Oktoberfest in Wisconsin

 

Oktoberfest is an international celebration of German heritage that originated in Germany and has now extended to numerous nations, including the United States. Wisconsin is not an exception; it has a sizable German population and enjoys beer. 

In many cities and villages around the state, Oktoberfest is a well-liked celebration. This article will examine Wisconsin's Oktoberfest in further detail and discuss its distinctive features.

 

Milwaukee Oktoberfest - Milwaukee

Milwaukee is known as the beer capital of the world, so it's no surprise that the city's Oktoberfest celebration is one of the biggest in the Midwest. The festival takes place at the historic Bavarian Bierhaus and features plenty of German beer, food, and live music.

The crowning moment of the Milwaukee Oktoberfest is the ceremonial tapping of the keg, officially opening the festival's German beer paradise. A wide variety of delicious brews, including Hofbräu, Spaten, and Hacker-Pschorr, will be at your fingertips. Delight in authentic dishes - from the savoury schnitzel and sauerkraut to the classic bratwurst and pretzels. It's an experience you won't forget!

The Milwaukee Oktoberfest offers live music and entertainment in addition to food and beer. Traditional German music is played by groups like the Squeezettes and the Brewhaus Polka Kings, while other artists play more contemporary music.

In addition to carnival rides and games for all ages, it also offers a kid-friendly section with activities catering to families with young ones.

 

La Crosse Oktoberfest

La Crosse Oktoberfest is an annual festival held in the city of La Crosse, Wisconsin, celebrating German culture and traditions. The festival was first held in 1961 and has grown into a ten-day event that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The festival is held in late September or early October and takes place in the downtown area of La Crosse. It features a variety of events and activities, including parades, live music, dancing, traditional German food and drinks, carnival rides, and more.

One of the highlights of the festival is the Oktoberfest Maple Leaf Parade, which is held on the first Saturday of the festival. The parade features marching bands, floats, and other participants that showcase the culture and traditions of the region. The parade route winds through downtown La Crosse and is one of the most popular events of the festival.

Another popular event at the La Crosse Oktoberfest is the Festmaster's Ball, which is held on the opening day of the festival. The Festmaster and his partner lead the festival's activities and events, and the ball is a formal affair that celebrates the beginning of the festival. Guests are encouraged to wear traditional German attire, and the event includes a traditional dinner, live music, and dancing.

In addition to these events, the La Crosse Oktoberfest also features a fair area, with rides and games for all ages. Traditional German food and drinks are also available throughout the festival, with vendors selling bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, and other classic dishes. There are also a number of beer tents and gardens, offering a wide variety of German and domestic beers, as well as wines and other beverages.

The La Crosse Oktoberfest is a family-friendly event, with activities and events for visitors of all ages. In addition to the carnival rides and games, there are also children's activities, such as face painting and balloon animals. The festival also includes a family day, which features discounted prices for carnival rides and games, as well as other family-friendly activities.

 

Oktoberfest at Essen Haus — Madison

Oktoberfest at Essen Haus in Madison, Wisconsin is one of the most popular Oktoberfest celebrations in the state. The event takes place annually over three weekends in September and October, drawing in visitors from all around the region.

The celebration at Essen Haus is an authentic Bavarian experience, featuring traditional music, food, and beer. Attendees can enjoy live polka music and dance performances, as well as German food such as sausages, pretzels, and sauerkraut. The beer selection includes many German favorites, including Hofbräu, Spaten, and Paulaner.

The traditional tapping of the keg, in which a distinguished visitor opens the first keg of Oktoberfest beer to start the party, is one of the festival's highlights. The dachshund race is another well-liked occasion when owners can enroll their canine companions in a sprint to the finish line.

There are many additional Oktoberfest events taking place all across Madison and the neighboring areas in addition to those at Essen Haus.

 

Bavarian Bier Haus - Glendale

Bavarian Bier Haus in Glendale, Wisconsin is a popular spot for those looking to celebrate Oktoberfest. The event features live music, traditional German food and of course, plenty of beer. This venue offers an authentic experience with its German-inspired decor, including a beautiful bier hall and outdoor beer garden.

 

Kohler Falls Oktoberfest - Sheboygan Falls

Another popular Oktoberfest destination in Wisconsin is the Kohler Falls Oktoberfest, held in the charming town of Sheboygan Falls. This two-day festival features a variety of activities for visitors of all ages, including live music, a pumpkin carving contest, and a bratwurst eating competition. In addition to the traditional Oktoberfest fare, attendees can also enjoy a wide selection of craft beers and local wines.

 

Old Settlers Oktoberfest - Salem

Every year, towards the end of September or in early October, a delightful event known as the Old Settlers Oktoberfest takes place in Salem, Wisconsin. 

This festival is a paradise for those who enjoy live music, authentic German cuisine, and beer, as well as an assortment of family-friendly events. Amidst a plethora of activities, one can revel in a parade, treat the eyes to a craft fair, witness a display of vehicles, immerse themselves in the beer tent, and sample scrumptious food from a variety of vendors. 

The event takes place at the picturesque Old Settlers Park, which boasts plentiful trees and open areas - the perfect venue for an unforgettable experience.

 

8th Street Ale Haus Oktoberfest - Sheboygan

The 8th Street Ale Haus Oktoberfest is another popular event that is held annually in Sheboygan. The festival takes place in mid-September and features live music, German food and beer, and various games and activities.

There is a cornhole tournament, a stein holding competition, and a bratwurst eating contest. The festival is held at the 8th Street Ale Haus, which is a popular local brewery and restaurant.

 

Lion’s Tale Oktoberfest - Neenah

Experience the finest of German culture and entertainment at the annual two-day event, Lion's Tale Oktoberfest, held every autumn in Neenah, Wisconsin!

Expect delightful live music performances, indulgent German cuisine, a varied lineup of activities suitable for all ages, and a spectacle parade. Featuring a beer tent to quench your thirst and seasoned food vendors! Moreover, there is a craft fair and car show for everyone to enjoy between bites and sips. Come and be part of this vibrant festival!

The festival is held at the Lion's Tail Brewing Company, which is a popular local brewery and restaurant.

 

Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest

The festival is held annually in the downtown area of Chippewa Falls, a city located in Chippewa County in northwestern Wisconsin. The festival features live music, food, beer, and other beverages. Attendees can also enjoy carnival rides, games, and contests, including a best-dressed contest, beer stein holding contest, and barrel rolling contest.

Beloit Oktoberfest

Beloit Oktoberfest is another popular Oktoberfest celebration in Wisconsin. This festival is held annually in September at downtown Beloit. The festival features live music, German food, and a variety of beer and other beverages. Attendees can also participate in the Oktoberfest 5k run/walk or watch the wiener dog races.

 

Lorelei Inn Oktoberfest - Green Bay

Lorelei Inn Oktoberfest is held in Green Bay every September. The festival is known for its authentic German food, beer, and live music. Attendees can enjoy traditional German cuisine such as schnitzel, sauerbraten, and bratwursts while listening to live music by bands playing traditional German music.

 

Oktoberfest Three Lakes

Early in October each year, Three Lakes has its two-day Oktoberfest, a celebration of German cuisine, beer, and culture. The event is located in Three Lakes' downtown and offers lots of German food and beer along with live music and traditional German dance. 

One of the festival's attractions is the beer tent, where guests may drink a selection of German beers while listening to live music performed by local and regional bands.

Outside of the beer tent, Oktoberfest Three Lakes offers a diverse selection of events. Visitors can experience the stunning display of vintage German cars or indulge in amusement with carnival games, face painting, and other delightful activities in the "Kinderplatz" section.

 

New Glarus Oktoberfest

A little town in southern Wisconsin called New Glarus is renowned for its Swiss roots and its top-notch brewery. The town's three-day annual Oktoberfest festival takes place in September and draws tourists from all around the area. Live music, traditional Swiss and German dance, a ton of beer, and delicious cuisine are all part of the event, which takes place in the heart of New Glarus.

The procession that opens the New Glarus Oktoberfest on Friday night is one of the festival's highlights. The procession includes marching bands, floats, and traditional Swiss and German attire. Along with a large selection of beverages and foods, the event offers plenty of pretzels, sausage, and German and Swiss beer.

 

Waukesha Oktoberfest

For over 50 years, the city of Waukesha, near Milwaukee, has hosted an annual Oktoberfest event. Complete with live music, traditional German dancing, an incredible variety of food and beverages, the festival takes place in the heart of downtown. Kid-friendly attractions, including face painting and a bouncy house, are also available.

The "Wiener Dog Race," where spectators may witness hundreds of dachshunds sprint along Main Street, is one of the highlights of Waukesha Oktoberfest. A historic automobile exhibition is also held, showcasing some of the area's most exquisite old vehicles. There is also no shortage of German beer and cuisine, such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, and pretzels.

 

Oktoberfest at the Schwabenhof - Menomonee Falls

The Schwabenhof in Menomonee Falls hosts one of Wisconsin's largest Oktoberfest festivities. This festival, which spans three weekends in September and October, offers live music, dancing, authentic German cuisine, and copious amounts of beer.

The Schwaben's Got Talent competition, where attendees can participate in a range of talent categories, is one of the festival's highlights. A parade, a carnival, and a variety of vendors selling crafts and other goods are among the many events and activities that are included in the festival.

 

Greendale Hay Days and Oktoberfest

Every September, the Village of Greendale hosts a three-day celebration known as Greendale Hay Days and Oktoberfest. Live music, food vendors, a beer garden, and a variety of other activities are all part of this festival.

The hayrides that explore the historic attractions of the village are one of the highlights of Greendale Hay Days and Oktoberfest. The festival also features a number of other activities and events, such as a parade, a craft market, and a corn hole competition.

 

Germantown Oktoberfest

Germantown is a small town located in southeastern Wisconsin. The Germantown Oktoberfest is a three-day festival that is held every year in September. The festival is organized by the Germantown Historical Society and takes place in Firemen's Park.

The Germantown Oktoberfest is known for its live music, delicious food, and beer. Visitors can enjoy a variety of German dishes such as sausages, pretzels, and sauerkraut. The festival also has a beer garden where visitors can taste a variety of German beers.

 

Dallas Oktoberfest

Dallas is a small town located in northwestern Wisconsin. The Dallas Oktoberfest is a two-day festival that is held every year in September. The festival takes place in the town's community park.

The Dallas Oktoberfest is known for its live music, delicious food, and beer. Visitors can enjoy a variety of German dishes such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, and German potato salad. The festival also has a beer garden where visitors can taste a variety of German beers.

The lively and vibrant Dallas Oktoberfest boasts an exciting polka contest as one of its main attractions. Participants daringly dance to polka music, vying to become the last pair standing on the cheer-filled dancefloor. The festival also has a 5k run, a car show, and a carnival for children.

 

Cedarburg Oktoberfest

Cedarburg is a small town located in southeastern Wisconsin. The Cedarburg Oktoberfest is a two-day festival that is held every year in October. The festival takes place in the town's historic downtown district.

The Cedarburg Oktoberfest is known for its live music, delicious food, and beer. Visitors can enjoy a variety of German dishes such as sausages, pretzels, and sauerkraut. The festival also has a beer garden where visitors can taste a variety of German beers.

The grape stomp is one of the attractions of the Oktoberfest in Cedarburg. The object of this competition is to see who can stomp the most grapes in the shortest amount of time. A 5k race, a kid's fair, and a pumpkin decorating competition are all part of the celebration.

 

Lake Geneva Oktoberfest

Lake Geneva Oktoberfest is a popular celebration that takes place annually in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. This event offers visitors an authentic German experience, with traditional German music, food, and beer. The festival takes place in October and is spread over three days.

Numerous people attend the Lake Geneva Oktoberfest, and the streets are alive with music, dancing, and laughing. Live music performances, carnival games, and a selection of food and beverages are all part of the celebration. Additionally, local sellers put up stalls and offer a variety of goods, including handmade crafts, jewelry, clothes, and accessories.

The beer tent at the Lake Geneva Oktoberfest, where guests may sample a range of German brews, is one of the festival's attractions. The beer tent is a well-liked location where guests may unwind with their beverages and live music.

 

Our Lady of Lourdes Oktoberfest Artisan Fair - Milwaukee

Take part in a unique event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Our Lady of Lourdes Oktoberfest Artisan Fair. Unlike other Oktoberfest celebrations, this fair presents art, crafts, and homemade items that are sure to captivate your interest.

The Our Lady of Lourdes Oktoberfest Artisan Fair attracts vendors from all over the state, and visitors can find a variety of unique items such as handmade jewelry, clothing, accessories, and home decor. The event also features live music, carnival rides, and traditional German food and drinks.

The Our Lady of Lourdes Oktoberfest Artisan Fair is a family-friendly event, and there are activities for children of all ages. Kids can enjoy face painting, pumpkin decorating, and a variety of games and activities.

 

Elkhorn Oktoberfest

Elkhorn Oktoberfest is a two-day celebration that takes place in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. This event offers visitors an authentic German experience with traditional music, food, and beer.

The Elkhorn Oktoberfest features a variety of activities for visitors, including live music performances, a beer tent, and a wide range of food vendors. Visitors can taste traditional German food, such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, and pretzels, and enjoy a variety of German beers.

The Elkhorn Oktoberfest also features a variety of family-friendly activities, including a carnival with rides, games, and attractions. Kids can enjoy face painting, pumpkin decorating, and a variety of games and activities.

 

Conclusion

Wisconsin's famous tradition of Oktoberfest is celebrated all around the state. There is an Oktoberfest celebration in Wisconsin for every taste, from the major festivities in La Crosse and Milwaukee to the smaller ones in communities like Cedarburg and Mount Horeb. It's simple to understand why Oktoberfest has become so popular with live music, carnival rides, traditional German cuisine and drink, and a ton of local beer.