Don your lederhosen or dirndl + raise a stein — it’s time to celebrate Oktoberfest. It’s that time of year when the Isthmus starts feeling like our sister city — Freiburg, Germany. Embrace our region’s German roots at the highly coveted Autumn festival.
Taking place in New Glarus, WI — America’s little Switzerland + home of the famous brewery — the area’s largest Oktoberfest is kicking off this week. Here’s what to know.
🗓️ Make your plans
The four-day festival commences on Thurs., Sept. 22, and will continue through Sun., Sept. 25 with German beer, Bavarian food, pop-up shops, and entertainment. Check out the official schedule to plan your Oktoberfest-ivities.
🍻 Prost to the main events
King and Queen contest | Thurs., Sept. 22 | 8:30 p.m.
Enter the pageant with your best Oktoberfest apparel + help vote for the weekend’s royalty, rewarded with cash prizes and free beer.
Tap the wooden keg | Fri., Sept. 23 | 7 p.m.
Participate in the annual festival tradition + see brewery officials hammer a spout into a keg of Staghorn Octoberfest.
Chainsaw wood carver | Sat., Sept. 24 | 1-4 p.m.
See local master craftspeople create unique + holiday-themed works to commemorate this year’s fest. (Pro tip: This event is hosted off of the main strip at the intersection of 6th Avenue + Highway 69.)
Polka + other live music | All weekend | Times vary
Patrons should expect not only to don their best outfits, but their dancing shoes too. Listen to seasonal tunes + dance the weekend away during the eight live shows taking place throughout the festival.
For more information about live performances, traffic updates, and shuttle information, stay tuned to the festivals Facebook page.