🙋 Volunteer at Oktoberfest
Want to be part of Downtown Oktoberfest? Volunteers help make the celebration possible!

Historic Downtown New Ulm comes alive for two days of Oktoberfest fun, with live music, German food and drink, family activities, contests, shopping, and plenty of Gemütlichkeit. From polka and steinholding to the Germanic-American Day Parade, Downtown Oktoberfest brings German tradition and community celebration together in the heart of New Ulm.

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.

📅 Dates	October 2–3, 2026
📍 Location	Minnesota Street, Downtown New Ulm
🍺 Highlights	Live music, biergarten, food vendors, shopping, family activities
🏆 Featured Event	U.S. Steinholding Association Minnesota State Championship
🎟 VIP Access	Available — limited quantities
👨‍👩‍👧 Family Friendly	Yes

 

📅 Friday, October 2

📅 Saturday, October 3

The downtown festival area is just the beginning! While you're enjoying Oktoberfest, be sure to explore Downtown New Ulm's restaurants, cafés, breweries, and bars. Whether you're craving authentic German cuisine, a sit-down meal, a quick lunch, cocktails, coffee, or a sweet treat, these downtown favorites are all within walking distance of the celebration.
➡️ Downtown Food & Drink Options

And, of course, there are dining options all around town! 
➡️ City-wide Food & Drink Options
   
🎉Make a Weekend of It

Thank you to our Current Sponsors!



*More info about VIP Access for Downtown Oktoberfest: 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.
➡️ View VIP details and purchase access