We all know a family member who owned one or a friend who drove one in high school. For me, when I think of Volkswagens, I think 1968’s Herbie: The Love Bug. If you haven’t seen it, you should, but that’s not the point.
The German vehicles from the Beetle to the Jetta have had a decades-long following and the Circle City Volkswagen Club (CCVW) can prove it. Their annual Volktoberfest, held at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds & Conference Complex in Danville, Indiana, brings visitors from across the country and is packed with a variety of cars on display and a ton of fun throughout the Oct. 6-8 weekend.
After chatting with CCVW President Gerlad Willis, it’s safe to say, whether Volkswagen, Porsche and Audi are your thing or not, the entire family can have a blast at this unique and free event.
The Circle City Volkswagen Club 
For more than 20 years, the CCVW has supported the Indianapolis and metropolitan area with a social club for those who enjoy Volkswagens.
They provide resources, networking and plenty of fun weekend events.
With more than 1,700 members, the club is quite active and enjoy getting together and creating a welcoming, family-friendly environment wherever they go.
They travel throughout the country, often stopping at a campsite for overnight stays.
Volktoberfest 
Each year, their largest event is held at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds & Conference Complex and includes a weekend lineup of activities.
On Friday, Oct. 6, Andy Mohr Volkswagen, Volktoberfest’s premiere sponsor, will host a pre-party event at the dealership, 9791 E. U.S. 36, Avon. Meet at the fairgrounds and travel together for the party.
Gates open at approximately noon on Friday, and the pre-party will be at 5 p.m. Those interested in camping, both primitive or full-service, can set up that evening and visit with friends and family.
On Saturday, Oct. 7, gates will open at 10 a.m. for the Cruise-In event. It’s open to all makes and models, and visitors will have the opportunity to check out a variety of classic to modern cars. In addition, vendors will be available with plenty of items, sure to improve your ride from pinstripes to total car wraps. Swappers Alley gives off a yard sale feel, allowing visitors to dig for treasure and find great deals.
Throughout the day, the event will feature karaoke, a disc jockey, kid’s zone with inflatables and plenty of food truck options.
On Sunday, Oct. 8, the car show is dedicated to Volkswagens, Porsche and Audi only. Registration begins at 10 a.m. Door prizes, music and more will be a fun wrap-up to the weekend. The awards will be presented at 3 p.m.
Can’t-Miss Events 
Throughout Saturday afternoon, the Audio Sound Off event gives participants the opportunity to show off their amazing sound systems. Exhaust Wars does the same in both air-cooled and water-cooled classes.
On Saturday evening, the youngest of your group can participate in a Trunk or Treat, VW style.
Don’t forget the opportunity to camp for the weekend. Both primitive and full-service can be reserved for Friday and/or Saturday night here.
Willis said the group is like family and truly enjoy spending time together. Camping gives guests the full experience, with late-night karaoke, socializing around the campfire and the smell of roasting coffee and bacon frying in the morning.
For a Good Cause 
Admission and parking remain free for Volktoberfest.
However, they do charge a small fee for camper registration and this year, swappers will pay $25 to participate in Swappers Alley, though this fee is to hold your spot; it will be returned at the end of the event.
Most importantly, freewill donations are accepted as are non-perishable canned goods to benefit the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation (HVAF).
Volktoberfest Details
- When: Oct. 6, 2003 – Oct. 8, 2023
- Where: Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St. Danville, IN 46122
- Camping: Registration
- Schedule of Events
- Admission: Free
