Sure, we may be thousands of miles away from Munich. But that doesn’t mean we can’t get our Oktoberfest celebration on.
Many of the Milwaukee area’s Oktoberfests feature German food, games, live music and, of course, plenty of beer. Prost!
Here are 19 going on around here in September and October. Be sure to visit each fest’s website for detailed schedules and more information.
If you have a Milwaukee-area Oktoberfest or know of one that isn’t on this list yet, let me know.
‘Milwaukee’s Original Oktoberfest’: Thursdays through Sundays from Sept. 1-Oct. 8
What to expect: “Milwaukee’s Original Oktoberfest” is celebrating more than 60 years at Heidelberg Park on the Bavarian Bierhaus grounds, according to the business’ website. It will serve up traditional German favorites, including Bavarian pretzels, doner kebab, schnitzel, Usinger’s sausage, as well as kids’ and vegetarian meals. Food offerings will also include rainbow trout on a stick and a cod fish fry Friday nights, and spanferkel and rotisserie chicken Fridays and Saturdays. There will also be live music.
Admission: Free on Thursdays and Sundays, $5 on Fridays and $10 on Saturdays. General admission wristbands are sold at the front gate. If guests download the Bavarian Bierhaus app and show it at the gate, they get $5 off their GA wristbands.
Table reservations cost $10 per table of eight people on Fridays and $40 per table of eight people on Saturdays. Tables can be booked at thebavarianbierhaus.com/oktoberfest-tickets-2.
Where: Heidelberg Park at the Bavarian Bierhaus, 700 W. Lexington Blvd., Glendale
When: Gates open at 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 1 through Oct. 8.
More info:thebavarianbierhaus.com/oktoberfest-tickets-2
Oktoberfest at Delafield Brewhaus: Sept. 9
What to expect: “Put your dancing shoes on dust off your Lederhosen & Dirndl, grab your bier stein and come celebrate Oktoberfest,” the event’s Facebook page said. Oktoberfest at Delafield Brewhaus will feature food specials and beer. Jeff Winard and his Brewhaus Polka Party will be performing at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m., and there will be a ceremonial Oktoberfest keg tapping around 4:30 p.m. The event is family-friendly, the Facebook page noted.
Where: Delafield Brewhaus, 3832 Hillside Drive, Delafield
When: Sept. 9. Food specials run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
More info: bit.ly/3EzbrZr
The School Sisters of St. Francis’ Oktoberfest fundraiser: Sept. 9
What to expect: The School Sisters of St. Francis’ Oktoberfest celebration will feature outdoor games, including bags, giant Jenga, giant Connect 4 and Hammerschlagen; live polka music; a 50/50 raffle; as well as crafts, quilts and imports for sale, the Sisters’ website said. Food offerings include a German-style bratwurst plate, a barbecue chicken sliders plate, Bavarian pretzels with cheese and mustard, and bakery. There will be Lakefront beers, including Oktoberfest, and two special brews the brewery crafts for the Sisters: “Ale Mary” and “Our Lager.” An attendee’s first beverage purchase of $14 will include a commemorative beer stein; then refills cost $8. Funds raised at the event benefit people served by Sisters around the world, the website said.
Where: St. Joseph Center Garden, 29th and Orchard streets
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 9
More info: sssf.org/SSSF/Media-Room/Oktoberfest-2023.htm
ERV-toberfest: Sept. 9
What to expect: The 13th annual ERV-toberfest will feature a “boutique beer festival” with more than 80 seasonal and craft favorites, including over 35 Oktoberfests, with a heavy emphasis on Wisconsin favorites, according to the event’s Facebook page. There will also be a German-inspired buffet and live entertainment by Leah Jee.
Admission: Advance tickets cost $50, plus tax, which can be purchased online through ervsmug.hrpos.heartland.us/menu. Limited to 250 tickets available. Attendees are to bring their confirmation email to the event.
Where: Erv’s Mug, 130 W. Ryan Road, Oak Creek
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 9
More info: bit.ly/3swOD9T
Oktoberfest at Indeed Brewing Company: Sept. 13-Oct. 1
What to expect: Indeed Brewing Company is hosting its first Oktoberfest celebration, a news release said. Beer offerings will include Indeed’s Oktoberfest, which has been lagering since May; a Hefeweizen; a Vienna Lager; Pistachio Cream Ale; and Flavorwave IPA. In addition to liters of beer, there will also be pretzels and hammerschlagen daily. On Saturdays and Sundays, there will also be beer brûlée, brats, steinholding and music.
“Oktoberfest is one of the greatest beer experiences in the world, and we’re excited to throw our version of the event at our Milwaukee taproom which will be transformed into a German-style beer hall with long tables and liters of beers for three weeks,” Ryan Bandy, director of experience, said in the release.
Where: Indeed Brewing Company’s pilot brewery and taproom, 530 S. 2nd St., Milwaukee
When: Sept. 13-Oct. 1
More info: bit.ly/44xYqto
Elm Grove Community Foundation Oktoberfest: Sept. 15-16
What to expect: The 8th Annual Elm Grove Community Foundation Oktoberfest will feature festive music, food trucks and a “Bier und Wine” tent with local and German beers, wine, cider and seltzers. Games will include a “Raise Your Pint” contest, and new this year: Log sawing, keg rolling and stein races. A 0.5K Fun Run will be held on Sept. 16, and will start at O’Donoghue’s Irish Pub, 13225 Watertown Plank Road.
Where: Elm Grove Park, 13600 Juneau Blvd., Elm Grove
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 15 and 4 to 10 p.m. Sept. 16. Check in for the Fun Run starts at 2 p.m., with the run beginning at 3:30 p.m.
More info:elmgrovefoundation.org/oktoberfest
Oktoberfest at the Petrifying Springs Biergarten: Sept. 15-17
What to expect: Oktoberfest at the Petrifying Springs Biergarten will feature live music, beer imported from Munich and served in steins, food trucks, as well as Bavarian pretzels, brats, currywursts and more. On Sept. 16, there will also be a ceremonial keg tap and games, including men’s and women’s stein holding, pretzel eating competitions, and prizes for the best lederhosen and dirndl outfits.
Admission: Free. Note: The biergarten accepts cash only.
Where: 5555 7th St., Kenosha
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Sept. 15, noon to 9 p.m. Sept. 16 and noon to 8 p.m. Sept. 17.
More info:petsbiergartenmenu.com/oktoberfest
‘Das Boot’ Oktoberfest Bar Crawl: Sept. 16
What to expect: Swarmm Events, which organizes the Shamrock Shuffle, is putting on the sixth annual “Das Boot” Oktoberfest Bar Crawl on Milwaukee’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, formerly Old World Third Street. Expect beer, pretzels, brats, music and more. A ticket includes a VIP lanyard for food and drink specials, a one liter plastic “Das Boot” to drink from, and an Oktoberfest T-shirt. The event’s partners include Leinenkugels, Hofbrau, Miller Lite and Jagermeister.
Admission: A ticket costs $21.50, plus a $3.47 fee. A “team of 10” package costs $165, plus a $12.40 fee, and includes 10 T-shirts, 10 lanyards for food and drink specials, 10 plastic “Das Boots” and one $25 gift card. Ticket sales end on Sept. 15.
Where: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
When: The bar crawl runs from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 16. On the day of the event, participants can pick up their lanyards, “Das Boots” and T-shirts from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at RWB Milwaukee, 1044 N. MLK Drive.
More info:swarmmevents.com/das-boot-bar-crawl.html
‘Mobtoberfest’ at MobCraft Beer: Sept. 16
What to expect: MobCraft Beer’s sixth annual “Mobtoberfest” will feature Mobtoberfest Märzen on draft and in carryout six-packs, additional German-inspired beers and other brews on draft, as well as cider, hard seltzer and non-alcoholic options, according to a news release. The food menu will include German-inspired fare, such as pretzels with dips, brats with kraut, traditional walking pizzas and more. There will be live polka bands, dancing, and games/competitions, including sausage-sculpting, beer-chugging and stein-holding. The event is family- and pet-friendly, the release noted.
Admission: Free
Where: MobCraft Beer’s Walker’s Point taproom, 505 S. 5th St. in Milwaukee.
When: Starts at 11 a.m. Sept. 16
More info: mobcraftbeer.com/fests/mobtoberfest
Ein Kleines Oktoberfest at Sahale Ale Works: Sept. 16
What to expect: Ein Kleines Oktoberfest (A Little Oktoberfest) at Sahale Ale Works will feature beer, live music and food, according to the brewery and taproom’s website. Six German-influenced beers will be available, including Luftkuss Oktoberfest, Shot In The Dunkel (Munich Dunkel), The Graped Crusader: Riesling, plus three new special surprise beers. The Grafton High School Cheer Team will grill up brats, hot dogs and burgers until 7 p.m. There will be performances by Kenny Brandt from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and The Squeezettes from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1505 Wisconsin Ave #170, Grafton
When: Noon to 9 p.m. Sept. 16.
More info: sahalebeer.com/event-details/ein-kleines-oktoberfest-2023
Waukesha’s Oktoberfest: Sept. 22-23
What to expect: Waukesha’s Oktoberfest will have beer, live music, chainsaw wood-carving demonstrations, live beer garden statues and more. The celebration kicks off Sept. 22 with a firkin tapping featuring free bier while it lasts, then later, a Maaskrugsemmen contest. On Sept. 23, there will be a “Das Bags Tourney,” a Bier Foam Fun Run, the Muller Fasching Verein Nordamerikaa, a family area with crafts and games, and cake.
Where: Frame Park, 1150 Frame Park Drive, Waukesha
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 22 and noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 23
More info:waukesha-wi.gov/residents/oktoberfest.php
‘Oktoberfest @ The Schwabenhof’: Sept. 22-23
What to expect: “Oktoberfest @ The Schwabenhof” features ethnic dance performances, food and imported bier on tap. On Sept. 22, there will be a keg tapping and opening ceremony, and a performance by Spielmannszug Milwaukee Alte Kameraden. Euro Express Band will perform Sept. 23.
Admission: Free
Where: The Schwabenhof, N56 W14750 Silver Spring Drive, Menomonee Falls
When: 4 to 11 p.m. Sept. 22-23
More info:bit.ly/47CHwg0 or theschwabenhof.com
Germantown Hunsrucker Oktoberfest: Sept. 23-24
What to expect: Germantown Hunsrucker Oktoberfest, presented by the Germantown Historical Society, features live music, dance performances and family fun. On Sept. 23, there will be the Dheinsville Dachshund Dash that benefits the Washington County Humane Society, and a silent auction. A car show will be held Sept. 24.
Admission: Free
Where: Dheinsville Historic Park, N128W18780 Holy Hill Road, Germantown
When: Noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 23 and noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 24
More info:germantownhistoricalsociety.org/oktoberfest
Oktoberfest of Greater Racine, presented by Lakefront Brewery: Sept. 28-Oct. 1
What to expect: The sixth 6th annual Oktoberfest of Greater Racine, presented by Lakefront Brewery, features more than 24 craft beers on tap, food trucks, Spanferkel (pig roast), live music, stein hoisting, hammerschlagen, yard games and more.
Admission: Free
Where: Franksville Craft Beer Garden, 9614 Northwestern Ave., Franksville
When: Sept. 28-Oct. 1
‘Brooktoberfest’: Sept. 30
What to expect: “Brooktoberfest” will feature authentic polka music, local food vendors, dachshund races, contests, including beer stein holding, best dress and hammershlagen, a car show benefiting Make-A-Wish, and a cornhole tournament. There will be kid-friendly festivities, including face painting, arts and crafts, and a Kid Zone with an inflatable slide and obstacle course.
Where: Stefans Soccer, 620 Elizabeth Court, Brookfield
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 30
More info:discoverbrookfield.com/event/brooktoberfest-2023
Milwaukee Oktoberfest: Oct. 6-8
What to expect: The 13th annual Milwaukee Oktoberfest is being held in Cathedral Square for the first time since 2015, according to a news release. The event — organized by Swarmm Events, Kegel’s Inn, East Town Association and Milwaukee County Parks — will feature authentic German food, beer from Hofbrau, local Oktoberfest beers, live music, dancing, and a craft vendor fair. On Oct. 6, there will be a stein hoisting competition; on Oct. 7, there will be a brat eating contest and a Miss Oktoberfest competition; and on Oct. 8, there will be a cornhole tournament and wiener dog beauty pageant. The event will benefit Milwaukee County Parks via East Town Association and its programming of Cathedral Square Park, the release said. The event is family-friendly, the release noted.
Admission: Free. Attendees 21 and older who wish to consume alcohol will be charged a $2 wristband fee.
Drink packages, which are pre-sold and have limited availability, include the “VIP Beer Stein Package” and the “German Party Package.” The “VIP Beer Stein Package” ($25) includes a Milwaukee Oktoberfest official beer stein, a complimentary beer stein fill with any draft beer, and a VIP lanyard for discounts on food and beverage all weekend long and one wristband for an attendee 21 or older. The “German Party Package” ($60) includes a Hofbrau five liter table keg for you and five friends, a huge Milwaukee Pretzel Company pretzel, and five wristbands for attendees 21 or older.
Where: Cathedral Square Park
When: 4 to 11 p.m. Oct. 6, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 7 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 8
More info:milwaukeeoktoberfest.com
Oktoberfest in Cedarburg: Oct. 7-8
What to expect: Cedarburg’s Oktoberfest, presented by Summit Credit Union, features German foods, beers and desserts, specialty beers and award-winning wines. Steins will be available for purchase, but attendees can also bring their own. There will be a live Glockenspiel Show (Cuckoo Clock), German bands, dancers, and a marketplace with vendors and artists.
Admission: Free
Where: Downtown Historic Cedarburg
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 7 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
More info:cedarburgfestival.org/octoberfest
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Oktoberfest: Oct. 13-15
What to expect: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Oktoberfest will feature beer garden beverages, live music and a basket raffle. On Oct. 13, there will be a fish fry, pumpkin decorating and a campfire with s’mores. On both Oct. 14-15, there will also be artisans and food. Oct. 14 will also have sheepshead, arts and crafts, genealogy, and a polka mass. Oct. 15 will also have board games, a cake walk and a 50/50 raffle.
Where: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Chruch, 3722 S. 58th St., Milwaukee
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 13, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 14 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 15
More info:ololmke.org/oktoberfest
Elkhorn Oktoberfest: Oct. 21
What to expect: The 18th annual Elkhorn Oktoberfest will feature local and German cuisine, live music, craft and commercial vendors, beer/wine tasting, a 5K run/walk and a classic car show.
Where: Downtown Elkhorn
When: Oct. 21
More info:elkhornchamber.com/oktoberfest
