Click here for 2023 Oktoberfest celebrations in Iowa.
Welcoming the changing of the seasons and bringing communities together is what Oktoberfest is all about. Plus, Iowa does love its beers and brats! So this autumn, take part in Oktoberfest in Iowa and enjoy the German festivities with all of your favorite people.
Iowa Oktoberfest
Waterloo
Grab a stein and get your Prost on at the Iowa Oktoberfest in Downtown Waterloo. On Sept. 23 and Sept. 24, grab some friends and celebrate the changing of the seasons with German tradition, cuisine and music. But also prepare for boot-drinking, keg-rolling competitions and yodeling contests like you’ve never seen before. Anton’s German Bier Garden will be hosting live music, polka parties and, of course, beer and food. This traditional German biergarten uses local meats, breads and beers to create the most mouthwatering hot dogs and brats. And don’t forget about Barktoberfest! Bring your furry friends in their cutest costumes to the dog parade to let the pups get in on the fun. For more information, visit iowaoktoberfest.com.
Des Moines Oktoberfest
Des Moines
Get into the spirit because guests who wear genuine German garb will receive free beer at Des Moines Oktoberfest. Rain or shine, this fun-filled festival will return for its 18th year on Friday, Sept. 23, and Saturday, Sept. 24. After recently introducing the Party Plaza, this street-party-style Oktoberfest offers traditional games, live music and DJs. You can also drink locally at the bar which features many Iowa favorites from Peace Tree, SingleSpeed and Front Street. The bar will also be serving up specialty drinks like watermelon vodka and tropical whiskey. Also, the beloved Hotsy Totsy food truck will wow you with insanely delicious tater tots topped with everything from barbecue pork to brats. Then, make your way to Strudl Haus for apple strudels and Dutch letters for the perfect dessert to top off the experience. General admission is $25 on Friday, and your purchase comes with a commemorative pint glass to bring back the next day for free entry. For more information, visit oktoberfestdsm.com.
Marion Oktoberfest
Marion
Dust off your lederhosen and raise a glass because Marion will hold its first Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 17. Be ready to bring on the beer because the beverage options are endless. With samples from more than 30 local breweries, this event is a dream come true for craft beer enthusiasts. Thanks to Oktoberfest in Iowa, you can also meet some of the faces behind your favorite native brews while sipping them. And between sips, you can also enjoy live music and take in the authentic ambience with traditional German games. And before you say farewell to the festival, make sure to check out the downtown restaurant scene for local bites. Tickets are $40 and include access to all of the brewers and an official Oktoberfest tasting glass. For more information, visit cityofmarion.org.
NewBo Oktoberfest Dinner
Cedar Rapids
In honor of Oktoberfest in Iowa, assemble a group of friends for a delicious four-course dinner with beer pairings to create the perfect combination. Make a reservation at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, Sept. 28, to take part in this festive feast. The food will have you drooling, with both classic and modern German delicacies. First, your table will start things off strong with a rustic pretzel and beer cheese dip. The main event of the meal will surely be the bratwurst with red cabbage and apple sauerkraut. Then, to end things on a sweet note, you can expect spiced apple cake and black forest truffles. Of course, you can wash everything down with more beer as well, provided by Backpocket Brewing. Enjoy all this and more for just $40 a person. For more information, visit newbocitymarket.org.
Dogtoberfest
Bettendorf
Since you’ll want to celebrate this Oktoberfest in Iowa with your furry friend, too, the 10th annual Dogtoberfest at Crow Creek Dog Park is the perfect opportunity. Bring the dogs to the park on Sunday, Sept. 23, for a barking good time. Of course, in the nature of Oktoberfest, there will be adult-friendly beverages offered throughout the event. There will also be several food trucks available to browse, as well as raffles and auctions with fantastic prizes. Bring family members of all ages to this free event. For the first 150 families, there will be doggy bags at the entrance. The money raised is used to help improve the dog park. For more information, visit www.bettendorf.org.
Waverly Oktoberfest
Waverly
Embark on a foliage-filled road trip to Downtown Waverly to celebrate beer and sausage at this year’s Oktoberfest in Iowa. Join in the family-friendly fun on Friday, Oct. 7, and you may have to come back the next day too since there is so much to see and do. But the most obvious of all the reasons to attend Oktoberfest is, of course, the beer. After perfecting a collection of beers that are both local and authentic, the bar will be offering flights during the day so that you can try them all. Be sure to pair your flight with German chocolate cake, peanut butter sandwich cookies or something more savory like a sauerkraut-topped brat with a side of German potato salad. Additionally, the kids will have a blast at the kid zone. Little ones and adults can be entertained by inflatables, pony rides and face painting. For more information, visit waverlyoktoberfest.com.