place respite care, so your sponsorship doesn’t just support a festival, it helps support the community.
Marketing with Muscle: Leverage Communications Steps In
To elevate the festival’s presence, Denice partnered with Leverage Communications, a branding and communications firm led by Katie Prellwitz. As the event's main sponsor, Katie and her team specialize in authentic storytelling and local engagement. That’s exactly what Dunwoody Oktoberfest needed.
From designing vibrant promotional materials to running community campaigns like the “Name Our Mascot” contest, Leverage Communications is helping the event grow without losing its roots. Katie highlights the importance of community-centered marketing, stressing that “people support what they help build.” Their approach turns spectators into stakeholders.
One of the most successful campaigns so far has been the community vote for naming the event mascot. It’s not just cute, it’s clever, reinforcing local pride while building anticipation.
Connecting Events: The July 4th Parade as a Launchpad
One of the biggest marketing moves? Tying Oktoberfest into the Dunwoody 4th of July Parade. Denice saw an opportunity and took it, using the city's most beloved tradition to kickstart excitement for the fall festival. She and Katie will be walking in the parade, handing out giveaways, and making sure everyone knows what’s coming in September.
The connection makes perfect sense: the parade is already a massive local draw, presented by the Dunwoody Homeowners Association and Rough Draft Atlanta, and co-chaired by Matt Weber and Penny Forman. By introducing Oktoberfest during this iconic event, Denice is maximizing exposure while reinforcing that both celebrations share the same heartbeat: community.
What’s New This Year? Bigger Fun, Better Vibes
With new sponsors, bigger entertainment, and a much-expanded marketing strategy, Dunwoody Oktoberfest 2025 is shaping up to be its best year yet. Festival-goers can look forward to:
Live Music All Day: Featuring local bands and German-themed acts to keep the party rolling.
Biergarten Experience: A curated selection of German and local craft beers served in a scenic outdoor garden.
Kids Zone: Complete with inflatables, games, and family-focused entertainment.
Local Vendors: From handmade crafts to boutique eats, the vendor village will spotlight Dunwoody’s small business community.
Mascot Mayhem: The newly named mascot will make its full debut, bringing extra cheer to the day.
Living in Dunwoody Means More Than Just a Zip Code
Katie and Denice both agree: events like Oktoberfest aren’t just about entertainment, they’re about belonging. For families moving to Dunwoody, this festival is a perfect welcome mat. For those already living in Dunwoody, it’s a chance to reconnect and celebrate what makes this city feel like home.
It’s no accident that the event is held at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, a community anchor with a tradition of outreach and hospitality. The location symbolizes everything Dunwoody values: community, recreation, and connection.
The Business Behind the Beer: Sponsorship Opportunities
Dunwoody Oktoberfest is powered by community support, and that includes local businesses. The 2025 festival offers a range of sponsorship tiers, giving companies a unique chance to engage with thousands of attendees in an authentic way. From Presenting Sponsor to Friend of the Fest, there’s a level for every kind of business looking to grow visibility while supporting a cherished community tradition.
Sponsors enjoy perks like:
Brand Placement: On signage, T-shirts, and digital media
Vendor Access: A chance to directly engage with festival-goers
Community Love: Position your business as a champion of local culture
Meet the Women Behind the Movement
Denice Dudley brings a long track record of community organizing and event planning to the table, with a deep love for Dunwoody’s unique culture. She sees Oktoberfest as more than a party, it’s a platform for unity.
Katie Prellwitz is equally passionate, bringing big-brand polish to neighborhood events. As the main sponsor and founder of Leverage Communications, she believes every message should have meaning. Her firm’s tagline, “Creating Connections + Shaping Brands,” fits perfectly with what Oktoberfest is all about.
Final Thoughts and How to Get Involved
Want to sponsor or volunteer at Dunwoody Oktoberfest 2025? Visit whatsupdunwoody.com/oktoberfest for full details.
Thinking about moving to Dunwoody? Come experience one of the city's best days, where neighbors meet, kids play, and community spirit runs deep.
Step One: Mark your calendar for September 27, 2025.
Step Two: Follow What’s Up Dunwoody and Dunwoody Oktoberfest on social media for updates.
Step Three: Join the movement, become a sponsor, a volunteer, or just show up ready to raise a stein.
Dunwoody Oktoberfest 2025 is more than a festival. It’s a love letter to the community.
