Wisconsin State has been celebrating Oktoberfest since 1961. Many cities and towns of midwestern states welcome the autumn season with their own style of Bavarian Beerfest celebration.
Welcome to Wisconsin Oktoberfest
The Oktoberfest celebration in Wisconsin is tied to the state’s German roots. These events are not as big as the OG Oktoberfest in Munich but are surely a place to enjoy German brew (some events also serve beer in a 1-litre stein). These events call for family-friendly affairs under one roof, with lots of activities planned for every age.
Save the Dates
September to October 2026, across various locations in Wisconsin
Oktoberfest Wisconsin Events
Oktoberfest events in Wisconsin are nothing short of surprises. These celebrations honor the Bavarian heritage and celebrate all aspects of German traditions—beer, food, and traditional games.
1. Oktoberfest La Crosse
Dates: 24-27 September 2026
Location: 1 Oktoberfest Strasse, La Crosse, WI 54601
Timings: 11 am-6 pm
Two parades and fireworks mark the main attraction of the Oktoberfest La Crosse. People dressed in lederhosen and dirndl enjoy stein races, barrel rolling, grain toss, and a scavenger hunt. Different genres are played across multiple stages, and children can enjoy the carnival rides. Thursdays are for senior citizens, who can enjoy a discounted breakfast. Oktoberfest La Crosse is all about inclusivity.
2. Wisconsin Oktoberfest Milwaukee
Dates: October 2 to 4, 2026
Location: 520 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Timings: 11:00 am to 6:30 pm
During the first week of October, the Milwaukee Cathedral Park opens its gates for German-style fun. The Oktoberfest Milwaukee hosts family fun with the best food and German sausages for the Brat Eating Competition. The ladies set the stage Saturday night, competing for the Miss Oktoberfest title. Sundays are dedicated to the wiener dog beauty pageant and cornhole tournament.
3. German Town Oktoberfest
Dates: September 26 to 27, 2026 (Tentative)
Location: N128W18780 Holy Hill Rd, Germantown, WI 53022
Timings: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm (Sat) and 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Sun)
The German Town of Oktoberfest is ranked among the top three places to celebrate Oktoberfest in the Midwestern state. A few thousand people gather in the Dheinsville Historical Park to celebrate their German heritage. The Dachshund Dog Races on Saturday are the event’s main highlight. The event has free parking and entry to all three museums, including the Our Christ Church Museum of Local History.
4. Oktoberfest Appleton
Dates: September 26, 2026
Location: 125 N Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
The Oktoberfest Appleton is one of the most popular beerfests in Wisconsin that brings together 200,000 people from across the state to celebrate beer, fun, and food. The traditional Spaten beer toast at the festival honors the keg tapping ceremony in the Munich Oktoberfest. Diverse genres of music are played across multiple stages, from traditional Bavarian polka tunes to the 2000s hit. Kids are entertained at the family fun area featuring circus skills workshops, a karate demonstration, and comedians.
5. Hayward Oktoberfest
Dates: September 19th, 2026
Location: 10172 Bender Rd, Hayward, WI 54843
Timings: 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
The Hayward Oktoberfest celebration is an inspirational event that resulted from the co-chair couple’s visit to the Munich Oktoberfest. The food at the event is a major hit. The head chef responsible for the food is a born German who has also worked at the Oktoberfest Munich booth. Traditional games like axe throwing and stein-holding contests are also included in the schedule.
Wisconsin Oktoberfest Ticket Information
Some events are free, like Oktoberfest Appleton, while others have admission fees, like Oktoberfest Hayward, charging tickets of $5 for people over 21, $3 for people between 13-20 years, and 12 years and under are free to enter.
FAQs
Is the Milwaukee Oktoberfest free?
Yes, admission to the Oktoberfest Milwaukee is free. But the drink package can be purchased in advance. The event has a lot of options that can be enjoyed without paying a penny, like music.
What time is the tapping of the golden keg in La Crosse, Wisconsin?
Hundreds of people gather at the Garden Stage at Oktoberfest La Crosse in Wisconsin to witness the golden keg tapping ceremony. The ceremony, which takes place at 11 a.m., announces the start of the festival and honors the Oktoberfest keg tapping tradition.