Here’s the thing about Oktoberfest that gets lost in the foamy marketing photos: the party was never really about the beer. It was about the Gemütlichkeit.
Gemütlichkeit (pronounced guh-MOOT-lish-kite) is a German word for a feeling of warmth, coziness, belonging, and good cheer shared among friends. It’s the heart of Oktoberfest — the reason people link arms and sway with strangers. It has nothing to do with alcohol and everything to do with community, music, and being fully present. And you can drink it in with a sparkling apple juice just fine.
Whether you’re sober-curious, raising little ones, or just prefer a root beer to a lager, you’ll find that Minnesota’s German heritage runs deep enough to fill a weekend (or five) with fun. From the honest-to-goodness Bavarian charm of New Ulm to the Dachshund Derby at the Duluth Oktoberfest, we’ve rounded up the fests worth circling on your fall calendar. Click here to see last year’s Oktoberfest recommendations.
1. Twin Cities Oktoberfest
Location: Historic Progress Center (aka Eco Experience), Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Address: 1621 Randall Ave., Falcon Heights, MN 55108
Dates & Times: Friday, October 9th (5 pm – 11 pm), Saturday, October 10th (Noon – 10 pm)
Cost: Free
Website: tcoktoberfest.com
Over two days, you can enjoy Bavarian music (on two separate stages), dancing, games, and hearty German fare including soft pretzels, potato salad, and authentic brats.
They will also have a non-alcoholic cider and a couple of non-alcoholic beers to choose from (which they will nail down in September). If any of your friends want to indulge in beverages of the alcoholic persuasion, wristbands are available for purchase online or the day of.
2. Duluth Oktoberfest
Location: Bayfront Festival Park
Address: 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802
Dates & Times: Friday, September 18th (4 pm – 11 pm), Saturday, September 19th (11 am – 11 pm), Sunday, September 20th (11 am – 4 pm)
Cost: Free (with the Designated Driver Ticket)
Website: duluthoktoberfestival.com
This Oktoberfest is worth the drive. The event offers three days of activities, with live music, craft booths, and family-friendly entertainment, creating a lively, Bavarian atmosphere. Together with authentic Bavarian cuisine, the setting promises a memorable weekend. All attendees can enjoy live performances and games throughout the day.
Additionally, games include the Costume Contest, Men’s and Women’s Steinholding, and a Dachshund Derby. The Bavarian menu by Black Woods Grill & Bar features Bratwurst, Chicken Schnitzel, Spaetzle, Black Forest Stew, Pretzels, and more. Moreover, the Designated Driver Ticket lets you enter for free.
3. Rocktoberfest
Location: Downtown St. Joseph
Address: 12 E. Minnesota St., St. Joseph, MN 56374
Dates & Times: Friday, September 25th (5 pm – 8 pm), Saturday, September 26th (3 pm – 11 pm)
Cost: $5 on Friday, $15 on Saturday
Website: rocktoberfestmn.com
Just a cat’s jump away (Das ist ein Katzensprung) from St. Cloud. Oktoberfest takes over downtown St. Joseph for two days.
On Friday, bring the family to Kidtoberfest featuring a live DJ, photo booth, and family-friendly activities.
On Saturday, soak in the sounds from The Bavarian Musikmeisters and Gen X Jukebox. Also, try Steinholding, Axe Throwing, or Heads or Tails while enjoying treats from Lingen Dairy.
4. Dundas Oktoberfest
Location: Downtown Dundas
Address: Corner of Hester and Railway Streets, Dundas, MN 55019
Dates & Times: Saturday, September 19th (Noon – 6:30 pm)
Cost: Free ($5 Wristbands Available)
Website: dundasoktoberfest.com
Dundas Oktoberfest is more of a communal experience than one centered around beer. For a single-day event, Dundas really knows how to pack in the fun. From noon – 4 pm, a caravan of collector cars and motorcycles will roll through Dundas. They offer horse-drawn wagon rides, kiddie train rides, lawn games, pumpkin and face painting, and even kayaking.
At the Makers Markplatz, you’ll find lots of locally made items out of wood, clay, fabric, and wax.
The Bavarian Musikmeisters will be setting the mood while you devour brats, German potato salad, and pretzels, and wash it all down with non-alcoholic beer and ciders.
5. New Ulm Oktoberfest
Location: Downtown New Ulm (10/2-10/3), Best Western Plus (10/2-10/3, 10/9-10/10), Schell’s Brewery (10/10)
Address: Minnesota Street, 2101 S. Broadway St., 1860 Schell’s Rd., New Ulm, MN 56073
Dates & Times: Friday, October 2nd (4 pm – 11 pm), Saturday, October 3rd (10 am – 11 pm), Friday, October 9th (4 pm – 12 am), Saturday, October 10th (10:30 am – 6:30 pm)
Cost: Free for Downtown and Best Western Plus, $10 for Schell’s Brewery
Website: newulm.com/events/oktoberfest
Welcome to the granddaddy of all Oktoberfests in Minnesota! With three locations over two weekends, New Ulm is THE Oktoberfest destination for Minnesotans. In addition to all the activities, make sure to check out the Glockenspiel in Schonlau Park that performs at noon, 1, 3, 5, and 6 pm.
Friday, October 2nd
Start of the first weekend in downtown New Ulm with live music from 4 pm – 11 pm. We’ve got your family fun covered with yard games, inflatables, and a corn pit. At 7 pm, the US Steinholding Association State Championship Qualifying Event will be held for all the strong men and women out there. Wander over to the Best Western Plus, where they will have three live bands and a special German-American Spelling Bee competition.
Saturday, October 3rd
The fun continues downtown with live music and a Sauerkraut Eating Contest on Center Street. On Minnesota Street, they’ll have kid activities all day, the Germanic-American Day Parade and a Blacksmith Demonstration at the Kiesling House at 11 am, live music, and the US Steinholding State Finals Tournament at 5 pm. On Broadway Street, the New Ulm Farmers Market will be open from 9 am – noon and hitch a ride with a tour of New Ulm from 9:45 am – 11 am in German Park.
Friday, October 9th
The second weekend kicks off at the Best Western Plus with five live bands from 4 pm – midnight.
Saturday, October 10th
This day belongs to Schell’s. From gates opening at 10:30 am until closing up shop at 5:00 pm, Schell’s has live music, plenty of games including bags, the weiner swing game, a hammer-and-nail challenge, and the stein-holding contest. Of course, all the Oktoberfest staples will be available, including soft pretzels, sauerkraut, apple turnovers, and plenty of food trucks to choose from. Schell’s is also home to the extremely popular 1919 Root Beer, so you can still have a tasty beverage in your hands. After 5 pm, head back to the Best Western Plus for more live music.
Key Takeaways
Can I really enjoy Oktoberfest in Minnesota if I don’t drink alcohol?
You betcha! Minnesota Oktoberfests are bursting with fun beyond the beer tent. The true spirit is “Gemütlichkeit”—a cozy feeling of togetherness. Most festivals include lively oompah bands, folk dancing, family-friendly games like steinholding, and vibrant parades.
What kind of non-alcoholic drinks can I find at a German festival?
You’ll find plenty of refreshing options! Look for traditional German favorites like Spezi (a cola-orange soda mix), Fruchtsäfte (fruit juices), and sparkling mineral water. Many Minnesota festivals also offer craft sodas, root beer (especially Schell’s 1919 Root Beer), coffee, and hot spiced apple cider. Don’t forget to ask for Apfelschorle, a fizzy apple juice blend that’s super popular.
When is Oktoberfest in Minnesota?
Oktoberfest celebrations take place throughout Minnesota during September and October. Dates vary by community, so check the official event schedule before planning your trip. New Ulm’s Oktoberfest is one of Minnesota’s best-known celebrations, featuring German music, food, dancing, parades, and activities for visitors of all ages.
What food is served at Oktoberfest in Minnesota?
Traditional Oktoberfest foods often include bratwurst, sausages, sauerkraut, soft pretzels, and German-style pastries. Depending on the event, you may also find burgers, sandwiches, desserts, and other local favorites. New Ulm is particularly well suited to food-focused Oktoberfest trips, with festival vendors and local restaurants offering plenty of choices.
Is Minnesota Oktoberfest family-friendly?
Yes. Many Oktoberfest events in Minnesota include activities that aren’t centered around alcohol, including live music, dancing, games, parades, and children’s activities. Families should check the individual event schedule for age restrictions and specific activities before attending.