From dancing and drinks to face painting and carnival rides, this fall’s Oktoberfest celebrations will be events to remember.

Nothing says fall quite like Oktoberfest. Whether you’re looking for an adults-only evening of drinks and dancing or a day of family fun, there’s an Oktoberfest celebration for you in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro region.

Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter Oktoberfest
Sept. 13-15 and 20-22, 2019

Head to Stillwater’s Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter Oktoberfest, and you’ll feel like you’ve left the country. The wooded setting reminded the restaurant’s founder of his native Bavaria, and it’s easy to see why during this annual bash. Expect music, dancing and hammerschlagen, a party game in which participants drive nails into a wooden beam. Toast with an imported European beer and chow down on traditional German fare like brats, pork chops, giant pretzels and cinnamon-roasted almonds.

The event is 21-and-over on Friday and Saturday evenings, but the whole family is welcome on Sundays, when there are kid-friendly activities like free face painting and balloon twister.

If you’re an avid cycler, good news! Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter is on the Brown’s Creek Bike Trail, so you can pair your Oktoberfest celebration with a relaxing fall bike ride.

Gasthof zur Gemutlichkeit Oktoberfest
Fridays and Saturdays, Sept. 20-Oct. 12, 2019

Gasthof zur Gemutlichkeit Oktoberfest boasts a serious party vibe, with live polka music, dancing and a full bar under a giant tent in Northeast Minneapolis. In true Oktoberfest fashion, beer is sold by the half-liter — bring your own mug or purchase one on-site. Save room for food. Brats, barbecued ribs, smoked pork chops, sauerkraut, German potato salad, pretzels and apfelstrudel are all on the menu.

Gluek’s Oktoberfest
Sept. 26 through October, 2019

Thanks to the European beer hall atmosphere at Gluek’s, you can get an authentic Oktoberfest experience right in downtown Minneapolis. This year’s event will include food and drink specials, sponsored parties on Thursdays, hammerschlagen, prizes and giveaways. Additional details will be available on the restaurant’s website or Facebook page closer to the event.

ROCtoberfest
Sept. 28, 2019

ROCtoberfest in St. Louis Park is an all-ages evening out at the city’s covered Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC). Get in the Oktoberfest spirit with live polka-style music. Other entertainment includes German-themed contests, like stein holding and a “Thump the Stump” game, plus Minnesota favorites like cornhole. German and domestic beer will be available for purchase, along with eats from local food trucks.

Twin Cities Oktoberfest
October 4-5, 2019

The Twin Cities Oktoberfest returns for its 10th anniversary, pairing an exclusive beer selection with family-friendly festivities. Enjoy a tap lineup that includes Summit Brewing’s Oktoberfest and the award-winning Keller Pils, an exclusive brew for Twin Cities Oktoberfest, along with wines from St. Croix Vineyards and hard cider. There will also be food, live music, traditional German entertainment, games, shopping and people-watching.

Surlyfest
Oct. 12, 2019

Surly Brewing Co.’s beer hall serves up a beer-centric celebration with an American twist. Enjoy live music of all genres and party games like German hammerschlagen and Midwestern corn hole. Surly’s is known for its delicious food, and the culinary team will be creating a special Oktoberfest menu for the event. 

Surlyfest is free and open to the public. VIP ticket packages are also available and include a commemorative stein, drink tickets and a T-shirt.