Celebrating Oktoberfest in Kansas

Kansas is a fertile state with theatres and cultural shows. It is also known for the Oktoberfest celebrations, some of which have been part of the traditions for more than five decades. All the events celebrate traditional food, beer, dance, and music.

All the events are spread across the state, running for days, mostly on the weekends. The Oktoberfest contest, like Stein hoisting, makes these events thrilling.

Oktoberfest Hays

Oktoberfest has become a vibrant annual celebration honoring the Volga German immigrants. The event is packed with entertaining segments, like historical reenactments and traditional keg tapping with the German song Ein Prosit. A bell is rung to mark the official start of beer service.

What are the Event Highlights?

Amongst the three bands, at least one is dedicated to German polka. The Hays Community Theatre costumed performers dance and interact with the guests. Visitors can also take part in time-honored contests such as:

• Stein-Holding Competition

• Deutsch Hops Contest 

• Highstriker (Hau-den-Lukas) 

• Mug-Toss Contest

• Beer Puppeteer Challenge 

What’s on the menu?

Authentic German Cuisine & the World’s Largest BierockFood is central to the Hays Oktoberfest.  Many dishes are prepared by local nonprofits. Guests can enjoy traditional Volga German dishes such as:

• German Skillet

• Bierocks

• Brats & Fried Bologna Sandwiches

• Green Bean Dumpling Soup

One of the festival’s highlights is unveiling the World’s Largest Bierock, with ticket holders receiving a sample of this giant creation.

Junction City Oktoberfest

In the mainstream, Junction City is one of the main German-style festivals. Women in dirndl and men in lederhosen can be seen at this event. 

What are the Event Highlights?

Polka music, the different stalls, and the beer garden are the event's main highlights. Junction City’s Oktoberfest has a variety of entertaining traditional Bavarian activities, including;

• Yodeling contest 

• Masskrugstemmen (stein-holding)

• Hammerschlagen (hammer-striking)

• Masskrugtragen (beer stein carrying over 40 meters without spilling)

• Costume contest

Abilene Oktoberfest

The city of Abilene sets up into a lively hub of German culture as it hosts its annual Oktoberfest in Little Ike Park. The Festival brings the community together for a weekend. 

The festival was founded in 2017 by Heidi Anderson, who grew up in Germany and wanted to share her heritage with her community. Today, her daughter, Hanna Nagely, continues to work to keep the Oktoberfest in Abilene a cherished event.

What are the Event Highlights?

Abilene’s festival dates align with the opening weekend of the 16-day Oktoberfest. The event begins with a pre-party with live music, dancing, German food, and vendors. 

Abilene holds its keg-tapping later in the day at 5:30 p.m. A city official relishes the first sip, followed by a communal toast. One of the standout attractions is the Blautaler Verein Schuhplattler group from Kansas City. Dressed in traditional Bavarian attire, the dancers perform the schuhplattler, a centuries-old folk dance from the Alpine villages characterized by rhythmic hopping, stomping, and shoe-slapping. 

Jim Miller, the group’s vorplatter (dance instructor), leads the performances, engaging the audience with explanations of the cultural significance behind each dance. Guests participate in singing “Ein Prosit” every hour and experiencing the thrilling Goaßlschnalzen.

What are the Exciting Contests and Games?

Oktoberfest is incomplete without friendly competition, and Abilene delivers a variety of traditional German contests. Highlights include:

• Masskrugstemmen (Stein Hoisting

• Hammerschlagen

• Keg Rolling Competition

• Cornhole Tournament

A dedicated kids’ section includes an expanded play area featuring eight to nine bounce houses and a barrel train, ensuring entertainment for the whole family.

What's on the Menu?

Vendors servtraditional eGerman dishes, including schnitzel, bratwurst, bierocks, and currywurst, alongside classic American fare. Diners gather at communal tables covered in blue-and-white checked tablecloths, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Beer enthusiasts can enjoy authentic Bavarian brews, with Paulaner Brewery of Munich supplying beer just as it does for the original Oktoberfest in Germany. Servers dressed in traditional dirndls pour beer into souvenir steins, adding to the immersive experience. This year, Abilene’s Oktoberfest introduces a special beer-tasting tent hosted by Walnut River Brewing Company from El Dorado, featuring locally crafted Dunkel and Weizenbock beers created exclusively for the festival.

Is Oktoberfest in Kansas Worth the Hype?

Absolutely! While Kansas may not have the glitz and glamour of larger cities, its Oktoberfest celebrations are brimming with authenticity, community spirit, and Midwestern hospitality. These events offer a perfect blend of traditional Bavarian culture and local charm, making them a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Oktoberfest in a unique and welcoming setting.