New Glarus Oktoberfest

September 26 - 29, 2024

FREE Admission to the festival tent all weekend! 

Welcome to the most wunderbar time of the year—New Glarus Oktoberfest! Get ready to don your dirndls and lederhosen as we bring the spirit of Bavaria to Wisconsin. From September 26-29, our charming Swiss village transforms into a lively celebration filled with craft beer, exceptional music, traditional Swiss & German treats, and plenty of fun for the whole family. Whether you're here for the bratwurst, the beer, or the unbeatable festive vibes, New Glarus Oktoberfest is the place to be. Prost!

Oktoberfest Schedule

Friday, September 27

4 PM: Beer tent, food stands, and craft vendors open
4:30-6:30 PM: Music by The Family Business
7 PM: Tap the Wooden Keg!
New Glarus Brewing Co. taps a wooden keg of Staghorn Octoberfest
7:30-11 PM: Music by Madison County

Saturday, September 28

9:30 AM: Children's craft and free cookie with New Glarus Public Library under the festival tent
11 AM: Beer tent, food stands, and craft vendors open
11 AM - 2:30 PM: Oktoberfest music by the Biergarten Specials & Friends
11 AM - 3 PM: Horse Drawn Wagon Rides. Free! (5th Ave & 2nd St)
1 - 4 PM: Chainsaw Wood Carving by Zoli’s Woodcarving (6th Ave & Hwy 69)
3 - 5 PM: Try an Alphorn! Proceeds go towards buying new ones for the high school.
3:30 - 6:30 PM: People Brothers Band
4:30 - 7 PM: Swiss Church Kilby Supper, tickets required (18 5th Ave)
7 PM: Tap the wooden keg annual Oktoberfest event!
New Glarus Brewing Co. taps a wooden keg of Staghorn Octoberfest
7:30 - 11 PM: Boogie and the Yo-Yoz

Sunday, September 29

10:30 AM until gone: Free cheese tasting by Chalet Cheese Haus & Alp & Dell Cheese
11 AM: Beer tent, food stands, and craft vendors open
11 AM - 2:30 PM: Music by Rare Element
11 AM - 3 PM: Horse Drawn Wagon Rides. Free! (5th Ave & 2nd St)
Noon - 3 PM: Free Petting Zoo (Chamber Depot, 418 Railroad Street)
3 - 6 PM: Music by The Jimmys

Oktoberfest Survival Guide

Where is New Glarus Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is set in the heart of beautiful downtown New Glarus, WI, with the festival tent located on First Street. While you're here, be sure to explore the many amazing shops in the area. Or better yet, plan to come back and spend a long weekend with us—there's so much to see and do! Check out the map below for more details.

All About the Beer….and Booze
New Glarus Oktoberfest is proud to serve the exceptional craft beer from our very own New Glarus Brewing Co., including their renowned Oktoberfest Staghorn, fan favorites, and even a refreshing seltzer! The entire festival area is open container, so if you're in the mood for something liquor-based, be sure to visit any of our amazing local bars. Cheers to a fantastic celebration!

Where Do I park?
In our charming small community, you might have to walk a bit to reach the festivities—but we promise it’s worth it! Most roadways are open for parking, just be sure to check for any signage indicating restrictions and please be mindful of residents' driveways. For those in need, a limited number of handicap spots are available near Hutch + Hide at the corner of 1st Street & 6th Avenue.

Can I Get A Ride There?
We offer convenient shuttle service to and from Verona and Monroe. While you can take a cab or Uber from Verona, be sure to schedule your pick-up in advance, as cabs and Ubers are not available in New Glarus. Check out the shuttle schedule below for more details.

Is Oktoberfest Family Friendly?
Absolutely, bring the kiddos along to enjoy all the food, music, and fun! Furry family members of the dog kind are also welcome, as long as they’re leashed and well-behaved. Don’t miss the kids' scarecrow craft and cookie event at 9:30 AM on Saturday—it’s sure to be a hit!

Can I Buy Some Awesome Merch?
Absolutely! We’ll have 2024 Oktoberfest t-shirts and sweatshirts available for purchase, along with collectible steins! Insider tip—grab a stein and enjoy a little extra beer with each refill. They are first-come-first-serve, so grab one right away! You can also find plenty of souvenirs in our local shops, from New Glarus swag to authentic German Oktoberfest hats! Don’t miss out on these must-have mementos.

That wasn’t Enough Shopping!
In addition to our event merchandise and fantastic local stores, we’ll have a great lineup of craft vendors showcasing a variety of unique and cool items.

Crap, it's starting to rain!
Oktoberfest is a rain-or-shine event, so the fun never stops! All events and music will take place under the big Oktoberfest tent, keeping you dry while you enjoy the festivities. Just be sure to pack a raincoat for those moments in between when you’re strolling around or grabbing a bite from our amazing food vendors.

Speaking of Food
You’ll find plenty of food vendors with a fantastic selection, including delicious Swiss-Wisconsin cheese! And if you’re looking for a little break from the festival, our town boasts an array of amazing restaurants to explore as well.

Can I Bring a Bag? Water? Food? My Own Beer?
No bag restrictions here! Feel free to bring your own water—we encourage it! You’re also welcome to bring your own food, but we highly recommend checking out our wonderful food vendors and service groups. They’re working hard to provide amazing food and support the community, so let’s show them some love! Sorry, no carry-in alcohol is allowed. Please purchase your alcohol from the designated concessions and help support Oktoberfest, keeping this event free for all!

Keep up with the buzz on our Facebook Event Page!