Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Minnesota
Oktoberfest has grown far beyond its centuries-old origins in Munich, with multiple celebrations held right here in Minnesota. Here's where you can grab a stein, pull on some lederhosen, and say "Prost!" the German way throughout the state.
New Ulm
The biggest Oktoberfest in the state is in New Ulm, which was settled by German immigrants in 1854. Though this heritage is honored year-round at local businesses like the beloved restaurant Kaiserhoff, the celebration is at its peak during two weekends in October.
Polka and other bands keep the atmosphere lively, and kegs of locally brewed Schell's beer are kept flowing every night. Other entertainment includes horse-drawn trolley rides, specialty shops and food vendors downtown, and tours and other activities at Morgan Creek Vineyard and Schell's Brewery.
Don't leave town before visiting the 45-foot-tall musical glockenspiel or the Hermann the German monument.
Minneapolis-St. Paul
The tented biergarten at Waldmann Brewery will be serving its traditional, German-style tipples. They specialize in the good stuff in St. Paul. Utepils is also known for brewing clean and crisp European-style beer all year round. Its sprawling beer garden is hosting live music, stein-holding contests, and food from Gerhard's Brats and Northeast Pretzel. Forgotten Star Brewing is hosting Oktoberfest in Fridley with live music, stein-holding contests, magicians, and llamas.
Twin Cities Oktoberfest, ranked No. 4 by Tasting Table, returns to the Historic Progress Center on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Celebrating locally sourced beer, food, music, and entertainment. The food menu includes multiple types of bratwurst, potato salad, and traditional pretzels, all complemented by live bands specializing in authentic German Oktoberfest music.
Further Afield
In Deerwood, Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge draws thousands of people to its annual event. Sitting pretty over in New Prague is Giesenbrau Bier Co., a brewery with family ties to the small German town of Waxweiler. Its Oktoberfest revolves around live polka music, Bavarian pretzels from Edelweiss Bakery, pork and dumplings from Prchal's, and tall 1-liter fills of Fiestbier.
Other standout fests throughout the state feature local makers, church-slung brat and kraut combos,side-pulled pilsners and single origin wet hop IPAs at Portage Brewing Company in Walker, solo accordion sets, flammkuchen, and a bean bag tournament at Goat Ridge Brewing Co. in New London. Find heated competitions, seasonal beers, live music, food, and fun for all ages at 22 Northmen Brewing Co. at Carlos Creek in Alexandria.
