Grab your lederhosen and your beer stein and head to one of Wisconsin’s Oktoberfest celebrations. German is by far the most common ancestry in Wisconsin, with an estimated 42% of residents reporting they are fully or partly German. That means in Wisconsin, we KNOW how to celebrate Oktoberfest the right way. But no matter what your background, why not immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of Germany and check out one of these events.

Oktoberfest at Essen Haus - Madison

Let the gemutlichkeit roll with bier, pretzels, polka and more at the Essen Haus, a traditional German restaurant in Madison. Polka the day away, play artist-created carnival games and compete for Essen Haus swag in bier and brat eating competitions throughout the day.

Oktoberfest – New Glarus

Visit downtown New Glarus for free, live music and great food. Other events include a chainsaw wood carver, tractor-drawn wagon rides and horse-drawn tractor rides.

Oktoberfest – La Crosse

One of the Midwest’s largest German festivals with the Maple Leaf Parade and Torchlight Parade, live music, run/walk, concessions, contests, midway thrills, ethnic food and beverages. Event is located at Oktoberfest Park near the Mississippi River.

Octoberfest – Appleton

Enjoy more than 100 food booths serving ethnic delights, live music on five stages, a large arts and crafts area on the campus of Lawrence University, the Applefest recipe contest, and a Family Fun area.



Oktoberfest – Germantown

Enjoy German entertainment, music, dancing and family fun. Food includes German beer, wine, pork, brats, potato pancakes, custard, roasted nuts and more. Plenty of children’s activities are also planned.

Oktoberfest – Lake Geneva

Food booths, farmers’ market, craft booths, children’s activities, strolling musicians, pumpkin giveaway, street dance and much more.