Delaware is not as big as other states of the US, but that still doesn’t stop it from holding some grand Oktoberfest celebrations. Thus, whether you’re in the cute little college town of Newark or the grand city of Wilmington, you can find an Oktoberfest celebration around any corner. German immigrants in Delaware are keen on preserving their ancestors’ traditions, and we’re grateful to them for that because these parties are the absolute best!

Dates: Sept 15-Oct 4

Timings: 12 PM -11 PM

Location: Stitch House Brewery,829 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801

                    49 Salem Church Rd, Newark, DE

Some Major Oktoberfest Celebrations in Delaware

Some of the central locations where Oktoberfest is held in Delaware are:

Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest

Saengerbund Oktoberfest is a grand celebration of German culture that surprisingly attracts many students. It is a three-day long even scheduled on September 20, 21, and 22, so if you’re near, don’t miss out on this. Admission is just $10 and includes unlimited amusement rides! 

The festival opens with a parade on Friday at 7 pm, featuring the Muenchner Kindl (Munich Child) in traditional attire. Throughout the weekend, enjoy live music from the Enzian Musikanten and Almwind from Austria, watch traditional Bavarian dance performances, and browse through various Oktoberfest souvenirs. With delicious food, refreshing beer, and a festive atmosphere, the Newark Oktoberfest promises a memorable experience! Parking is available at Christiana High School for $5 on Friday and Saturday (free on Sunday), with a shuttle service to whisk you to the festival entrance. Timings are Friday 5 pm - 11 pm, Saturday noon - 11 pm, and Sunday noon - 6 pm (bars close one hour earlier each day).

Oktoberfest Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington, Delaware's largest city, is well-known for its colorful Wilmington Oktoberfest celebration, which draws cultural enthusiasts from all around. Oktoberfest in Wilmington takes place on September 19.

The event usually takes place in a central location. This is because the city is enormous, and traveling to the center is more accessible. The celebrations here began mainly due to the German-American diaspora, who brought their culture to this place. The festival preserves the essence of this valued tradition and offers custom beer steins and discounts on their Oktoberfest brews, which include Märzen, Pilsner, Dunkel, and Und Becks, Dortmund.

People from all over the world gather to participate in the festivities, which include everything from colorful street parades to German music and food. 

Delaware Oktoberfest Tickets and Booking 

Delaware does not require prior booking, as tickets can be quickly obtained on the spot at the entrance. Specific Delaware locations offer group discounts on tickets if you're attending with family and friends. In general, entrance costs $10.00 and includes unlimited amusement rides, food, and entertainment.

Delaware Oktoberfest Food 

Delaware has some splendid food and drink options at their Oktoberfest events:

• Grilled Bratwurst: Yummy sausages made from either beef or pork
• Frankfurters: These are also sausages, but the difference between this and bratwurst is that Frankfurters are made from sheep’s intestine and served with mustard or bread. 
• Pretzels: Pretzels are the perfect pairing for beers. They are dough-shaped like a loose knot and glazed with an egg. 
• Rollmops: These are herring fillets in the shape of a cylinder
• Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut means “ sour cabbage” in German, and it is a cabbage that is fermented by lactic acid bacteria, which gives it a unique taste.

Dress Code

The dress code is one of the most often asked questions at Oktoberfest. Actually, there isn't one. Many folks choose not to dress in traditional attire, which is OK. That being said, dressing up is an excellent method to maximize your experience! Traditional Bavarian clothing for women is known as a Dirndl, and that for men is known as Lederhosen. You can wear it to get in a festive mood, but it’s not compulsory, and you can wear anything you’re comfortable with.

Tips

• Try to come as early as 9:30 am if you have no reservations beforehand. There is usually a shift at about lunchtime and another at 5:30 pm.

• During Oktoberfest, people tend to get a little tipsy, but dancing on tables is prohibited. It's against Oktoberfest protocol, and you might be kicked out.
• Make friends and be kind to everyone, especially vendors and event organizers. 

FAQs

How long is Oktoberfest in Delaware?

The Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest is a three-day festival of German food, culture, and beer, lasting about three days. It is held from 12 PM to 11 PM.

Is there an age limit for Oktoberfest in Delaware?

The Delaware Oktoberfest invites people of all ages and fosters a family-friendly atmosphere where attendees are welcome to join the festivities, which include German cuisine and music.