by

On October 12, 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria celebrated his marriage to Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen with the most boisterous party Munich had ever known, inviting everyone in the city to partake in the festivities. The party finally wrapped up five (!) days later with a final horse race. Thus began the annual tradition of Oktoberfest, which has since spread from its German birthplace to cities around the world.

Here in Minnesota, we have no shortage of parties to celebrate this blessed marriage by donning our dirndls and lederhosen and embracing our German roots (real or wishful—doesn’t matter) with brats, sauerkraut, apfelstrudel, and liters of beer. The celebrations kick off on September 8 and run through October 13, so polish up your steins and get your polka shoes ready.

Note: Events are listed in chronological order by start date. Don’t see your favorite event? Please email [email protected]

September 8 | 11am–10pm | $20 for a 1-liter stein, $12 refills

The all-day fest will feature Waconia’s Oktoberfest beer, brats served by the Waconia Fire Department, patio games, and more. Attendees can purchase filled 1-liter beer steins for $20. Alpensterne, the Minnesota-based yodeling rockers, will kick off the polka music at 7pm. Learn more…

September 8 | 12pm–11pm | Free admission, $20 filled stein, $5 refills

Live polka music and giant German pretzels from Aki’s Breadhaus will set the mood for OMNI Brewing’s Oktoberfest celebration. Filled steins will be on sale for $20; $5 refills will ensure you have plenty of beer to wash down your pretzels. Learn more…

September 8 | 2pm–11:45pm | Free

Pryes Brewing Company is having a party on September 8 to celebrate the tapping of its newest PryesFest, the brewery’s spin on Oktoberfest brewed with a blend of Vienna, Munich and German Pilsner malts. Party-goers can purchase a stein for $10, with $10 refills of PryesFest throughout the night. Learn more…

September 14–15 | Friday 4pm–10pm, Saturday 10am–10pm | $5

One of Minnesota’s most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations returns to West 7th’s Schmidt Artist Lofts, featuring all of your favorite German food, drinks, entertainment, and activities. Just like in Munich, the festival begins with a horse-drawn beer wagon parade (der Festzug) followed by a keg-tapping ceremony (der Anstich). In addition to bed races and an Oktoberfest wedding, this year’s festival will also feature a stone-lifting competition and a human glockenspiel. Learn more…

September 14–16 & 21–23 | Fridays–Saturdays, 5pm–11pm, $5 | Sundays 12pm–6pm, $3

Head to Stillwater’s Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter for their annual Oktoberfest get-down. There will be music, there will be dancing, there will be Hammer-Schlagen, and all the imported beer, brats, and chops you can handle. Learn more…

September 15 | 2pm–6pm | $15

Admission to this fest includes a filled beer stein and entry into Bad Habit’s beer garden, where tunes from Mark Stillman and the Kraut Meisters are sure to get party-goers on their feet. Learn more…

September 15 | 4pm–8pm | $25 in advance, $30 day-of

The most fun you’ll have in a beer tent this side of Bavaria, the 7th annual Pointoberfest will be held right across the street from the historic Stevens Point Brewery. Choose from 20+ Stevens Point craft beers and Ciderboys ciders. Learn more…

September 20–23 | Hours vary | Free

Come Celebrate Oktoberfest, Roundhouse style. German food, music, Roundhouse’s Der Zug beer and plenty of Gemutlichkeit. Four days of celebration and fun for the whole family. The festivities start on Thursday, September 20 with the tapping of Der Zug at 6pm, with Hammer-Schlagen and stein-hoist competitions each night. Learn more…

September 21 | 3pm–11pm | Free

Grab your lederhosen and head to the Tin Whiskers taproom on Friday, September 21 for their annual Funkenfest release party and Oktoberfest celebration. They’ll have brand new 2018 steins available for purchase (filled with beer, of course) and Gerhard’s Brats will be slinging some of the best wursts in the city. Learn more…

September 21–22 | Friday, 4pm–11pm; Saturday 11am–11pm | Free

FINNEGANS Brew Co. is celebrating its six-month mark of opening in downtown Minneapolis, with an Oktoberfest-inspired celebration of fall, with an Irish twist and four brand new beers: Oakedtoberfest, Oktoberfest, Helles, and Amber Loon. In addition to new beer, there will be brats and bagpipes. Learn more…

September 21–23 | Friday, 12pm–11pm; Saturday, 12pm–11pm; Sunday, 12pm–6pm | Free

Copper Trail is doing Oktoberfest Alexandria-style for the second year, once again dubbing its weekend-long party Oletoberfest in honor of Big Ole: the largest statue of a Viking in America, and the city’s pride (and namesake of Copper Trail’s Oktoberfest-style beer). There will be live music, food trucks, and, of course, plenty of beer. Learn more…

September 21–22 & 29–29, October 5–6 & 12–13 | 5pm–11pm | $6 for beer tokens

Northeast Minneapolis staple Gasthof zur Gemutlichkeit celebrates German culture and hospitality all year long, but goes all out for Oktoberfest. Each day of the celebration features live polka music, beer, and plenty of authentic German food. Learn more…

September 22 | 2pm–midnight | Free

Celebrate Fair State Co-op’s fourth birthday and Oktoberfest with the brewery’s biggest party of the year. Following a special members-only happy hour, the brewery will open to the public at 2pm and turn its beer garden into a mini-Munich with brats, pretzels, polka, and beer. Learn more…

September 22–30 | Fridays & Saturdays, 12pm–11pm, weekdays 12pm–10pm | Free

In perhaps the most dedicated tribute to the inaugural Oktoberfest celebration, Utepils is kicking off its week-long fest with a renewal of vows. In a tribute to the original happy couple of Oktoberfest—Crown Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese—couples can participate in a nondenominational vow renewal starting at 11am on September 22. That day only, doors open at 10am for couples to register. That kicks off a week of festivities, including music, contests, games, beer releases, and the Utepils Oktoberfest Fondo on September 29. Learn more…

September 22 | 1pm–10pm | Free

612BREW will be pouring specialty taproom-only beers, their flagships, and their Oktoberfest Märzen Festbier to complement food from BLVD Kitchen & Bar, live music, Oktoberfest games, giveaways, flash tattoos from Tiger Rose Tattoo, and more. Learn more…

September 22 | 12pm–10pm | $5

Delano is hosting its second annual Oktoberfest party on the riverfront block outside Lupine Brewing. Celebrations will include Lupine’s Oktoberfest beer (aged in Dampfwerk Distillery’s apple brandy barrels) and German food from Deutschland Meats Food Truck. Learn more…

September 25 | 6:30pm–9:30pm | $45

Join HopCat for a special dinner featuring pairings of Germany’s best-known dishes and beer, expertly matched by executive kitchen manager Jordan Leece. Learn more…

September 26–30 | Wednesday, 11:30am–9pm; Thursday–Saturday, 11:30am–10pm; Sunday 11:30am–7pm | Free

Voyageur is bringing Germany to Grand Marais for its third annual Oktoberfest. They’ll have music, games, food, and a special Oktoberfest beer. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Cook County Community Fund, which supports local non-profits. Learn more…

September 27–30 | Thursday, 7pm–10pm; Friday, 5:30pm–midnight; Saturday, 8am–midnight; Sunday, 7am–midnight | Free

Held in downtown New Glarus and free to attend, this charming Wisconsin village’s festival includes a whole roster of activities and events, including live music, great food, wagon rides, chainsaw carving, and plenty of family fun. Learn more…

September 27–30 | Various times | $10 in advance for four-day pass, $10 day-of for single day passes

La Crosse Oktoberfest, the longest-running Oktoberfest celebration in the Midwest, is celebrating its 58th year. Festivities include a parade, live glockenspiel[a][b], lederhosen games, and a dachshund dash, as well as plenty of food, craft beer night, kids activities, and music. Learn more…

September 28–29 | Friday, 12pm–11pm; Saturday, 10:30am–11pm | $10 for one stein and fill

Badger Hill’s “Shaktoberfest” brings Oktoberfest to Shakopee. The celebration includes a special beer release from the brewery, live music, food from Ruhland’s Strudel Haus and Russell’s Traveling Kitchen, and more. Guests are encouraged to buy their very own (filled) 2018 Shaktoberfest stein for $10. Learn more…

September 28–30 | Friday, 5pm–10pm; Saturday, 12pm–10pm; Sunday, 12pm–7pm | $5

Waldmann’s traditional German-style beer garden was made for just such a celebration. Admission is $5, but fest-goers have the option go to full Oktoberfest with a $20 souvenir tankard, which comes filled with a half-liter of Waldmann beer. Learn more…

September 29 | 10am–8pm | Free

Join Buck Hill for Bucktoberfest and the Annual Tent Sale, Saturday, September 29! Bucktoberfest festivities include live music, stein-holding and pretzel stacking contests presented by Schell’s, beer from Schell’s, and performances from Ride MN. Learn more…

September 29 | 8am–2pm | Free (cost of museum admission not included)

Mill City Museum and the Mill City Farmers’ Market are teaming up once again for the 12th annual Mill City Oktoberfest. Allow the tastes, smells, sights, and sounds of Germany to transport you from Minneapolis to Munich, aided by activities in the museum, courtyard, and farmers’ market area adjacent to Guthrie Theater. Learn more…

September 29 | 2pm–9pm | Free

Join Lakeville Brewing for a day of celebrating all things Oktoberfest. There will be a live German band, the release of their Oktoberfest beer, games, prizes for best German spirit (get out those lederhosen!) and food specials all week. Learn more…

September 29 | 4pm–midnight | $5

Come celebrate one of Bald Man’s most celebrated beers at their Oktoberfest party. The event will showcase the return of The Issue with their first CD release party, as well as a music video that the band will be premiering at the event. Learn more…

September 29 | 2pm–11pm | Free

Spilled Grain Brewhouse’s fourth annual Oktoberfest party has all the trappings of a great day: lots of beer, food trucks, live music, and philanthropy, as the brewhouse will be donating all its tips to its Spill it Forward campaign. Learn more…

September 29 | 12pm–9pm | $10 GA, $35 VIP

Ziggy zaggy, ziggy zaggy, oi, oi, oi! Live entertainment, German-inspired food, contests, prizes, and beer, including the Beaver Island’s award-winning Oktoberfest Märzen Lager, all come together for the brewery’s fourth annual Oktoberfest celebration. Learn more…

September 29 | 12pm–11pm | $10 Admission, $34 for Stein +3 fills + admission

Schwandtoberfest round five is taking over Bauhaus Brew Labs and rallying around the brewery’s true-to-style German Märzen beer. Expect gigantic steins of festbier, German fare, a slew of games, and a handful of stellar musical acts. Learn more…

September 29 | 5pm–midnight | $15 GA, $30 German buffet dinner, $100 VIP

St. Joseph will be rockin’ out at their annual “Rocktoberfest,” beginning with a festive “polka mass” at 5pm at the Church of St. Joseph. The real party starts at 5:45pm, where there will be music, dancing, authentic Bavarian fare, and plenty of Oktoberfest beer to fill your stein. Learn more…

September 29 | 12pm–11pm | Free

10K Brewing’s third annual Oktoberfest celebrates the release of Anokafest, rated one of the best Märzen style beers in Minnesota in 2016.[c][d] There will be beer, there will be music, and there very well may even be lederhosen. Learn more…

September 29–30 | 9am–7pm | Adult $21.95, child $13.50 in advance; Adult $24.95, senior $22.95, and child $15.95 at the festival gates

Shakopee’s annual Renaissance Festival is going German for the final two days of the fest. There will be a beard competition, a lederhosen and dirndl costume contest, Oktoberfest beer tastings, and much more. Learn more…

October 5–6 & 12–13 | Fridays, 5pm–11:30pm; Saturdays,11am–11:30pm | Free in downtown New Ulm; $10 for admission to Schell’s accompanying fest

Repeatedly ranked among the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the nation, New Ulm’s 37th annual festival is as close as you can get to Munich without hopping on a plane. Games, horse-drawn trolley rides, a stein-holding contest, and more take place both Fridays and Saturdays the fest. Learn more…

October 5–6 | Friday, 5pm–11pm; Saturday, 12pm–11pm | $30

Taking place at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, this two-day festival features Summit Brewing’s Oktoberfest beer, as well as a selection of other Summit beers, wine, cider, German food, games, and live entertainment. Learn more…

October 5–7 | Friday, 4pm–midnight; Saturday, 12pm–midnight; Sunday, 12pm–6pm | Free

This three-day fest is bringing the best in local German bands to two stages—one in the taproom and the other in the fest tent on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. Filling out the bill are groups like Dr. Kielbasa, The White Iron Band, The Westwind Swing Band, and many others. Learn more…

October 6 | 12pm–7pm | Free

Third Street’s German-inspired get-together in Cold Spring comes complete with the release of their award-winning Oktoberfest Märzen beer, food, and live music. All food proceeds will go to the Rocori Area Food Shelf. Learn more…

October 6 | 9am–9pm | Free

Duluth’s Boat Club Restaurant and Bar is celebrating its second annual Oktoberfest celebration with a 12-hour party in the courtyard of the historic Fitger’s brewing complex. The event promises German games, food, drinks, music, and lots of fun. Learn more…

October 6 | 12pm–11pm | Free to attend, $25 Gull Lake Pub Crawl

Gull Dam Brewing is dubbing its fest “Central Minnesota’s largest Oktoberfest Party,” and there’s only one way to find out whether their claims are true. While you investigate, treat yourself to festbier and live music by Jolly Zuk Brothers and Wyld Ryce. (Gull Dam’s Oktoberfest also happens to be the last of seven stops on the Gull Lake Pub Crawl. Just sayin’.) Learn more…

October 6 | 12pm–midnight | Free

Wicked Wort is commemorating Oktoberfest outside of their Robbinsdale brewery with live music from The C-Notes, a local band that has been “bringing mojo” to the Twin Cities for the past 15 years with its R&B, soul, rock, and jazz-fusion tunes. There will have a variety of games, including Hammer-Schlagen, stein-holding, and a best-dressed contest. Learn more…

October 6 | 3pm–10pm | Free

New London’s Goat Ridge Brewing is releasing its Mad Goat Märzen Beer in tandem with food from Model Citizen, live music, activities, and art available for purchase from local vendors at their family-friendly party. Learn more…

October 6–7 | 10am–2am | Free

For two days the Carver County Fairgrounds will transform into party central as the town of Waconia holds its third annual Oktoberfest bash, complete with a classic car show, live performances from polka and German bands, food, and beer. Learn more…

October 7 | 1pm–4pm | Free

All dogs and dog supporters are invited to Lift Bridge on October 7 for their annual Dogtoberfest, an afternoon of games, costume contests (both human and canine), food, and music, all in support of with Minnesota Boxer Rescue. Learn more…

October 13 | 10am–10pm | Free in the Beer Hall, $40–$90 to enter Festival Field

SurlyFest is back for the 11th year. This year’s event will feature the long-awaited return of The Hold Steady to the 612-area code at Surly’s Festival Field. They’re the exclamation point on our annual off-kilter spin on a traditional German Oktoberfest. Free festivities in the Beer Hall and Beer Garden include games, steins, music from Jake Rudh, and German-inspired fare from the Beer Hall and Surly Pizza Upstairs. Gates to the Festival Field open at 2pm, where musical acts like Bad Bad Hats, Mixed Blood Majority, and DJ Shannon Blowtorch will light up the field before The Hold Steady takes their long-awaited turn. Learn more…

October 13 | 12pm–11pm | $20 for a stein and two beer tokens

Come celebrate Oktoberfest with Lupulin Brewing on Saturday, October 13th from noon ’til close. They’ll have live music, food trucks will be onsite, and best of all, they’ll be tapping their annual Oktoberfest Märzen beer. Learn more…

October 13 | 3pm–8pm | $50 Minneapolis Club members, $65 non-members, $75 at the door

Kick off the festivities with a traditional opening ceremony, the Tapping of the Golden Keg, and a coronation of Oktoberfest royalty. The fun continues with complimentary cigars, traditional German music, a best-dressed contest (dust off those lederhosen), and all-you-can-eat food, beer, wine, and cider. Learn more…

October 13 | 10:30am–5pm | $10, free for kids 12 and under

Make your way to New Ulm and join in the Oktoberfest fun. Lederhosen-clad servers weave their way through the crowds with liter steins of Oktoberfest beer just like in the old country, and live music from the brewery’s own Hobo Band and Alpensterne, authentic German food, and stein-holding contests round out the experience. Learn more…

Don’t see your favorite event? Email us at [email protected]