Rocktoberfest comes alive: A Recap of Millburn’s Music Fundraiser

By Mischa Williams-Owolabi

Each autumn, Millburn’s Taylor Park comes alive with singing, live music,  lights, community liveliness, and the comforting aroma of sweet fried dough. Rocktoberfest is Millburn’s annual music fundraiser festival that brings much more to the community than just snacks and family fun. Over the years, Rocktoberfest has remained dedicated to its purpose and continues to make long-lasting impacts. Rocktoberfest is dedicated to fundraising and giving back to the community through local eateries, smooth jams, shopping, and an array of fun activities curated for residents of various ages. This Millburn tradition, which has undeniably served this town for decades, raises millions of dollars for the Millburn Public School System and Education Foundation. Rocktoberfest is a part of Millburn’s culture. It shows how we, as community members, are able to gather as a town to foster unity, tradition, and celebrate our local shops and restaurants that have served us for years as well. Not to mention, it’s the perfect way to transition from summer and ease into the joys of the new school year.

This year, 2025, Rocktoberfest took place on September 13th from 12 pm-10 pm in Taylor. Many bands and performers came from all over. Rocktoberfest also did an exceptional job at highlighting the talent in the community, some coming straight from classrooms. The teen participation at Rocktoberfest continues to expand with Millburn High School students: performing as dancers, singers, and student interns.

From as early as 8 am, volunteers and interns came to Taylor Park to set up for a bustling day. Chairs and picnic blankets were laid in front of the big stage right outside of the Bauer Center, where a variety of bands and DJs played. Towards the back of the park, there was an array of delicacies ranging from desserts, fried foods, empanadas, and slushies. The teacup ride, bungee jumping, and rock climbing entertained kids of all ages, and everywhere you turned, there was something to do. Rocktoberfest was the perfect day to see the community on display: Friends of the Millburn Library, The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum, and the Millburn Short Hills Historical Society were all non-profits that came out to support. 

Maria Kalitseva, a Millburn student and Rocktoberfest intern, described her experience at the festival, “I’m volunteering here for a couple of different shifts. I came here in the morning, and I was setting up the tents and tables.” As an intern, she helped haul tables, equipment, and other items for vendors, contributing great amounts behind the scenes Jiya Jaisinghani, a Rocktoberfest attendee, was asked how she thinks Rocktoberfest will benefit the community, “I think Rocktoberfest brings everyone together. You meet new people. You have a good time, and you get a sense of Millburn. It overall emphasizes community bonding.” For Jaisinghani, the community is at the heart of the festival. It would be nothing without the people. 

Many local organizations played a major role in Rocktoberfest, one of which was Short Hills’ very own Scout Troop 19. Anna Weustenburg, a middle schooler and member of Troop 19, shared her experience while running a donation table. She says, “Troop 19 is involved in Rocktoberfest because we’re here at this stand and trying to earn money for our troop.” Rocktoberfest provides the opportunity for the community to get to know local organizations and programs. Rocktoberfest gives people the opportunity to give back to the community and the children of it. Bill Brazell, representing the Environmental Commission at the festival, said, “Rocktoberfest is raising money for the school, so it’s a great cause. We’re lucky it was a nice day today, and it brought a whole lot of people together. You see a lot of people you knew before, and you meet some new people. It’s a good feeling. There’s all this different food, projects for people to learn about, there’s music going on, it’s great!”

Katherine Morales, a junior at Millburn High School and member of the Korean Pop Dance group, performed at Rocktoberfest. When asked about her favorite part of performing and dancing, she answered, “My favorite part of performing with the K Pop dance Club at Rocktoberfest was performing with my friends and having the opportunity to perform in front of an audience. Being in the club gives me a sense of community, and I’d love to bring that to the Rocktoberfest.” It allows each facet of the town to come together and hosts the community on display.

As the sun sets over Taylor Park, powdered sugar covers faces, hearts ache from laughing and screaming, and the band music fades out, we are reminded what a wonderful blessing it is for us to be engaging with peers, community members, and enjoying each other’s company. Rocktoberfest encompasses the true beauty that is found in community bonding. It serves as the sole night in which people can come together to celebrate students, education, and community. From thrilling rides and face paint for little kids, to teens taking pictures and listening to music, and grandparents sitting in lawn chairs, Rocktoberfest appeals to everyone. It allows the people of Millburn to foster a sense of unity, togetherness, and stay connected as a community.