New Ulm, Minnesota, is a town filled with German heritage. From its charming glockenspiel to the imposing figure of Hermann the German standing over town, the entire town stands a reminder of its roots. It should come as no surprise, then, that the best Oktoberfest in Minnesota is found here. Not only is it the best in Minnesota, but it is among the best in the entire country. Read on to learn about how you can celebrate Oktoberfest without booking a ticket to Deutschland.
New Ulm Oktoberfest takes place on two weekends in October. In 2017, you can join the fun on October 6, 7, 13, and 14.
The town's Oktoberfest is an amazing opportunity to enjoy live entertainment, great food, and of course, plentiful beer - and wine!
The center of festivities is downtown New Ulm...
...but there are other activities throughout town. For example, Morgan Creek Vineyards is a great place to sample local wine.
The historic August Schell Brewing Company will hold tours and host live performances.
No matter where you decide to celebrate, you'll find plenty of ways to celebrate German heritage.
Food vendors will be there to serve up German-style classics like sausage and sauerkraut. You can also get some Minnesota favorites, like cheese curds.
There will even be a historic popcorn stand on the festival grounds. It's the perfect salty snack to enjoy while you take in the festivities.
One of the most unique activities? A stein-holding contest. See how long you can hold a stein full of beer. It's harder than you might think!
Another popular activity is watching the German-themed parades that their way down the main drag on each Sunday of the festival.
There are also rides in historic trolleys...
...and live music by talented musicians. These can be found both in the downtown area and at other venues across the town.
Of course, it wouldn't be Oktoberfest without a long visit to the beer garden.
This is where you can take in the atmosphere while enjoying a tall glass of the local brew. During Oktoberfest, does it get any better than that?
New Ulm Oktoberfest takes place on October 6, 7, 13, and 14. You can learn more about the festivities and schedule here.
Will you be attending New Ulm Oktoberfest? Do you have any other favorite Oktoberfest celebrations in Minnesota? Let us know down below! If you're looking for more ways to celebrate the season, check out our list of 12 harvest festivals in Minnesota that will make your autumn awesome.
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