Forget Munich: Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest Right Here in the Midwest

S E E D E D   C O N T E N T

Thanks to immigrants who settled our area generations ago, much of the Midwest has deep German roots. Those immigrants brought sausages, social clubs, and of course, that beloved raucous bash, Oktoberfest.

The original celebration dates to October 12, 1810, when a royal wedding in Munich, Germany, included a massive public party. Today, Oktoberfest—which begins as early as September in some spots—is still going strong in both large cities and tiny towns in the Midwest. I can personally attest to the satisfying snap of biting into a fresh sauerkraut brat while live polka provides the soundtrack. Modeled after that first party in Munich, these 12 celebrations promise plenty of beer and cheer. Prost!

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, Cincinnati

Dachshund races are a crowd favorite at many Oktoberfests, including Cincinnati’s.  Credit:  Visit Cincy

Ohio

Southwest Ohio’s deep German heritage takes center stage during the country’s largest Oktoberfest, Zinzinnati , in mid-September. Hundreds of thousands of Cincinnati revelers pack both Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove for the fest, now in its 50th year. Of course, there are brews, brats, and live music, but you can also expect over-the-top features including a two-story Glockenspiel tower. A beer garden is on the ground level, with a performance stage on the second floor. The structure is topped with a huge working clock set to chime on the hour. The event’s beer tent is large enough for 1,000 people, so grab your friends and plan to clink mugs with new ones, too.

Oktoberfest, Hermann

The landscape along the Missouri River reminded Hermann settlers of their Rhine River Valley homeland.  Credit:  Courtesy of Visit Missouri

Missouri

German immigrants from the Rhine region came to these rolling bluffs along the Missouri River in the 1840s. Today, this small town loves its parties and festivals, and Oktoberfest is one of the liveliest times of the year. The celebration kicks off with a ceremonial keg tapping on the first Friday of October and lasts the entire month. You’ll find sausage stands on every corner; wash down those brats with a craft beer or one of Hermann’s locally made, award-winning wines . As music and dancing spills into the historic downtown streets, you might feel like you’ve been transported back to the old country.

Good to Know :  The town’s trolley service runs overtime to ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely during the party.  Consider prebooking to make sure you’ve got a seat.

Oktoberfest USA, La Crosse

La Crosse goes all out for Oktoberfest celebrations.  Credit: BVisions Media

Wisconsin 

There’s a reason locals refer to La Crosse’s Oktoberfest as “Das Beste.” It’s a bold claim, but rest assured, the city has the receipts. Indeed, this is the party that inspired many Oktoberfests throughout the Midwest. They’ve been clinking steins and spreading Gemütlichkeit —friendliness and German heritage—in town since 1961. Throw in some terrific music, two parades, an authentic biergarten, plus a medallion scavenger hunt where $500 is up for grabs, and you’ve got a lively late September festival. 

Frankenmuth Oktoberfest

All ages enjoy Frankenmuth’s Oktoberfest.  Credit:  Frankenmuth CVB

Michigan

Fun fact: Frankenmuth’s Oktoberfest is so authentic it’s received a special proclamation direct from Germany. The event, held in the town’s Heritage Park, was the first American Oktoberfest to operate with a blessing directly from the original Oktoberfest in Munich. With this German seal of approval, the fest shifted from October to September to coincide with the opening of the Munich event. Frankenmuth leans into the traditions started in Germany, with authentic entertainment, dancing, souvenirs, and hearty bites.

Good to Know : Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest beer is imported directly from Bavaria just for Frankenmuth’s big bash. 

Oktoberfest, New Ulm

Hermann the German has watched over New Ulm since 1897.  Credit: Ackerman + Gruber

Minnesota

There’s so much to do at New Ulm’s Oktoberfest that the party actually takes place at several different locations! The historic downtown district, the Best Western Plus, and Schell’s Brewery each host events over two October weekends. German attire is highly encouraged; expect lots of lederhosen. Rest assured there’s plenty of polka, pilsner, and pretzels to go around, too— just as you’d expect in a town founded in 1854 by German immigrants.

Good to Know : New in 2026, New Ulm is hosting the U.S. Steinholding Association Minnesota State Championship Finals, with the state’s top competitors hoisting it out for the state title and a chance to advance to the National Championship.

Milwaukee Oktoberfest

Cheers to the Milwaukee Oktoberfest.  Credit:  Haase Media

Wisconsin

Held the first weekend in October, Milwaukee Oktoberfest takes place at the Henry Maier Festival Park. The city puts its local spin on the German festivities, featuring Hefeweizens, Dunkels, and Helles from neighborhood craft breweries and authentic fare from Kegel’s Inn , a Milwaukee mainstay since 1924.  If you’re really hungry, channel your inner Joey Chestnut and enter the Usinger’s Brat Eating Contest, where $1,000 in cash and prizes, along with brat bragging rights, go to the winner-eats-all champ. 

Good to Know: Doxie enthusiasts will love the weiner dog beauty contest.

Seymour Oktoberfest

Seymour’s Oktoberfest typically draws more than 100,000 visitors.  Credit:  SFC Margaret Wilson

Indiana

While Seymour’s top claim to fame is as the birthplace of rocker John Mellencamp, the town also puts on an epic Oktoberfest with a carnival twist in early October. In addition to German food and fun, there’s a full midway with rides and games. Throw in a parade, plus a balloon glow and race, and you’ve got a celebration that truly has activities for everyone. It’s one of the largest and most popular festivals in the state, with average attendance that has topped 100,000.

Good to Know: Hit the church food stands for authentic bites. Immanuel Lutheran serves German bean and kraut soups, while Zion Lutheran has your dessert cravings covered with apple dumplings and ice cream. 

Amana Colonies Oktoberfest

Live music and dancing in the Festhalle Barn during Oktoberfest in the Amana Colonies.  Credit:  Jamie Wolter

Iowa

The Amana Colonies —one of America’s longest-lived communal societies—date to the mid-1800s, when German immigrants came to Iowa seeking religious freedom and affordable farmland. The German influence is still clear today in the colonies’ shops, restaurants, and celebrations. A spirited Oktoberfest has been held for more than 60 years and was recently expanded from three days to four. One highlight: the Eisenmann, or Iron Man, competition. Teammates roll kegs, walk a balance beam loaded down with full beer steins, and even saw logs in an attempt to take the title. 

Oktoberfest, Lake Villa

Illinois

Sponsored by the American Aid Society of German Descendants, Lake Villa’s Oktoberfest takes place across three weekends from mid-September into early October. The society’s grounds, including its picnic grove, outdoor pavilion, and festhall, all transform into a mini-Munich for the Saturday evening events. It’s worth the 50-mile trek north from Chicago for the party; the event has a friendly community feel, and all are welcome to take part. 

Good to Know: This event uses a ticketing system for all food and beverage purchases; make sure to grab some tickets as soon as you arrive.  

Des Moines’ Original Oktoberfest, Ankeny

German dancing at Des Moines’ Original Oktoberfest.  Credit:  Danny Carmen

Iowa 

The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny, a Des Moines suburb, hosts Des Moines’ Original Oktoberfest in late September. The shopping and entertainment area is the perfect spot to soak up all the German vibes you can. Try polka lessons, dress in your dirndl for the costume contests, or belly up to the bar for a shotski world record attempt. 

Good to Know: Do not sleep on the food here. Look for specialties such as currywurst, cheese spaetzle, and potato noodles and kraut.

Oktoberfest Hays

   

L:  Dancing at Oktoberfest Hays.  Credit: Oktoberfest Hays
R:  Raise (or buy) a stein at the Hays Oktoberfest.  Credit: Oktoberfest Hays

Kansas

What happens when you combine an Oktoberfest bash and a college homecoming weekend? It adds up to a lot of spirit in Hays, Kansas. Each year, locals welcome thousands of Fort Hays State University alums to take part in all the food and fun at the town’s Municipal Park. The fest is sponsored by the Volga German Centennial Association, which preserves the culture of Germans who settled in Russia at the invitation of Catherine the Great; descendants of those Germans eventually emigrated to western Kansas, bringing their traditions with them.  

Good to Know: The stein game is strong at this Oktoberfest. Consider purchasing a commemorative mug as a souvenir.

Oktoberfest, Norfolk

Norfolk’s Oktoberfest includes many kid-friendly activities.  Credit:  Jen Arens

Nebraska

Norfolk’s annual Oktoberfest , presented by BankFirst and hosted by the town’s Chamber of Commerce, is a celebration for all ages. While there’s an extensive beer garden, the event also features kid-friendly events including a cornhole tournament, Big Wheel races, bounce houses, and face painting. The Lions Club parade through downtown is a favorite Oktoberfest tradition.

Good to Know: Football doesn’t take a break during the Bavarian bash. Norfolk’s festival also includes a Husker tailgate, with the big game shown on a giant LED screen Saturday night.

Erika Ebsworth-Goold is a two-time Emmy Award-winning former TV journalist now focused on travel, lifestyle and culture. She's trekked through Colombian rainforests, cruised the Nile River, marveled at the Taj Mahal and hiked the Great Wall of China, writing for a variety of national and international outlets along the way.