Celebrating Oktoberfest in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to many German and European traditions, and includes a handful of traditionally inspired beer gardens, microbreweries, and entertainment hotspots. German beer is a popular drink of choice for many Wisconsin fans, and the leaders in the community include the Capital Brewery in Middleton, the Essen Haus in Madison, and Leinenkugel’s famous ‘Leinie’s Lodge’ in Chippewa Falls. Every year, each location hosts their version of Oktoberfest, where German food, music, and drinks are available for the masses. Local breweries contribute by drafting their own Oktoberfest concoction, or creating new recipes and renditions of traditional flavors for the Fall season. Oktoberfest usually begins in mid-late September, and celebrations can last through November!

Contrary to many festival and community beliefs, Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany is the largest festival in the world. The festivities center around the landlords, breweries, and community pub houses as a celebration of the traditional Royal Wedding on October 12, 1810. The celebratory wedding in German history marked the union of King Ludwig and Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen, and since the initial event, the gatherings and annual festival sites around the world have continued. In Munich, parades and costume events are a mainstay of Oktoberfest celebrations, as well as horse races, dances, and beer garden competitions.

In Wisconsin, the influences of German and European culture can be found at a range of locations. For genuine German draft beer, the Essen Haus hosts Oktoberfest each year and attracts hundreds of visitors from across the state. The Essen Haus has two locations in Wisconsin; one is in downtown Madison, while the other is in Wisconsin Dells. This year’s Oktoberfest celebrations are scheduled for Sep. 9 and Sep. 23. Attendants can enjoy polka dancing, yodeling contests, a traditional keg tapping ceremony, and plenty of food to last into the night.

Chippewa Falls in Wisconsin is home to the Leinenkugel’s Brewery, and the kickoff celebration begins on September 15. Leinenkugel’s is a popular national brand, and the annual celebration at the Leinie Lodge bring crowds and enthusiastic participants for a variety of events. The famous Golden Keg is filled and tapped after the ride on the Leinenkugel Beer Wagon, while the Golden Keg Procession is led by bands and costumed crowds throughout the local streets and fairgrounds. German tradition is at its finest at this Chippewa Falls brewery, and the celebration continues with Leinenkugels Oktoberfest Lager available in bottles as well as on top at many vendors and establishments throughout Wisconsin.

For an ongoing festival for your palette, enjoy Capital Brewery’s distinct Oktoberfest beer lineup. This signature brew is available fresh on tap, or at a multitude of local vendors and establishments in bottled form. Oktoberfest beer is described as ‘This traditional marzen beer shows off a gorgeous, fiery amber color. The flavor emphasizes a rich, almost “toasted” flavor from the malt. A classic style beer’ on the capital-brewery.com website. It’s a popular brand that has won a variety of awards since 1989, including the Great Taste of the Midwest in 1989, and the 2004 U.S. Beer Tasting Championship in Vienna/Marzen.

No matter what your celebration of choice, Wisconsin has a multitude of hotspots and locale to take part in some authentic German culture and traditions. From keg tapping ceremonies, parades, and beer tasting, the opportunities abound for a fun, family-friendly experience!