Celebrating Oktoberfest in Minnesota

The first wave of German immigrants in the 1800s brought their music, food, art, culture, and practices to Minnesota, along with Oktoberfest. The Gopher States’ scenic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and strong German ancestry are the reasons to join in some of the most exciting Oktoberfest celebrations in the Midwest. 

With a significant German-American population, the state enthusiastically embraces Bavarian traditions. Large-scale festivals are held in major cities, and intimate gatherings are held in smaller towns. These celebrations bring together authentic German food, lively music, and a vibrant atmosphere filled with guests dancing in Lederhosen and dirndl dresses.

Twin Cities Oktoberfest

The Twin Cities Oktoberfest is one of Minnesota's most well-received annual events, ranked 4th in all of America. Thousands of guests come to enjoy German beer, traditional cuisine, and live entertainment. This all-age event only serves alcohol to anyone over 21 years old, following the state’s drinking law.

What are the Highlights of Twin Cities Oktoberfest?

This cherished annual event is a fully local celebration. The highlights of the event are the craft's best beer, food, music, and entertainment from the Twin Cities and beyond. The band and Musicians take up the stage to perform the Oompah, polka, and rock scenes to entertain the guests.

• The Bavarian Musikmeisters

• Alpensterne

• Doctor Kielbasa

• SG Edelweiss – North America’s #1 German dancing troupe

• The Stand-Ups

• Matt Lefler

• Shirts and Skins Band

• Kris and the Riverbend Dutchmen

• The Josh Norman Musik Meisters

• The Elk River German Band

What’s on the Event’s Menu?

The menu features a selection of classic Bavarian dishes, including:

• Sauerkraut Balls

• German Potato Salad

• Bratwurst with Sauerkraut

• Pork Schnitzel Sandwich

• Smoked Bavarian Sausages

• Apple Strudel with Whipped Cream

• Giant Bavarian Pretzel with Beer Cheese

Amazing local craft brewers and cider choices from both new and returning breweries and companies include;

• Utepils Brewing (Minneapolis, MN)

• Lupulin Brewing (Big Lake, MN & Sioux Falls, SD)

• Lift Bridge Brewing Company (Stillwater, MN & New Richmond, WI)

• Sociable Cider Werks (Minneapolis, MN)

• Bruhaven Craft Co.

New Ulm Oktoberfest

New Ulm, also referred to as the "most German town in America," is one of America's most traditional Oktoberfest celebrations. The festival is scheduled for two weekends that harmonize with the festival's name.

What are the Special Features of the New Ulms Event?

This event is a community-wide celebration that is held in different venues, including Historic Downtown, Best Western Plus, Schell’s Brewery, and Morgan Creek Vineyards. Each event has its own vibe. The main attractions include:

• A traditional keg-tapping ceremony at Schell’s Brewery

• German dance performances by local groups

• A parade with decorated Oktoberfest floats

• A stein-hoisting competition and other fun contests

Guests can also take a brewery tour at Schell’s Brewery, one of the oldest breweries in the United States. The brewery has German-style beers brewed on-site.

What is the Event’s Musical Lineup?

The festival features a mix of traditional polka and high-energy music, with performances by:

• The Concord Singers

• The Wendinger Band

• Alpensterne

• The Bockfest Boys

Gasthof’s Oktoberfest – Minneapolis

Gasthof’s Oktoberfest is an iconic celebration in Minneapolis hosted by the famous Gasthof Zur Gemütlichkeit restaurant. The event is known for its lively atmosphere, traditional beer tents, and delicious Bavarian food.

What are the Highlights of Gasthof’s Oktoberfest?

This festival sets up an authentic German ambiance, featuring long communal tables, live polka music, and traditional beer steins. The event includes:

• Authentic German beer imported directly from Munich

• Traditional Oktoberfest games, including the Masskrugstemmen (stein-holding competition)

• A large outdoor beer garden with fire pits

What’s on the Menu?

The beer selection includes Hofbräu, Paulaner, and Warsteiner, served in traditional one-liter steins. German schnapps and wines are also available. The menu also includes a list of top German dishes, such as:

• Smoked Bratwurst with Mustard

• Currywurst with Fries

• Jägerschnitzel with Mushroom Gravy

• Cheese Spaetzle

• Black Forest Cake

Are Oktoberfest Celebrations in Minnesota Worth the Hype?

Absolutely! The Oktoberfest events in Minnesota cities and towns are worth the hype. Some are larger-than-life, while others are cozy and intimate. All the events feature rich beer and Bavarian food scenes, and entertainment is provided by both local and Bavarian-specialized musicians. All the events give the perfect excuse to wear traditional dirndl dresses and premium lederhosen.