Oktoberfest in the Twin Cities

It may be too late to order lederhosen online, but find some shorts and suspenders, and make do! It’s Oktoberfest time.

In fact, many celebrations already occurred in September (like Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter’s big bash) but there’s lots more coming in—what else?—October!

And rightly so, considering how many Germans we have here. Any Norwegian (17.0%), Irish (11.9%), or Swedish (9.8%) heritage claims take a backseat to German (38.6%). Toss in our love of beer, and the state fair, and it all really comes together this weekend.

The Minnesota State Fairgrounds is host to Twin Cities Oktoberfest Friday and Saturday (October 5-6, 2012), proving other things really do occur there after the pronto pups and cheese curds get polished off. For two days, patrons can enjoy beer (hello, Summit), brats, and all the live lederhosen-heavy entertainment you’d expect. If you’re a true, experienced reveler, you’ll bring your own stein. Though never fear, your $25 ticket* (*only $15 with a $10 off coupon found online) also gets you a 24 oz. ceramic mug for keeps! Children under 12 are free. 

Those on the west side of town should try Minneapolis’s Black Forest Inn Oktoberfest running straight through October 7, or the festivities at Gasthof, through the 13th. And in one more weekend, we can all head to the 12th annual St. Paul Oktoberfest October 12-13 to enjoy similar fun under the tent at The Klub Haus.

Where else? All throughout the state, really. Prost!