It’s time to break out the lederhosen and dirndls and celebrate Oktoberfest. And not to worry if you can’t exactly jet off to Munich for the festivities: there are dozens of celebrations right in here in town all throughout September and October that will give you a taste of the authentic German Oktoberfest. You’ll get your fill of traditional German food, brats, pretzels, music, dancing, and of course, beer, at one of the many festivals happening in and around the Twin Cities.
St. Paul Oktoberfest
Friday, September 14 | 4-10pm
Saturday, September 15 | 10am-10pm
This two day festival begins on Friday with a horse-drawn beer wagon parade followed by a ceremonial keg tapping to officially kick off the festivities. You’ll also want to stick around on Saturday for the Steinheben competition where strongmen and women compete to see how high they can lift a 508 pound concrete stone, Dachshund Races, Bed Races, Beer Hall contests that include a Beer Chug, Yodeling contest, and Wiener Dog Limbo, and so many more events that the entire family can enjoy.
And even more importantly you’ll get to imbibe in Paulaner beers and enjoy delicious traditional German food like Giant Schnitzel on a stick, Spaetzle, Pommes, bratwurst, potato pancakes, pretzels, and more. Admission is free though you will have to pay for a wristband if you’d like any alcoholic beverages.
Gasthaus Oktoberfest
Friday, September 14 – Sunday, September 16
Friday, September 21 – Sunday, September 23
Head on out to Stillwater to celebrate at this authentic German restaurant that holds festivities on two separate weekends making it easy to fit into your schedule. Fridays and Saturdays are for 21+ adults only and $5 admission where you’ll enjoy music, dancing, imported beers, authentic German food, giant pretzels, cinnamon roasted almonds, and Hammerschlagen.
Sundays are family days with $3 admission and absolutely every age is welcome. The kids can enjoy free face painting, Balloon Twister, music, and tasty food.
Gasthof
Fridays and Saturdays, September 21 – October 13 | 5-11pm
Head to Northeast Minneapolis for this month-long Oktoberfest celebration. Every weekend, Gasthof sets up a huge tent outside where you can enjoy dancing and live polka music as well as indulge in great food including brats, BBQ ribs, smoked pork chops, sauerkraut, german potato salad, apfelstrudel, and pretzels with cheese.
They will of course also have a full bar with traditional German beers like Hacker Pschorr and Paulaner. There is no cover charge though you will have to purchase tokens for beer. You can bring your own beer mug to fill up for $6 or you can always buy one at Gasthof’s once you’re there.
Twin Cities Oktoberfest
Friday, October 5 | 5-11pm
Saturday, October 6 | noon-11pm
The Twin Cities Oktoberfest will take over the Minnesota fairgrounds for this two-day event. The festival will feature Summit Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest brew along with other selections of Summit beers, wines, and ciders. You’ll also be able to enjoy German food such as potato pancakes, brats, leberkase and sauerbraten, chickenwurst, savory pies, and pretzels while you listen to great live music and entertainment, shop, play festival games, and more. Tickets are $30 for admission which will also include a beer stein and your first beer.
New Ulm Oktoberfest
Friday, October 5 – Saturday, October 6
Friday, October 12 – Saturday, October 13
Voted one of the best Oktoberfests in Minnesota, New Ulm hosts this festival over two weekends with events taking place in four locations: Best Western Plus New Ulm, Downtown New Ulm, Schell’s Brewery, and Morgan Creek Vineyards. Not to worry, there’s a shuttle that will take you to all the Oktoberfest locations so you won’t miss anything.
There’s plenty of entertainment for the entire family including several music stages with German-style polka and dancing, horse-drawn trolley rides, food vendors, Schell’s Beer Wagon, and a 45 foot Musical Glockenspiel you will not want to miss. You’re able to tour Schell’s Brewery and partake in a Grape Stomp at Morgan Creek Vineyards. Check out their website for the full schedule on both weekends.
