Learn about nine Oktoberfest events happening across Iowa this September and October.
Get your steins ready! Oktoberfest events across the state of Iowa are just around the corner. We rounded up information on all the Germany-inspired, beer-filled festivities across the state this fall. Don’t be fooled by the name either — some of these events are bubbling up sooner than you think.
Cheers! Prost! Na zdraví! No matter how you say it, these Oktoberfest events are sure to be a fun time!
1. Oktoberfest Des Moines
September 27 from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.
September 28 from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Lauridsen Amphitheater, Water Works Park
This year’s celebration is the 20th annual Oktoberfest in Des Moines. Held in a lovely setting at Water Works Park, you’ll find Bavarian beers, ‘kraut, and everything you need to get into the spirit of the beer-drinking season. There are several other traditional German dishes to nosh on. Plus, there are several bands — from traditional polka and German drinking songs to local favorites. Try your strength (how long can you hold up a full stein of beer?) at one of the competitions or drinking games. And this event throws in a silent disco party for a unique element of fun. Tickets for Oktoberfest Des Moines are $20 in advance, $30 at the door, or $40 for a commemorative 20th anniversary beer stein.
2. Oktoberfest in Amana Colonies
October 4–October 6
Festhalle
4707 220th Trail, Amana
Arguably one of the most well known Oktoberfest celebrations in the state, Oktoberfest in the Amana Colonies is set for the first weekend in October. This year, the event is celebrating its 59th anniversary. You’ll feel transported to a European destination when you set foot into the Festhall barn, where you’ll find plenty of beer, food, music and fun. Several regional polka bands are crowd favorites making an appearance as well, including Barefoot Becky and the Ivanhoe Dutchmen, Alpensterne, and Bavarian Musikmeisters. Local Millstream Brewing Co. will offer a hearty selection of brews, from rich lagers and refreshing pilsners to hearty ales. It’s one event that gives you a real taste of Germany. Grab tickets to join in the pre-party keg-tapping. You can even bring the whole family to enjoy the Oktoberfest parade on Saturday morning and other kids activities throughout the event. Tickets for this Bavarian festival are $15 for a single day pass for Friday or Saturday, or $20 for a two-day pass. Admission on Sunday is actually free.
3. Waverly Oktoberfest
October 4 from 4 to 11:30 p.m.
October 5 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Kohlmann Park
Waverly gets into the Oktoberfest fun during the first weekend of October. This family friendly event boasts lots of tasty brews for grown ups to sample and plenty of fun for kids, too. Sign up for the cornhole tournament and other competitions, like hatchet throwing. There’s also a family fun zone (with a fun little train ride) and fireworks each night. Iowa favorite band, the Pork Tornadoes, are playing on Saturday night. All tickets are good for both days and are just $10 for ages 18 and up and $5 for ages 13-17. Kids under 13 are free. Wartburg students can also get $5 tickets.
4. Marion Oktoberfest
September 21 from 12 to 3 p.m.
7th Avenue
This event may only last for one afternoon, but it packs in as much Oktoberfest fun as other celebrations across the state. Chat with the various brewers (more than 20 will be on hand) as you sample their craft beers while wandering along 7th Avenue in the heart of Marion’s Uptown District. Don’t forget to grab your lederhosen as there is a best-dress contest as well as a few other games and contests. Your ticket, just $40 or $60 if you want early VIP entrance, comes with a commemorative glass as well. Attendees for Marion Oktoberfest must be 21 and older.
5. Iowa City Brewfest–Northside Oktoberfest
September 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Brewfest) and 12 to 6 p.m. (Bier Hall)
Northside Marketplace
The 28th annual Brewfest is coming back to Iowa City’s Northside neighborhood on September 28th. The event actually is more like three events in one, including Brewfest, Bier Hall, and Sodafest. There’s also a Bohemia market to help get you in the festive spirit. Brewfest is a robust event featuring more than 55 breweries offering tastings with a $72 ticket price. If you are looking for something a bit more economical, you can purchase a ticket to Bier Hall for just $10 in advance or $15 day of. This includes a free beer stein and one free beer. Food and other beers and beverages are available for purchase. This is where you’ll find traditional Oktoberfest games and fun as well. And then there’s SodaFest, a great way for kids to come out and have some fun for the afternoon. They can sample sodas, decorate pumpkins and more.
6. Ottumwa Oktoberfest
October 1 from 3-7 p.m.
October 2 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
October 3 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
October 4 from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
October 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Greater Ottumwa Park
It’s a big year for Oktoberfest in Ottumwa. This year, the festival celebrates 50 years of bringing brewed-up fun to Ottumwa residents and visitors. The event features fun for the whole family. There’s bingo, live music every day and evening, plus a parade and lots of kids’ activities. The beer tent is open daily, of course. Proceeds benefit local nonprofit organizations, so you can feel good about the time and money you spend celebrating all weekend.
7. Iowa Oktoberfest
September 27 at 4 p.m. to September 28 at 11 p.m.
Anton’s German Bier Garden, Waterloo
Downtown Waterloo becomes the place to be on the last weekend in September as this area of the state gets in the Oktoberfest spirit. The event, held on September 27 and 28, is hosted at Anton’s German Bier Garden and on East 4th Street, just north of the river. There are yard games and plenty of other contests to take part in, as well as live music throughout the weekend. Shop around the vendor show and jump in on the bean bag tournament. A crowd favorite that you don’t want to miss is the Barktoberfest dog parade at 11am on Saturday morning. Admission to Iowa Oktoberfest is free.
8. Oktoberfest in Manning
October 5 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park
This Western Iowa town gets into the Oktoberfest spirit on October 5th. You can enjoy a delicious, authentic German meal (for just $20) while listening to a variety of live musical entertainment. The event is also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park. There will be German dancing and an official keg tapping ceremony. There’s also a scavenger hunt and a variety of other courtyard games. This lively, small town festival is a great way to celebrate the fall season.
9. University of Okoboji Oktoberfest
Arnolds Park Preservation Plaza
September 28 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This year is the 33rd Oktoberfest festival in Okoboji, so don’t miss out on the fun. This fun fall festival starts with a morning bike ride (registration is $30) around Lake Minnewashta and West Lake Okoboji for cycling enthusiasts. Grab a ticket for the raffle to win a new e-bike, too. Then there’s a full day of fun events for the whole family. There’s a vendor show, live music, inflatables, a bean bag tournament, and a keg tossing competition among other fun. And don’t miss out on the Duck Derby. This community event happens every year on the last Saturday of September and is a fun way to kick off the fall season.
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