Twin Cities Oktoberfest | MN State Fairgrounds

Twin Cities Oktoberfest is excited to celebrate the 16th anniversary of our event in 2026! You can find us in the heart of the Twin Cities at the Historic Progress Center on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Like years’ past, our event is 100% local – that includes all beer, food, music, merchandise and other entertainment. We are happy to have a few returning and NEW beer/cider sponsors – Utepils Brewing, Pryes Brewing Company, Dangerous Man Brewing, Haggard Barrel Brewing Co., and Minneapolis Cider Company. Our food offerings in 2026 include Gerhard’s Brats, traditional German pretzels from Aki’s Breadhaus, treats from Sara’s Tipsy Pies, candied bacon from Big Guy’s BBQ and Jesse’s Spatzle! For traditional Oktoberfest music, we have three terrific bands – Bavarian Musikmeisters, The Elk River German Band and The iPolka Band. We also welcome back the world renowned and the #1 North American German dancing troupe, SG Edelweiss, as well as a couple of fun cover bands, The Stand Ups and Reese Glover. We have additional music in our tent again this year, with Cornell Power Service and Gonzo’s Planet electrifying the stage. You can try your hand-eye coordination on Hammer and Nail or with Nice Axe. We hold multiple stein holding competitions over the 2-day event, which includes both Men’s and Ladies’ divisions, and ALL proceeds go to charity.

Now for the fun stuff – details! Please see below for more information regarding our sponsors, beer and food offerings, band schedule, merch vendors, FAQ and other misc. items.

Sponsors

Utepils Brewing based in Minneapolis, MN

Pryes Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN

Dangerous Man Brewing, Minneapolis, MN

Haggard Barrel Brewing Co., S. Louis Park, MN

Minneapolis Cider Co., Minneapolis, MN

Creative Homes (Stage Sponsor)

Beer

The above beer and cider companies will provide a total of 20 different beers/ciders. You can expect multiple Marzen-style varieties, Pilsner, Kolsch, Hefeweizen and many more!

Food (options below subject to change)

We do our best to provide you the most authentic local German food. Gerhard’s Brats will have multiple varieties of authentic brats and German potato salad. Aki’s Breadhaus out of NE Minneapolis will make a variety of soft pretzels and dipping sauces. Big Guy’s promises to please your taste buds with some candied bacon and chicken thigh sandwiches, and Sara’s Tipsy Pies brings their delicious treats to Oktoberfest every year. Jesse’s Spatzle returns in 2026, plus we have terrific offerings from Pizza Karma, Kozac Corner and Luther Foods/Cinnamon Roasted Nuts.

German Specialty Imports returns this year – she has the finest lederhosen and dirndls you can find this side of the big pond. Hagen and Oats and Made in Minn are back again in 2026, and we welcome Lin Xe Permanent Jewelry. All of these are fantastic local merchandise vendors.

Band Schedule (subject to change)

Friday, October 9^th

• Main stage
  • 5 pm: Bavarian Musikmeisters
  • 8:30 pm: Reese Glover
  • SG Edelweiss performs during breaks
• Tent stage
  • 6 pm: Cornell Power Service

Saturday, October 10^th

• Main stage
  • Noon: The Elk River German Band
  • 3:30 pm: The iPolka Band
  • 7 pm: The Stand Ups
  • SG Edelweiss performs during breaks
• Tent stage
  • 5 pm: Gonzo’s Planet

Rules and Regulations

Twin Cities Oktoberfest is an all-ages event, but state law requires you to be 21 years of age or older to drink alcohol. Be prepared to show your state- or a federally-issued ID when purchasing alcohol. We reserve the right to stop serving you if deemed you have had enough to drink.

Pets are not allowed, but registered service dogs are.

Both cash and credit cards (fees apply on all credit purchases), plus Apple and Google Pay, are accepted for purchasing entrance and beer tickets. We will also have cash machines on site.