One Of The Best Oktoberfests In The US Is A Two-Weekend Festival With Craft Brews And Cultural Flair In Minnesota

Oktoberfest traditions date back to October 12, 1810, when a five-day royal wedding celebration birthed the idea in the minds of Bavarians. It only took another nine years for Oktoberfest to become an official Munich event. Since then, it's been replicated in numerous towns and cities around the world, including many in America. One of the country's best is found in New Ulm, Minnesota, and takes place over the first two weekends in October every year.

New Ulm's German heritage runs deep and strong. The Minnesota city was founded in 1854 by German immigrants who named it after the German city of Ulm. It's only fitting that one of America's most "charming European towns" is also the site of one of its best Oktoberfest celebrations. New Ulm Oktoberfest has recently found national fame, featuring on Only In Your State's list of top Oktoberfest festivals in the U.S. It also ranked as the No. 5 Oktoberfest in America in the 2026 USA Today 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards. New Ulm also appeared on the Readers' Choice Awards list in 2025, highlighting a consistently popular and enjoyable event.

Event attendees on the r/Minnesota subreddit also have a lot of praise for New Ulm Oktoberfest. "I went a few years ago. Was a great time! People were super friendly, beer was cold, and music was great. Games were fun and the atmosphere was perfect for a cool fall afternoon," one previous attendee said on the thread. Another attendee who has been "about five times" described the celebration as "a damn good time." The event typically takes place in set locations around the city, including its historic downtown and August Schell Brewing Company, where tasty craft beer and cultural fun are guaranteed.

The free event attracts locals and visitors, many of whom wear traditional dirndls, lederhosen, or other related outfits. The city's upcoming Oktoberfest in 2026 takes place downtown and at the city's Best Western Plus and Schell's Brewery, with each location putting on celebrations at different points across the October 2-3 and 9-10 weekends. Historic Downtown New Ulm is great for families or anyone seeking a variety of Oktoberfest experiences and culture the first weekend. The festivities sprawl across Minnesota Street and include live music and entertainment, traditional German food, kids' activities, shopping, and a lively biergarten (beer garden). You can also watch the Germanic-American Day Parade on the first Saturday, which celebrates New Ulm's heritage.

If you're looking for quality craft beer, reserve tickets for the one-day celebration (October 10) at August Schell Brewing Company on the city's southwest corner. This multi-generational German brewery has been crafting beer for over 150 years, making it the second-oldest of its kind in America. No wonder it's considered one of the five best German-style breweries in the Midwest. For one day, it becomes an Oktoberfest stronghold, combining live music, food trucks, and games with its renowned beer. The brewery makes its German-style Märzen for this occasion, treating eventgoers to a deliciously caramelly and malty beer. You can also choose from its various core and seasonal brews, including amber lagers and pilsners.

The 2026 downtown event also includes the Minnesota State Steinholding Championship, where men and women compete to hold their full stein glass the longest. New Ulm is one of the 10 most charming towns to visit near Minneapolis and is just over 90 miles from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). The city has a modest accommodation selection, including Bingham Hall, a charming bed and breakfast in a historic storybook home near downtown.