It may be September, but in the eyes of Märzen lovers, large pretzel enthusiasts and festival fans everywhere, Oktober is in the air. That’s right, Oktoberfest season is here! Over the next few months, the city’s rich German heritage and strong brewing tradition come together and culminate in dozens of Oktoberfest celebrations all over the area. So, shine your stein, practice your polka, don your lederhosen, fill das boot with gemütlichkeit and find an Oktoberfest near you. Prost!

1840 Oktoberfest

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From noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, 1840 Brewing Company is hosting an 1840 Oktoberfest celebration in the breweries Bay View taproom. More details to come! Visit 1840’s website to stay up to date on the day’s festivities.

Bavarian Bierhaus

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Two men in lederhosen holding liter steins of beer at the Bavarian Bierhaus

For more than half a century, The Bavarian Bierhaus in Glendale has hosted its annual Oktoberfest at Old Heidelberg Park. On weekends through October 8, this Milwaukee institution will feature live music, traditional German fare and, of course, plenty of authentic German brews. Table reservations and tickets are available in advance via the Bavarian Bierhaus app.

Estabrook Park

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Three men and a dog at the Estabrook Beer Garden, smiling and holding steins of beer.

Just down the road, the Estabrook Park Beer Garden’s Oktoberfest kicks off on Friday, September 15 and runs every weekend through October 1. All month long, enjoy German beer from Hofbräu München along with activities like Barktoberfest for your furry four-legged friends, bratwurst eating relays, Packers viewing parties and live music.

Hubbard Park Beer Garden

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Follow the Oak Leaf Trail to the heated tent in Hubbard Park Beer Garden, weekends from September 23 through October 4 for their Oktoberfest festivities. Offering Hofbräu München brews as well as selections from local brewers, the beer garden’s Oktoberfest welcomes a sampling of the area’s sensational musical talent, with performances by Pat McCurdy, the Whiskeybelles, Polish Moon Polka and many more. Be sure to stop by on September 28 and October 4 to catch the Packers on the 10-foot screen.

Indeed Brewing

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Raise a stein in the Indeed Brewing Company taproom during the brewery’s Oktoberfest celebration, from September 13 through October 1. Stop by and enjoy Oktoberfest activities like stein-holding contests as well as Hammerschlagen, live music, brats, Beer Brûlée and so much more.

Das Boot Oktoberfest Bar Crawl

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Why stop at one Oktoberfest when you can experience this re-boot of the German tradition. On Saturday, September 16, from noon to 5 p.m., lace up your walking boots for the sixth annual Oktoberfest Boot Bar Crawl. Make your way along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in the Old World Third Street Entertainment District downtown for a day of German bier, pretzels, brats and more. All attendees receive an Oktoberfest t-shirt, a liter boot with a lanyard and food and drink specials along the way.

Mobtoberfest

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Three women drinking flights of beer at MobCraft

From the makers of Weirdfest, it’s time to polka with MobCraft in Walker’s Point with a German-inspired day of play. Stop by the MobCraft taproom for the brewery’s take on a Wisconsin institution with live music, games, German fare and plenty of delicious beer. Competitions begin at 1:15 p.m. with a beer chugging contest, followed by a stein-holding contest, a polka contest and cap off with the intriguing sausage sculpting competition at 6 p.m.

Milwaukee Oktoberfest

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Returning to Cathedral Square Park in 2023, Milwaukee Oktoberfest will have you singing Ein Prosit in no time with a weekend of festival fun, October 6- 8. Bring your thirst and appetite for Oktoberfest fun like the whimsical Weiner dog pageant, stein hoisting contest, cornhole tournament and Miss Oktoberfest competition blocks away from downtown.

Pabst Mansion Oktoberfest Tour

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Pabst Mansion tour guide standing in the main hall presenting to a group gathered around him.

Discover the magnificently preserved homestead of one of Milwaukee’s most prominent German families at the Pabst Mansion. On Friday, September 22, and Saturday, September 23, hear stories of the mansion’s history and strong ties to the family’s German ancestry while savoring a wide selection of Oktoberfest beers made by local brewers. If you’d prefer to pair your Oktoberfest with white wine, you’re in good company. Get a taste of the captain’s drink of choice, German Riesling (Yeah, really!). As you roam this iconic piece of Milwaukee history, enjoy a flavor of Deutschland with Milwaukee-style German cuisine to pair with your beverage. Get your tickets in advance today!

Oktoberfest Dinner Train at East Troy Railroad Museum

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All aboard…for Oktoberfest! Hop aboard the Dinner Train at the East Troy Railroad Museum for an Oktoberfest experience unlike any other. On Saturday, September 30, luxuriate in an expertly crafted four-course meal aboard a de-commissioned dining car. The evening’s highlights include twisted pretzels with German beer cheese spread, Sauerbraten with German dill mashed potatoes and punctuated by a decadent German chocolate cake with a house-made caramel drizzle. Don’t let this train leave the station, get your tickets before they’re gone.

Take Oktoberfest with You

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Group of friends sitting on the Black Husky patio, drinking beers

Take the spirit of gemütlichkeit with you wherever you go with a sixer or growler of Oktoberfest beer at these local breweries. From camping trips to parking lot tailgates, the toasty flavor of Märzen beer is the perfect pairing for all your favorite fall activities.