The Magnolia state is the birthplace of Blues Music, and is known for its serene river landscapes, best southern cuisines, and unmatched hospitality. Despite possessing all the features, Mississippi is not a major competitor in Oktoberfest celebrations. The state hosts two major Oktoberfest festivities, roughly following the same dates as the Original event in Munich, Germany.
The d’Wiesn Celebrations in Mississippi attract thousands of visitors from across the state and country to celebrate the Bavarian culture in full glow. Whether you plan to visit with family or look to part with friends, Oktoberfest in the Hospitality State is an experience to remember.
How Does Oktoberfest in Mississippi Begin?
Mississippi’s Oktoberfest started in 1982 with a scrappy little bash in Cleveland—think bratwurst, off-key oompah bands, and enough beer to float a pontoon boat. By the ’90s, towns like Jackson and Hattiesburg caught the bug, swapping sweet tea for steins and hosting their own shindigs.
Blame it on the craft beer boom: local breweries (shout-out to Crosstown Brewing’s pretzel-ale collab!) saw Oktoberfest as a chance to marry German grit with Southern charm. Today, you’ll find festivals slinging schnitzel beside fried pickles, polka bands battling banjo players, and kids racing in lederhosen (yes, paired with cowboy boots—this is Mississippi, y’all).
Fun fact: The Hattiesburg Hochzeit (that’s “wedding” in German) contest lets couples renew vows… while balancing steins.
Pro tip: Skip the polyester dirndl—September humidity’s no joke.
Mississippi Oktoberfest Locations
Olive Branch Oktoberfest: 9211 MS-178, Olive Branch, MS
Saint John Oktoberfest Hattiesburg: St John Lutheran Church 2001 Hardy St, Hattiesburg
Major Oktoberfest Celebrations in Mississippi
Olive Branch Oktoberfest
The Olive Branch Oktoberfest is a colorful celebration of German culture, attracting visitors of all ages. This festival has become a national sensation with its live music, traditional foods, and fun activities.
People enjoy German classics alongside universal favorites such as pretzels and funnel cakes each fall. The festival also features a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo, and many carnival games, making it a perfect family gathering place. Oktoberfest Olive Branch showcases the region's rich cultural diversity by offering a mix of local and German entertainment.
Saint John Oktoberfest Hattiesburg
Saint John Lutheran Church Oktoberfest is an annual celebration held on the first Saturday of October. This event offers cultural festivities and supports community outreach and mission work both locally and internationally.
The church appreciates the Pinebelt community’s longstanding support and invites everyone to join. For those unable to attend, contributions to their mission efforts are welcome via online donations or by mailing checks to their address on Hardy Street, noting Oktoberfest in the memo line.
Mississippi Oktoberfest Dates & Duration
Olive Branch Oktoberfest: 1st Saturday in October
Saint John Oktoberfest Hattiesburg: 1st Saturday in October (11:00 am - 4:00 pm)
Mississippi Oktoberfest Dress Code
There’s no official dress code for Oktoberfest events outside Munich, but if you're paying respects to German culture, the best way is to dress just as they do. Authentic Lederhosen for men and Dirndl for women are the official Oktoberfest outfits. You can adorn them with matching dress shirts and Bavarian shoes. Men generally accessorize with a feathered hat, while women can enhance their looks with matching jewelry.
Mississippi Oktoberfest Tickets & Booking
Each Oktoberfest celebration has varying ticket prices each year, which are updated on their respective web portals. You can visit the official websites a few weeks prior to Oktoberfest to check out the new prices and book your spots. Also, check out closely for special events like opening parades, beer hall openings, and Keg tapping time to ensure you’re there on time.
Mississippi Oktoberfest Highlights & Activities
Savor Authentic German Food & Beer
Forget BBQ for a day—Mississippi’s Oktoberfest piles your plate with schnitzel crunchier than fall leaves, pretzels bigger than your head, and strudel oozing cinnamon apples. (Pro tip: Double up on sauerkraut—it cuts through the grease!) Wash it down with steins of Märzen, a malty lager that’s smoother than a blues guitar solo. And yes, Hefeweizen fans, they’ve got that cloudy wheat beer, too—just don’t wear white!
Authentic Drinks in the Beer Gardens
The beer gardens are where the magic happens: Sip Mississippi-brewed IPAs beside German imports, or join a “sip-and-swear” tasting session (you’ll learn why Rauchbier tastes like campfire in a glass). Pair smoky brews with salty pretzel bites—your taste buds will throw a hoedown.
Dance to the Beat of Live Music
Cue the accordions! Polka bands crank up the chaos, and if you’re brave, try the Schuhplattler dance—it’s like clogging but with more thigh-slapping. Comedy acts roast German stereotypes (Nein, not all Mississippians own lederhosen), and kids lose it when magicians “disappear” bratwursts.
Fun for the Whole Family
This ain’t just beer and brats:
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BBQ Showdown: Pitmasters smoke brisket beside schnitzel trucks—because why choose between cultures?
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Carnival Chaos: Toss beanbags at “sauerkraut cans” or win a stuffed dachshund bigger than your toddler.
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Arts & Crafts: Snag hand-carved cedar steins or a “Prost, Y’all!” T-shirt (Mississippi’s official Oktoberfest motto).
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Costume Cuteness: Kids in dirndls and tiny lederhosen compete for prizes—judged by the loudest “Aww!” from the crowd.
Heads up: September heat’s no joke. Swap wool socks for flip-flops, but keep that Stein frosty!
Essential Tips for Attending Oktoberfest Mississippi
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Visit the official websites for every location weeks before the event to find reservation details and the schedule of special performances.
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Book your hotel accommodations in advance near the event site if you're moving out of town.
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Arrive early to secure the best places and enjoy activities in a family-friendly environment.
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Check the weather forecast for your location to dress up accordingly.
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Drink water between beers to stay hydrated.
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Learn and follow the specific event rules to maintain a good festive environment.
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Use public transport to arrive at the events as it will save you from parking hassles.