The “Mother of West” or the “Cave State” Missouri holds many Oktoberfest celebrations during the autumn season. These celebrations are a chance to experience German culture up close. All the events occur at distinct locations during different times of the month.
Between the 1830s and 1840s German immigrants found their homes in this newly created state. They brought with them their culture. These celebrations of the Bavarian Beerfest served as a reminder of the customs and traditions of the home state.
Oktoberfest Hermann
The celebration marks the arrival of the autumn season on the calendar. It is celebrated every weekend in October. This celebration brings the best of German heritage to life with authentic traditional dishes, oompah music, and frothy craft beer.
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Date |
All weekends in October |
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Venue |
65041, Hermann Amtrak Station, 301 Wharf Street (at Gutenberg), Hermann, MO, USA |
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Website |
www.visithermann.com |
What about the Festival's Food Highlights?
The festival's menu honors authentic German cuisine featuring a variety of savory meals. The Bavarian delicacies on the menu include:
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Reuben sandwiches
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Smoked pork chops
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Beer-marinated brisket
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Hickory-smoked pulled pork
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German potato salad
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Red cabbage
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Award-winning bratwursts
Celebrating the spirit of Oktoberfest, the local restaurants also serve German breakfast specialties, including the “Hermann Wurst Haus,” which offers an all-you-can-eat menu during breakfast hours.
What are the Entertainment Highlights?
Oktoberfest Hermann has an exciting entertainment lineup. Live music performances are held every weekend, featuring anything from modern hits to classic German folk songs. A focal point for festival attendees, the Jaycees Bier Garten is open Fridays and Saturdays in October and features food vendors, wine, beer, and live music.
The "Tapping of the Keg," held by Tin Mill Brewery on the first Friday in October, is a noteworthy occasion. This event marks the start of the month-long celebrations of Oktoberfest, with the mayor of Hermann formally opening the festivities.
The festival also promotes regional heritage through the display of handmade goods made by local artisans. The wine tastings at Hermann's award-winning vineyards are an important segment for tasting local wines and discovering the region's winemaking history.
St Charles Oktoberfest
The celebration of Bavarian culture at Frontier Park in St. Charles is an annual tradition held during the last weekend of September. Each year the celebration keeps getting bigger and better.
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Date |
September (one-day celebration) |
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Venue |
500 S Riverside Dr, St Charles, MO 63301, United States |
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Website |
www.saintcharlesoktoberfest.com |
What is the Festival Entertainment Lineup?
The festival features multiple stages with live music performances throughout the weekend. The diverse lineup of bands includes polka, rock, and traditional German music. Notable performers include
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Polka Floyd
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Oppenheimer Express
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The Klaberheads.
The Bavarian Beer Festival also hosts cultural performances, including traditional German dance groups. The Glockenspiel performance featuring life-sized figurines is scheduled multiple times during the event. The festival also has family-friendly activities, such as a children's area with games and crafts.
What's on the Menu?
Both traditional German dishes and American favourites are on the menu. The German favourites include bratwursts, schnitzels, pretzels, and sauerkraut, while for American food lovers, dishes like loaded baked potatoes and Philly cheesesteaks are on the list. Treats such as funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and authentic German baked like Apple strudel and black forest are on the dessert list.
Beverage options are plentiful. German local craft brews and non-alcoholic drinks like boba tea and lemonade are on the drink menu. The festival also has a wine-tasting segment to sample selections from local wineries.
Soulard Oktoberfest
This Bavarian festival, which celebrates the city's rich German heritage, is held annually at the historic Soulard Market Park in St. Louis, Missouri.
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Date |
October (2 days event) |
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Venue |
S 8th St, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States |
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Website |
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What are the Event’s Musical Highlights?
The Oktoberfest event features an impressive lineup of live music, emphasizing authentic German sounds. The Brasshaufen Brass Band delivers an energetic performance that captivates audiences with their lively tunes of traditional German and Czech brass music. Some of the bands performing at the event include;
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Brasshaufen Brass Band
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Bolzen Beer Band
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Deutschmeister Band
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Good Times Band
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Die Spitzbuam
What's on the Menu?
A variety of authentic German foods is available for purchase, including:
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Bratwursts
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Pretzels
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Schnitzels
The festival also featured a wine garden serving drinks from Stone Hill Winery as an alternative to craft beer.
What are the Entertainment Highlights of the Event?
Visitors are welcome to gather in the outdoor plaza and take part in the celebrations. The event also served as a platform for local artisans and vendors, showcasing a variety of crafts and products, further enriching the visitor experience.
The Budweiser VIP Tent included commemorative one-litre Soulard Oktoberfest steins, premium beer options, and special entertainment for those looking for an even better experience. Guests can enter the VIP Tent for a charge, which offers extra facilities and a distinctive festival perspective.
Is Oktoberfest Missouri Worth the Hype?
Oktoberfest in Missouri, from Hermann’s authentic German heritage and wineries to St. Charles’ lively parades and Soulard’s high-energy beer fest, is all worth the hype. These celebrations are packed with entertainment and offer a chance to wear a German dirndl.
