For a full rundown of the multitude of Oktoberfest events in the area, check out our Quick Guide to Milwaukee Area 2026 Oktoberfest Celebrations.
Thursday, Sept. 17
The 10th annual Elm Grove Oktoberfest kicks off at Elm Grove Village Park (13600 W. Juneau Blvd.) and runs for three days. It’s a full weekend of games, food and music, and on Saturday there’s a .5K (yes, 0.5) beer run that starts at O’Donoghue’s Pub (13225 Watertown Plank Rd.) and ends at the park. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, and 4 to 10 p.m. on Saturday.
The popular Flight Night comes to the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (1111 E. Brown Deer Rd.). Meet a few birds of prey and sip on beers from nine area breweries.
Friday, Sept. 18
Perspective Brewing (7508 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis) is hosting an Oktoberfest party on its patio at 5 p.m. On tap will be both variants of Oktoberfest beers – a Märzen and a Festbier. They’ll have live music, stein hoisting and food.
Third Space Brewing (1505 W. St. Paul Ave.) hosts another brewer’s toast to celebrate its 10th anniversary at 5:45 p.m.
The latest My Turn release from Lakefont Brewery is happening at Wiggle Room (2988 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) from 6 to 8 p.m. My Turn: Ian is a cherry cordial stout.
Gathering Place Brewing (811 E. Vienna Ave.) is throwing a release party for the winner of the Cream City Homebrewing Competition. One Infinite Loop Mixed-Ferm Sour Ale will be hitting the taplines at noon. Thank its creator, Darrell, if you get the chance.
Try samples from one of the OGs of craft beer, Sierra Nevada Brewing, at both Discount Liquor locations (Milwaukee, 5031 W. Oklahoma Ave. and Waukesha, 919 N. Barstow St.) from 3 to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19
Third Space Brewing (N71 W13040 W. Appleton Ave., Menomonee Falls) is throwing an Oktoberfest party in the midst of its monthlong 10th anniversary celebration. There will be yodeling, a costume contest, stein holding and more. Keep an eye on its Facebook page for more details.
Pumpkin and Oktoberfest Beer Day is coming to The Tap Yard – West Bend (4875 County Hwy. Z). More than a dozen seasonal beer treats will be pouring from the taps.
Indeed Brewing (530 S. Second St.) starts celebrating Oktoberfest. On every Friday and Saturday until October 3, they’ll be hosting stein holding competitions. Also, there’s $2 off your first beer if your wearing a dirndl or lederhosen.
Coming Soon
Friday, Sept. 25: New Barons Brewing Co-op (2018 S. First St.) celebrates six years in the Harbor District with a party.
Saturday, Sept. 26: Third Space wraps up its birthday month with a huge 10th anniversary party.
Saturday, Sept. 26: Raised Grain Brewing (1725 Dolphin Dr., Waukesha) has some barrel-aged beers ready to be released at its 11th anniversary party.
Saturday, Sept. 26: Dead Bird Brewing (1718 N. Fifth St.) is also celebrating an anniversary with its annual Flock Party. They’ll be tapping a firkin of an anniversary beer.
Saturday, Oct. 8: Zoo Brew returns to the Milwaukee County Zoo (10005 W. Bluemound Rd.). Plenty of area breweries and food vendors will be there. Tickets start at $60.
Saturday, Oct. 17: Havenwoods Taproom & Beer Garden hosts the Third Annual Beer Trail Invitational from 1 to 6 p.m. More than 30 breweries will be pouring nearly 100 beers for you to sample. Tickets start at $50.
