We’ve got our lederhosen and dirndl dresses ready for some Oktoberfest celebrations! Whether you are looking for a one-day celebration or want to keep the party going all month long, we have the perfect event for you. Prost!
Des Moines Biergarten
Who says you have to pick one day to celebrate Oktoberfest or have German-style beer? Des Moines Biergarten will be open September 1 through October 30 at Water Works Park near Lauridsen Ampitheater. From the ownership group behind Dough Co. Pizza, this family-friendly pop-up themed beer garden will be open 2-10 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and noon to midnight on Saturday and Sundays. You’ll be able to enjoy German (and craft) beers, German inspired eats, live music, yard games, and hammocks.
Exile Oktoberfest
How about a three-week Oktoberfest celebration? That’s a whole lot of beer, but we’re here for it. Exile Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest will feature German-style beer, food, live music, games, and other various activities. Every Friday and Saturday night between September 16 and October 2 there will be live music. Get your shoulders and grip ready, they are hosting a stein competition on September 24. Be on the lookout for a Hammerschlagen Tournament, beer-themed trivia, and German-style beer classes.
HALLtoberfest
Get Das BIER, the official Oktoberfest beer, straight from Munich, at HALLtoberfest happening September 17 at The Hall. Except Das MUSIK from three different live bands starting at 11 a.m. The JLF culinary students have created a menu with Schweinhaxen, Schnitzels, Wurstplatte, brats, pretzels, and more. And of course, there will be steins, a stein holding contest, and lederhosen and dirndl contest.
Lua Oktoberfest
It’s Lua Brewing’s biggest event of the year; their 2nd Annual Oktoberfest Celebration happening on September 17. They will be releasing not one, but two Oktoberfest-style beers. They’re trying to make this celebration the real deal by bringing in authentic German one-liter tankards. Their parking lot will be covered with a tent that will also include a stage. Not only will there be Lua beers (duh!), but they will also have authentic Munich-style food, live music, a sausage toss contest, German patio drinking games, and a best dressed contest. Not only that, they even have family hours from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. with face painting, balloons, and airbrush tattoos, so the little ones can get into the spirit as well. Whew! Tickets are $18 in advance and $22 at the door.
Adventureland Oktoberfest
The annual 21 and older Oktoberfest event is back at Adventureland Park on September 24. You can ride rides throughout the day and enjoy traditional polka music, games, contests, and yes, beer. There will also be live music going around the park with The Dan Band headlining at the end of the evening. Tickets are the price of park admission (which is cheaper if you purchase online).
Des Moines Oktoberfest
It’s the grandaddy of them all, Des Moines’ original Oktoberfest returns to the Historic Court District on September 23 and 24. The tapping of the Golden Keg kicks off the event at 3 p.m. on September 23. This year’s lineup features German beers, seasonal and craft beers in the Craft Beer Village, a Party Plaza, traditional German dance troupes, Bier Maiden contest, Stein Holding competition, German carnival games, and of course food. Tickets are $17 in advance and includes admission to both dates, a commemorative pint glass, and free drink ticket.
