The charming, heavily German-influenced town of New Ulm, Minnesota, puts on one of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. In fact, New Ulm’s celebrations is often recognized as one of the best, most authentic Oktoberfests in the United States. With plenty of help from the venerable hometown beer maker, Schell’s Brewery – a beloved local favorite – the city rolls out the barrel(s) to the public every fall. Frankly, we think its the best Oktoberfest in Minnesota. So, this fall, head on down to New Ulm and hoist a stein. Prost!

Oktoberfest is one of biggest annual celebrations in the town of New Ulm, Minnesota. This year, Oktoberfest will be held October 4-5, and October 11-12, 2024. Schell's Brewing will throw open its doors for its on-premises Oktoberfest event on October 12, 2024.
New Ulm hosts Oktoberfest in Minnesota every fall
City of New Ulm/Facebook
The town has hosted one of America's most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations for decades.
Each autumn, folks squeeze into their dirndls, strap on their lederhosen, and take to the town's streets.
City of New Ulm/Facebook
Of course, the main event of any Oktoberfest celebration is beer, and New Ulm does not disappoint.
Schell's Brewery provides much of the beer of Oktoberfest in New Ulm, Minnesota
City of New Ulm/Facebook
New Ulm is the home of Schell’s Brewery, a local institution since 1860 and one of the nation’s oldest breweries. Schell’s sponsors many of the town’s Oktoberfest events and, of course, provides much of the beer.
Two weekends' worth of events, including music, a market, and plenty of polka dancing, provide a ton of entertainment for celebrants of all ages.
Schell's Brewery/Facebook

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Don’t forget the food, though!
Schell's Brewery/Facebook
Giant pretzels and brats are surely Oktoberfest favorites, but vendors offer all kinds of other German delicacies, as well, to ensure you don’t go home hungry.
You’ll find all manner of drinking games and contests to keep the cheer - and the beer - flowing.
Schell's Brewery/Facebook
Don’t fret if your stein is empty - Schell’s is the largest brewery in Minnesota, and there’s always plenty of beer to go around at New Ulm’s Oktoberfest.
Schell's Brewery/Facebook
If you've never been, you owe it to yourself to head down to the charming town of New Ulm and experience the best Oktoberfest in Minnesota for yourself.
Oktoberfest - New Ulm/Facebook

So, if you’re looking for a great way to spend an autumn weekend (or two!), pack up the car and head down to New Ulm’s Oktoberfest celebration. For more information, including a line up of events, check out the New Ulm Oktoberfest web page. As I mentioned, Schell’s holds its own day-long Oktoberfest celebration on the last day of the community event. You can learn more about it on the Schell’s Brewery events page. If you find yourself lacking in the Oktoberfest finery department, don’t fret! You’ll find plenty of options for dirndls, lederhosen, and just about any other festival accessories you may need on Etsy.com.

Have you attended Oktoberfest in New Ulm? Do you agree that New Ulm’s Oktoberfest celebration is the best in Minnesota? The town boasts the most authentic Oktoberfest in the North Star State, but it certainly isn’t the only one. What’s your favorite Oktoberfest in Minnesota?

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Best Fall Festivals In Minnesota

Trent Jonas | April 18, 2024

What are the best fall festivals in Minnesota?
With its deep agricultural, European, and Native American roots, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is blessed with dozens - if not hundreds - of fall festivals in Minnesota every year that celebrate everything from harvests and pumpkins to wild rice, beer, and Halloween. Some of our favorite overall festivals include:

  • SeptOberfest in Wabasha. This annual event takes place throughout the city during the early autumn.
  • Harvest Fest in Stillwater. This festival is a weekend of celebrating the fun to be found in the season, centered largely around massive, giant pumpkins.
  • Applefest USA in La Crescent. Celebrating everything apple, this weekend-long festival takes place every September and is a can't-miss event for apple lovers from all over the Midwest.
  • Moose Madness Family Festival in Grand Marais. For one weekend every October, the remote North Shore community of Grand Marais celebrates the season when love is in the air for Minnesota's resident moose population.

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