Celebrate Oktoberfest in Milwaukee

Milwaukee’s German roots run deep, and every fall, the city taps into that heritage with Oktoberfest celebrations that fill the air with music, laughter and the aroma of sizzling brats. What began as a royal Bavarian wedding in 1810 has evolved into one of Milwaukee’s most beloved seasonal traditions, reflecting the city’s proud brewing legacy and its love for bringing people together. You can don your dirndl or lederhosen and head to Oktoberfest at Heidelberg Park for steins of authentic German beer, lively polka bands and old-world charm in a traditional beer garden setting. Or join the city-wide revelry at the Milwaukee Oktoberfest by Swarmm Events, where downtown comes alive with keg tapping, stein-hoisting contests and a festive mix of music, food and dancing. So grab your stein, hit the dance floor and get ready to prost your way through one of Milwaukee’s most spirited celebrations of the year!

Annual Celebrations

Oktoberfest is a Milwaukee tradition, and these annual celebrations bring the party to life every fall. With steins in hand and polka in the air, locals and visitors alike keep the spirit going strong year after year. Discover your new favorite Oktoberfest celebrations and revel in Milwaukee’s signature Gemütlichkeit!

Ervtoberfest

Erv's Mug  |  Saturday, September 6 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Ervtoberfest transforms Erv’s Mug's parking lot into a beer lover’s paradise. A huge tent houses 80–90 kegs of seasonal craft brews, and for four uninterrupted hours, attendees enjoy unlimited beer tastings alongside a Bavarian-style German buffet featuring bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzel and more.

Tickets cost $50, offering access to both the drinks and the hearty buffet. Past editions have earned praise as one of southeast Wisconsin’s most spirited fall gatherings and is always lined up with beer, friends and true Oktoberfest cheer.

The School Sisters of St. Francis’ Oktoberfest

School Sisters of St. Francis  |  Saturday, September 13, from 11 to 4 p.m.

The School Sisters of St. Francis’ Oktoberfest in the St. Joseph Center Garden turns the grounds into a festive celebration of community, culture and Bavarian flavor starting at 11 a.m. Guests enjoy craft beers from Lakefront Brewery, German wines, and root beer, paired with bratwurst, hot dogs, pretzels, and homemade baked goods, all served for a donation in a cheerful garden setting. 

This family-friendly fundraiser features live polka and pop music, outdoor games like Hammerschlagen and cornhole, handmade crafts and bakery for sale, and a 50/50 raffle. It’s a joyful afternoon of food, fun, and faith-filled fellowship that supports the sisters’ global ministries.

Waukesha Oktoberfest

Frame Park  |  Friday, September 19, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, September 20, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Waukesha Oktoberfest fills Frame Park with Bavarian cheer, turning the riverside space into a lively celebration on Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20.. Under the big tent along the Fox River, guests can enjoy live German‑style music, authentic food vendors and plenty of beer, all in a festive, riverfront setting.

Attendees can participate in lively old‑world contests like Masskrugstemmen (stein‑holding), Hammerschlagen (hammer‑nail driving) and cornhole tournaments. There’s also a Best Dressed contest to show off your lederhosen or dirndl and maybe win a prize.

Admission to the festival is free, but a $2 wristband is required to purchase and enjoy beer on site.

Greendale Lions' Family Oktoberfest

Gazebo Park  |  Friday, September 19, from (TBD)

Greendale Lions’ Family Oktoberfest brings Gazebo Park to life with festive fun, beer and Bavarian cheer on Friday, September 19. Broad Street becomes the heart of the party, where the Greendale Lions serve up cold local brews in a lively beer tent, alongside sizzling brats, giant pretzels and plenty of German-inspired eats.

Admission is Free.

Elm Grove Oktoberfest

Elm Grove Village Park  |  Friday, September 19, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, September 20, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Elm Grove Oktoberfest is a two-day community celebration that brings traditional German flavor to Elm Grove Village Park. The event features a lively beer and wine tent serving both local and German brews, a variety of food trucks offering bratwursts, pretzels and festival favorites, and live music that creates a festive, welcoming atmosphere.

Admission to the festival itself is free. Saturday’s 0.5K Fun Run adds a lighthearted touch, complete with beer stations, medals and a celebratory finish in the beer tent, and costs $40 to race.

Oktoberfest of Greater Racine

Franksville Memorial Park  |  Thursday, September 25 to Sunday, September 28

Oktoberfest of Greater Racine fills Franksville Craft Beer Garden with four days of music, tradition and craft beer from September 25–28. Hosted under the 3,200-square-foot Lakefront Brewery Oktoberfest Tent, the event features 30+ beers on tap, including Lakefront’s official Oktoberfest brew, alongside a Spanferkel (pig roast), food trucks, stein hoisting, Hammerschlagen and yard games for all ages.

Admission is free.

German Hunsrucker Oktoberfest

Dheinsville Historic Park  |  Saturday, September 27, from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday, September 28, from noon to 7 p.m.

The German Hunsrucker Oktoberfest is a two-day celebration of heritage, food and community held at Germantown’s historic Dheinsville Park on September 27 & 28. Under festive tents, you’ll enjoy authentic German entertainment, live music, traditional dancing and the beloved Dheinsville Dachshund Dash, alongside silent auctions, local crafts, hearty food and cold beer. With polka bands, folk dancers and family-friendly fun, this event offers an inviting way to experience Germantown’s rich German roots.

Admission and parking are free.

Milwaukee Oktoberfest

Henry Maier Festival Park  |  October 3-5, 2025

Milwaukee Oktoberfest brings a full weekend of Bavarian spirit to the lakefront, offering a blend of German tradition and Wisconsin hospitality. Located at Henry Maier Festival Park, the 15th annual festival is hosted by Kegel’s Inn in partnership with Swarmm Events and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.

Under expansive tents like the Aurora Pavilion and Hofbräu Beer Garden Commons, this Oktoberfest serves up imported German brews, including Hofbräu, Hacker‑Pschorr and Paulaner, as well as German-style offerings from local breweries. Kegel’s Inn returns with hearty German classics and a lineup of vendors, live German music, cultural performances and fun contests fill the stages and grounds.

Tickets are $6 for early birds (available until October 1) and $12 at the door.

Cedarburg Oktoberfest

Downtown Cedarburg  |  October 4 & 5, 2025

The Cedarburg Oktoberfest ushers in the crisp weekend of October with old‑world charm, tradition and Bavarian flair, right in the heart of historic downtown Cedarburg. Set in the Community Center parking lot and City Hall lawn, this annual event runs Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Under a massive tent, the festival showcases live polka bands, Bavarian dancers and the whimsical Glockenspiel (cuckoo clock) performance every two hours. Fest-goers can test their mettle in spirited contests like stein‑holding (Masskrugstemmen), Oktoberfest trivia and spelling bees, pretzel-eating duels and lederhosen/dirndl contests for all ages. 

Admission and parking are free, and the festival carries on rain or shine. Please note: no pets or outside carry-ins are permitted, and alcoholic beverages must be consumed on-site.

Our Lady of Lourdes Oktoberfest

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church  |  October 10-12, 2025

Our Lady of Lourdes Oktoberfest invites the community to a warm and welcoming fall festival at the church grounds, packed with flavors, fun, and tradition. The three-day celebration kicks off on Friday, October 10, with a classic fish fry, polka music, dancing, a cozy campfire with s’mores and family art activities under the evening sky.

On Saturday, the fun continues with an artisan fair and children’s art tables, a spirited Polka Mass at 4:00 p.m. and lively tunes by the Squeezettes at 6:30 p.m. Sunday features more music, festively announced 50/50 raffle and basket raffle winners, plus continued delights like cake walks, handcrafted treats and playful family activities.

Admission and parking are free.