Oktoberfest is a traditional German festival held from the end of September through the first Sunday in October (September 16 – October 3, 2017). It’s a time to enjoy Bavarian food and beer, learn how to dance the polka, and take in the colorful fall scenery. And, Oktoberfest isn’t just for adults. The Oktoberfest celebrations listed below offer activities for “kinds” of all ages. Here’s a few places where you can celebrate Oktoberfest this fall in Iowa.
Oktoberfest Festivals in Iowa
Dubuque Oktoberfest
September 16, 2017, A.Y. McDonald Park, Dubuque
You’ll find delicious beers from local breweries, live music, great food, dancing, games, a wiener dog race, and family fun at Dubuque Okotberfest. After you’ve eaten and drank your fill, work off some of that schnitzel by doing the chicken dance. General Admission is $5.00 – Children under 10 FREE. If you’d like to visit the Bier Tent, you must be 21+ to enter and you will need to purchase Bier Tasting Tickets for $25.
Waverly Oktoberfest
September 22-23, 2017, Downtown Waverly
This family friendly event features live music, food and beverage gardens including Iowa craft beers, and fun and games for youth and adults alike. The kid zone will be open from 5:00 to 8:00 pm Friday night and 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Saturday. There will also be pony rides from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm on Saturday. Tickets are $10 for a two-day pass, Children 12 and under are FREE.
Guttenberg GermanFest
September 22-24, 2017, Guttenberg
This Mississippit River town honors its roots with GermanFest. This two-day festival includes an open air arts and crafts market, hog roast, homemade beer tasting, live music, food vendors, a 5K walk/run, kids’ games, wiener dog races and more. Don’t miss the kraut cook-off and biergarten. Find a schedule of events and map on the website. Most events are FREE to attend.
Amana Colonies Oktoberfest
September 29-October 1, 2017, Amana Colonies
It’s tough to find a more authentic Oktoberfest than the one in the Amana Colonies, where German settlers led a communal life from 1855 until the 1930s. The celebration features an official keg tapping ceremony on Friday, parade, live entertainment, demonstration and art activities, kids activities and theatre productions. Many events are FREE. Festhalle admission is $10 for a 1-Day Pass: $15 for a 2-Day and FREE admission on Sunday.
Northside Oktoberfest
September 30, 2017, Iowa City
The Northside Oktoberfest benefiting Iowa City area nonprofits showcases the Bohemian nature of the Northside Marketplace with great craft beers, neighborhood food, beer games, Iowa football, and much more! In addition, they’ll also have a SodaFest for the kids. They’ll be able to take part in the football toss or basketball shootout, climb the rock wall, take a few rides down the big double lane blowup slide or dance with all the great performers! The Iowa Children’s Museum will also be there facilitating many different fall craft activities. SodaFest is open to all ages. $5.00 ticket includes specialty acrylic tasting soda glass and soda drink tickets.
Manning Oktoberfest
October 14, 2017
There is no better setting for an Oktoberfest than Manning. The small community was settled by German pioneers in the 1800s and they showcase this heritage with their 350 year old authentic German Hausbarn, which was brought over from Germany. Oktoberfest is held in Hausbarn-Heritage Park and features the music, food, dress, and beverages of Bavaria. Highlights of this celebration of German culture include a 5:00 pm keg tapping, Home Brew Contest and of course, lots of dancing.
P.S. There’s also ADULT ONLY Okoberfest celebrations being held at the Blank Park Zoo-Zooktoberfest, Downtown-Des Moines Oktoberfest and Adventureland-Oktoberfest.
How do you celebrate Oktoberfest? Let us know in the Comments!
