Historic Downtown New Ulm comes alive during Oktoberfest with two days of live music, German traditions, food and drink, family activities, contests, shopping, and one of the weekend’s biggest traditions: the German-American Day Parade.

The celebration takes place along Minnesota Street in the heart of Downtown New Ulm, where visitors can grab a drink in the biergarten, catch live entertainment, explore local shops and restaurants, cheer on steinholding competitors, and enjoy Oktoberfest festivities throughout the day.

New in 2026: Minnesota State Steinholding Championship

Downtown Oktoberfest is proud to host the U.S. Steinholding Association Minnesota State Championship for the first time in 2026.

Competitors from across Minnesota will test their strength and endurance for the state title and the opportunity to advance to the U.S. Steinholding Association National Championship.

A qualifying competition will take place Friday evening, followed by the Minnesota State Finals on Saturday afternoon.

Think you have what it takes? View registration details and competition information → click here.

Friday, October 2

Entertainment & Activities

Center Street

4:00–7:00 PM | The Misfits
Sponsored by B&L

7:00–8:00 PM | U.S. Steinholding Association Minnesota State Championship Qualifying Event

7:00–9:00 PM | Tanner Stark
Sponsored by B&L
 

Minnesota Street

Festival Food Vendors

Grab a bite without leaving the celebration. Friday’s Downtown Oktoberfest food vendors include:

• Momma Maria's

• Simply Made Right

• Reve Coffee Co

• Hopper's Mini Donuts
   

Saturday, October 3

Entertainment & Activities

Center Street

10:00 AM | Official Oktoberfest Keg Tapping

10:00 AM–1:00 PM | Wendinger Band

1:00 PM | Sauerkraut Eating Contest

2:00 PM–5:00 PM | Happy Hour Oktoberfest Band
Joining us from Germany!

5:00 PM | U.S. Steinholding Association Minnesota State Championship Finals
Cheer on competitors as they battle for the Minnesota state title and a chance to advance to the National Championship.

Minnesota Street
🌿Mobile Green Space
Enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the festival, including the corn pit, yard games, inflatables, and more.

10:00 AM–8:00 PM | Kids Activities

11:00 AM | German-American Day Parade
Celebrate New Ulm’s German heritage as the annual German-American Day Parade makes its way through Downtown New Ulm.

4:00–7:00 PM | The Nate Frederickson Band
Sponsored by B&L

8:00–11:00 PM | REVLINE
 

Festival Food Vendors

Saturday brings an expanded lineup of food vendors throughout Downtown Oktoberfest:

• Legacy BBQ

• Plaza Garibaldi

• Sleepy Bison Grill

• The American Dream Machine

• Inspire Health & Wellness LLC

• Shoosters Grill

• Ruhland's Strudel Haus

• Optimist Club Cheese Curds

• Reve Coffee Co

• The Sugar Shack

• NE Pretzels

• Hopper's Mini Donuts
   

Family-Friendly Oktoberfest Fun

Downtown Oktoberfest isn't just for adults. Families will find plenty to enjoy throughout the weekend, including:

• German-American Day Parade

• Live music

• Bounce houses and inflatables

• Corn pit

• Yard games

• Kids activities

• Food and treats
   

Explore Downtown Dining

The festival grounds are just the beginning. Downtown New Ulm’s restaurants, cafés, breweries, bars, and sweet shops are all within walking distance of Oktoberfest.

Whether you're looking for authentic German food, a sit-down meal, a quick lunch, craft beer, coffee, or dessert, make time to explore more of Downtown New Ulm while you're here.

Explore Downtown New Ulm Food & Drink →

VIP Oktoberfest Experience

Want to upgrade your Downtown Oktoberfest experience? Limited VIP access is available for visitors looking for an extra-special way to enjoy the celebration.

View VIP details and purchase access →

Make a Weekend of It

Downtown Oktoberfest is one part of New Ulm’s citywide Oktoberfest celebration. Events and entertainment take place throughout New Ulm during both Oktoberfest weekends, October 2–3 and October 9–10, 2026.

View the Ultimate Guide to New Ulm Oktoberfest →

Business sponsorships are now available! Click here for the sponsorship flyer!
Thank you to our Current Sponsors!


*More info: The Visitor Center/Chamber Office, located at the site of the Downtown Oktoberfest celebration, will be closed to the public on Saturday, October 3rd. Honestly, the plumbing in our historic building just can't handle the Oktoberfest crowds! We have plenty of outdoor portable restrooms (largest quantity located in alley to the west of the building). Porta-potties not your thing? Here's your chance to have exclusive access to indoor plumbing at the festival site! Plus all the extras listed above!

**VIP Access is limited to 150 guests; advance registration is required.