Milwaukee Oktoberfest is one of the most important and fun events in the county. There are a variety of things to do and enjoy at this festival. Competitions, food, and music are just the start of fun at Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest is a celebration of Milwaukee’s German roots and culture. Tickets to the festival cost twelve dollars. In the past, Oktoberfest was free but even with the current cost it is still a very worthwhile event to go to. While these festivities have already passed for 2025, it was open to the public October 3-5. Milwaukee Oktoberfest was a chance to indulge in Milwaukee’s culture, food, and music.
One of the most important things at Oktoberfest is the history behind it. In the 1960s, Milwaukee’s mayor, Henry Maier, flew to Munich, Germany to witness its famous Oktoberfest. What he saw was a celebration of connection. Everybody is friendly with each other even if they have never met. This trip gave him the idea to make a space in Milwaukee’s community for festivals like this. This is where the Henry Maier Festival Park originated. The space that hosts all of the city’s festivals, including Oktoberfest, is Henry Maier’s park. These festivities are a celebration of Milwaukee’s German roots. Oktoberfest is a place where Milwaukee gathers in the image of what Henry Maier saw in his visit to Germany.
Though they are not the main focus of the event, there are some musicians that will play at Oktoberfest to help liven the atmosphere. Tally Ho Brass Band, BD Greer & The Gents, Nathan Walton & The Remedy and many other small Milwaukee musicians played at Oktoberfest. While all these musicians may play different music, they all play to bring the community together. The musicians are there to entertain the crowd and help everyone have more fun. These musicians will all play German music in the spirit of this being a German-rooted event.
The food at Oktoberfest is the reason most people come out in flocks. Delicious German food was served by the provider of all the food at Oktoberfest, Kegel’s Inn. Kegel’s Inn has been specializing in German cuisine since 1924. They will serve delicious German classics, such as bratwursts and fish fries. While beer is not exactly kid-friendly, adults enjoyed this cold beverage as it is very popular in Germany as well as Milwaukee due to the German heritage here. Food and drink is a very important part of Oktoberfest as it celebrates its German origins and brings people together over a delicious meal.
While the Oktoberfest of 2025 has ended, it is an annual event so if people missed it this year there is always a chance to go next year. Next year Oktoberfest will happen between October 2 and 4. I encourage everybody to go to next year’s Oktoberfest. It is a celebration of Milwaukee’s roots and who would want to miss out on that.
References
“The 15th Annual Milwaukee Oktoberfest.” Milwaukee Oktoberfest, Milwaukee Oktoberfest, milwaukeeoktoberfest.com/.
“Milwaukee Oktoberfest 2026.” Milwaukee Oktoberfest 2026, Eventeny, www.eventeny.com/events/milwaukee-oktoberfest-2026-24285/.
