Minneapolis Oktoberfest

Break out the lederhosen! Okotoberfest, that annual German-beer-drinking festival, is just around the corner and there are several events worth checking out. Music, polka dancing, and of course, German food and beer, are all on the menu. Here are our picks for the best celebrations in the Twin Cities.

Gasthof zur Gemutlichkeit Oktoberfest

Fri – Sat, September 23 – October 15
5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
2300 University Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN
(612) 781-3860
Website

For four weekends, beer-lovers will converge for this Northeast restaurant and bar’s Oktoberfest celebration. A massive outdoor tent will house brats, beer, a full bar, dancing and live polka music. You can bring your own mug ( for every half-liter) or buy one of their half-liter mugs for only . Love bratwurst sausages? You might want to come hungry and show the meterbrat eating contest. There’s no cover charge for Oktoberfest, so be prepared to drink, eat and dance the night away.

St. Paul Okotoberfest

Friday, October 7, dinner through 11:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 8, noon – 11:30 p.m.
Klub Haus
1079 Rice Street
St. Paul, MN
Website

The St. Paul Oktoberfest celebrates the Germanic heritage of St. Paul’s North End neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods with a family-friendly event and a menu of delicious German food including bratwurst, Black Forest style pork chops, German potato salad, pretzels, strudel and German chocolate cake. And German beer, of course.

Twin Cities Oktoberfest

October 7 – 8
Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Website

Get ready to polka ’til you drop. For two days, there will be non-stop fun and overflowing beer from Summit Oktoberfest (and wine from Pedroncelli for non-beer drinkers) at the Twin Cities’ official Oktoberfest. Enjoy live music from bands such as the Bavarian Musikmeisters and the Jolly Huntsmen Band, while snacking on bratwurst sausages and other German eats and beverages.

Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter Oktoberfest

September 16 – 18, 23 – 35
Fridays & Saturdays 5:00-11:00 pm and Sundays noon-6:00 pm
8390 Lofton Ave N
Stillwater, MN
Website

Attendants from previous years have called this one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations around with great crowd, delicious food, live music by the Artie Schaefer Band. Sundays are family days so kids can have their fill of fun with free pony rides and other entertainment. Of course, the beer and the German food are the highlights at the Stillwater festivities, so hopefully your lederhosen are stretchy.