2026 Downtown Oktoberfest
🙋 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 |
View the full schedule here.
Family-Friendly Oktoberfest Fun
Downtown Oktoberfest isn't just for adults. Families will find plenty to enjoy throughout the weekend, including:
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German-American Day Parade
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Live music
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Bounce houses and inflatables
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Corn pit
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Yard games
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Kids activities
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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.
Date and Time
Friday Oct 2, 2026 Saturday Oct 3, 2026
Saturday, October 3, 2026
10am-5pm on Center Street
10am-11pm on Minnesota Street
Location
Downtown New Ulm
Fees/Admission
Event is free to the public!
VIP Tickets - $50
Online $52
To avoid the online fees, pay with cash or check in person at the Chamber office.
VIP Access is limited to 150 guests; advance registration is required.
Contact Information
507-233-4300
Send Email
Printed courtesy of www.newulm.com/ – Contact the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce for more information.
1 N Minnesota St., New Ulm, MN 56073 – (507) 233-4300 – chamber@newulm.com