Here are 23 Oktoberfest celebrations to check out across the Milwaukee area
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 23 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 through 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 online.
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 through Oct. 8.
More info: thebavarianbierhaus.com/oktoberfest-tickets-2
Oktoberfest with Draft and Vessel at TosaFest: Sept. 8-9
What to expect: This year, for the first time, TosaFest will include an Oktoberfest event run by Draft and Vessel Tosa. There will be German beer, Milwaukee pretzels, live accordion music and "hopefully" goats, the business said.
Stein-holding competitions, which will benefit the Wauwatosa Historical Society, will be held Sept. 9 at Pocket Park, the event's website said. The women's competition starts at 4:30 p.m. and the men's is at 5 p.m.
There will be prizes for the winners. And, all who enter will receive a half-liter commemorative mug, which is refillable at a discounted rate for the rest of the night, a Prosit hat pin and a swag bag. Sign-up, which costs $30, can be done at wauwatosavillage.org/shop/p/stein-holding-contest.
Where: Upper Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa
When: 5 to 11 p.m. Sept. 8 and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 9
More info: wauwatosavillage.org/tosafest
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; and 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 beers 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; 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.-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, and can be purchased online through ervsmug.hrpos.heartland.us/menu. Limited to 250 tickets available.
Where: Erv's Mug, 130 W. Ryan Road, Oak Creek
When: 5-9 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 be beer brulee, brats, stein-holding 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 Sept. 16, beginning at O'Donoghue's Irish Pub, 13225 Watertown Plank Road.
Where: Elm Grove Park, 13600 Juneau Blvd., Elm Grove
When: 5-10 p.m. Sept. 15 and 4-10 p.m. Sept. 16. The Fun Run starts 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, Bavarian pretzels, brats, currywursts and more. On Sept. 16 there will 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. The biergarten only accepts cash.
Where: 5555 7th St., Kenosha
When: 4- 9 p.m. Sept. 15, noon-9 p.m. Sept. 16 and noon-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 N. King Drive. 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 Leinenkugel's, 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 Sept. 15.
Where: North King 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. King 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 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.
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'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 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-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 statues and more. The celebration kicks off Sept. 22 with a firkin tapping featuring free beer 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: 5-10 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 beer 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: 4-11 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-11 p.m. Sept. 23 and noon-7 p.m. Sept. 24
More info: germantownhistoricalsociety.org/oktoberfest
Oktoberfest at Oconomowoc's Wisconsin Brewing Company Park: Sept. 23
What to expect: Wisconsin Brewing Company Park's second annual Oktoberfest will feature unlimited beer samples, German food and food trucks, live music, a stein holding contest, a best-dressed lederhosen/dirndl contest, a bags tournament that has a cash prize for the winners and also benefits the LC DockHounds Foundation, and more, according to a news release and the event's webpage.
Admission: General admission costs $45 and includes unlimited beer samples from over 20 breweries and a commemorative tasting glass. A VIP package costs $65 and includes unlimited beer tastings, a commemorative beer stein, early entry, a private brat bar with multiple flavors and sauces, and exclusive beer tastings from Lake Louie Brewing.
VIP plus bags tourney participation costs $140 per team of two, and includes unlimited beer samples, VIP access to Oktoberfest with a private brat bar and access to select Lake Louie beers.
Designated driver tickets cost $15 each and include unlimited soda and water.
Where: Wisconsin Brewing Company Park, 1011 Blue Ribbon Circle N, Oconomowoc
When: Opens at 11 a.m. for VIP ticket holders and noon for general admission on Sept. 23. Closes at 5 p.m.
More info: wbcpark.com/2023-oktoberfest
Oktoberfest in downtown Hartford: Sept. 23
What to expect: Oktoberfest in downtown Hartford, presented by The Mill, will feature Brewed Omen Oktoberfest beer, several food vendors, as well as traditional brats and pretzels, according to the event's Facebook page. There will be Oktoberfest games from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Live music will include the Kenny Brandt Polka Band from 1 to 4 p.m. and THE TOYS from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Hartford, on Main Street between Jackson Street and Wisconsin Avenue
When: 1 to 9 p.m. Sept. 23
More info: bit.ly/47Qn9Mt
Oktobrewfest at J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard at American Family Field in Milwaukee: Sept. 24
What to expect: The inaugural Oktobrewfest at J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard, located inside American Family Field, will feature the reintroduction of a hibernated Leinenkugel's favorite, Big Eddy Über Oktoberfest, a news release from the Brewers said. The brew, which will be on tap, will be available at the restaurant for a limited time. The restaurant will serve up a Brewmaster Bavarian Pretzel duo served with beer cheese and horseradish mustard; Nueske’s Hanging Bacon with homemade loaded potato salad; and its Best of the Wurst platter, which features knackwurst, bierwurst, weisswurst, a slab bacon, apple kraut, potatoes, pickles and mustard. Bernie Brewer and Barrelman will take photos with attendees from noon to 1 p.m. Competitions will be held throughout the day, including stein holding and best dressed. There will be live music from the Die Musikmeisters Band. The restaurant will also show the Brewers game live on its TVs. All ages are welcome to attend, the event's webpage said.
Admission: Free to attend. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Where: J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard, located inside American Family Field, 1 Brewers Way, Milwaukee. Parking will be free Sept. 24, and the nearest parking lot to the restaurant is Brewers 2 (preferred). The closest ballpark entrance is the Left Field Gate.
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 24
More info: mlb.com/brewers/fans/oktobrewfest
Oktoberfest of Greater Racine: 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 family-friendly event will benefit Milwaukee County Parks via East Town Association and its programming of Cathedral Square Park, the release said.
Admission: Free. Attendees 21 and older who wish to consume alcohol will be charged a $2 wristband fee.
Drink packages are pre-sold and have limited availability. The VIP Beer Stein Package ($25) includes one wristband for an attendee 21 or older, 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. 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: 4-11 p.m. Oct. 6, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 7 and 11 a.m.-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.-8 p.m. Oct. 7 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 8
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 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 and 15 there will also be artisans and food. Oct. 14 will have sheepshead, arts and crafts, genealogy, and a polka mass. Oct. 15 will have board games, a cake walk and a 50/50 raffle.
Where: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Chruch, 3722 S. 58th St.
When: 4-8 p.m. Oct. 13, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Oct. 14 and 9 a.m.-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
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Oktoberfest 2023 events in Milwaukee area: German food, beer, music
