St. Paul Oktoberfest 2018

Don’t miss Minnesota’s most authentic Oktoberfest! Just like the Munich original, our festival is held mid-September. On Friday, September 14 at 5 p.m., the festivities begin with a horse-drawn beer wagon parade (der Festzug) to Schmidt Brewery followed by the keg tapping ceremony (der Anstich) to officially kick off Oktoberfest.

Friday night, enjoy live entertainment including Bavarian Musikmeisters, Makam Baklava and the Turkish American Association Dancers, and headliner, New Ulm’s traditional men’s chorus, Concord Singers.

Saturday, September 15, brings festival favorites such as Dachshund races and an Oktoberfest wedding. New this year is Steinheben (stone lifting) competition (the first in the U.S.!) and a Human Glockenspiel. Main Stage headliner, the Polka Police, is back with their rock-polka parodies. For the kids (Saturday only), Kinderland Kids’ Carnival is complete with classic games and attractions. Admission is $12 per child for unlimited fun.

Let’s not forget authentic German food, vendors, and cultural demonstrations. Paulaner Oktoberfest beer, brewed in Munich, is on its way to St. Paul. Enjoy this refreshing beer in the Paulaner Biergarten. Prost!

Admission is free. ID and $5 wristband is required for alcohol purchases. Proceeds support GAI’s mission to foster appreciation and understanding of the culture, language, arts, and ongoing history of the German speaking peoples.

Find the complete schedule of events at saintpauloktoberfest.org