Gemütlichkeit – the German word that translates to feelings of coziness and good cheer – unites Wisconsin’s many Oktoberfest celebrations. A tradition dating back to an 1810 royal Bavarian wedding, Oktoberfest is about a little food, a lot of beer, bouncy polka music, a smattering of games, and general frivolity. Here are three of the biggest Oktoberfests around the state and three right in our backyard to add to your calendar.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Worth the Drive
La Crosse’s Das Beste Oktoberfest
SEPT. 25-28
Founded in 1961, “The Best” Oktoberfest has lived up to its name. It’s become one of the largest Oktoberfests in the country, drawing more than 150,000 people every year. Dedicated fest grounds lie along the La Crosse River, with abundant food vendors, a games area and three stages hosting live music. A second Northside Grounds in Copeland Park adds carnival rides. Special events include Thursday night’s Torchlight Parade and an opening night craft beer fest. Throughout the weekend, nearly 20 different Oktoberfest-style brews are available at four tents and bierhauses.
New Glarus Oktoberfest
SEPT. 25-28
The main tent at this fest is set right in Downtown New Glarus’ Swiss-style architecture that makes you feel like you’ve driven to the Alps. Stroll the streets, beer in hand, and enjoy live music. There are wagon rides, a petting zoo, many food options and, of course, beer from New Glarus Brewing, Wisconsin’s largest independent craft brewery. Try New Glarus’ Staghorn, arguably the best Wisconsin-brewed Oktoberfest beer.
Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest
SEPT. 19-20
It all begins at the historic Leinenkugel’s Brewery on Friday, when the Festmeister and Festmeisterin, with a wagon and a team of horses, carry the Golden Keg up the hill to the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds beerhouse to be tapped. Then it’s time to party! Two stages feature live music, plus there are carnival rides, stein-holding and sauerkraut-eating contests, and a euchre tournament.
Close to Home
Germantown Oktoberfest
SEPT. 27-28
As you might guess from the town’s name, German roots run deep here. The Germantown Historical Society hosts its 31st annual event in the Dheinsville Historical Park, with an open-air pavilion and three historic buildings/museums. Highlights include a wiener dog race, car show and craft fair. Both days you can catch performances by Milwaukee’s impressive Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt dancers, who preserve the artistic traditions of what was once Pomerania, on the Baltic coast.
Milwaukee Oktoberfest
OCT. 3-5
This party, which moves to the Summerfest grounds this year, brings lots of action – live music, Miss Oktoberfest and wiener dog pageants, a cornhole competition and a Usinger’s brat-eating contest. Kegel’s Inn provides the German food and imported beer.
Bavarian Bierhaus Oktoberfest
WEEKENDS, SEPT. 5-OCT. 5
The longest-running event of its kind around here, the fest spreads through the large campus of this Glendale brewery, including a biergarten and hall in charming Old Heidelberg Park. The recipe runs true to tradition: German-style beers and food and live polka music.
