Oct
2
Friday, October 2, 2026
9:00 AM - Saturday, October 10, 5:00 PM
About this event
New Ulm, a proudly German-heritage town in south-central Minnesota, hosts one of the country's best-known Oktoberfest celebrations across two weekends in early October (Oct 2-3 and Oct 9-10 in 2026). Unlike single-weekend events, New Ulm's free festival spans multiple venues, including downtown Oktoberfest activities and the Schell's Brewery Oktoberfest, giving visitors several ways to experience authentic German music, food, beer, contests, and parades. Highlights include Bavarian bands, dancing, family-friendly activities, and community pageantry celebrating the town's Old World roots. In 2026 the schedule features the Minnesota State Steinholding Championship Finals on October 3 at 1:00pm. Admission is free, making it an easy, welcoming outing for families, groups, and travelers exploring the Minnesota River Valley in autumn.
Event highlights
- Two full weekends of celebration (Oct 2-3 and Oct 9-10)
- Free admission across multiple venues
- Schell's Brewery Oktoberfest
- German music, food, beer, and parades
- Minnesota State Steinholding Championship Finals (Oct 3)
- Family-friendly activities in a German-heritage town
Good to know
- Audience
- General public and families; beer areas for adults 21+
- Admission note
- Free admission
Event information is submitted by organizers and shown as provided. Please confirm details with the organizer before attending, times, prices, and locations can change.
Free
Event ended
Where
Multiple venues incl. downtown New Ulm and Schell's Brewery
New Ulm, Minnesota
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