A landlocked midwestern state in the United States, Missouri is home to some of the most delightful venues for Oktoberfest. All the celebrations are held during fall, mainly over weekends in September or October, following the theme of the original Oktoberfest celebration in Munich. All the venues provide a chance to savor authentic German food and beers, from sausages and pretzels to brews served in steins. Live music fills the air for entertainment, with oompah bands and yodeling performances keeping the energy high. Do not miss the contests and events, including stein hoisting and traditional dances.
How Does Oktoberfest in Missouri Begin?
Missouri's Oktoberfest celebrations inspire German tradition but have a unique character. Hermann, a town rich in German heritage in Missouri, has held its Oktoberfest for many years. From there, many new venues opened for the Bavarian Beerfest celebrations. Live music, parades, and traditional dance performances create a vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular festival for residents and visitors.
Missouri Oktoberfest Locations
Hermann Oktoberfest: Hermann, MO 65041, United States
Soulard, St. Louis Oktoberfest: 1700 S 8th St, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States
Major Oktoberfest Celebrations in Missouri
Missouri celebrated the German Beerfest the way it's meant to be every year with full zeal and zest. All the Oktoberfest celebrations in Missouri spread throughout the state, allowing everyone to partake in Bavarian celebrations in their neighborhood.
Hermann Oktoberfest
Hermann Oktoberfest is an unforgettable experience with live music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks. The echoes of the lively tunes through the town and the local wineries and restaurants are must-seen visuals. Oktoberfest Hermann offers a variety of options, from brat stands to locally crafted beer, wine, and spirits scattered throughout the area.
Like any other Oktoberfest, this venue also has the infectious beats of a polka tune by the renowned Loehnig German Band. The Performances are on the first four Saturday afternoons in October at the Historic Festhalle in the Hermannhof Inn. With roots tracing back to the late 1970s, the Loehnig German Band is a seasoned performer specializing in German folk music, including waltzes, polkas, schottisches, vocals, and even yodeling. Their specialty includes captivating Slovenian and Czech music selections played on the button-box accordion.
Soulard, St. Louis Oktoberfest
The annual Soulard Oktoberfest in St. Louis, Missouri, is a lively celebration of German culture held on the second weekend of October at the Soulard Farmers Market Plaza. Admission is free and offers a variety of entertainment, including live music from German bands, authentic German food vendors, a wine garden, and multiple beer stands. Souvenir steins are available for purchase. For an enhanced experience, the Budweiser Bier Hall Tent offers exclusive entertainment, a commemorative Stein, and a premium beer selection (all for a separate admission fee). This family-friendly event (except for the Bier Hall Tent, which is 21+) runs from 4 pm to 11 pm on Friday and 11 am to 10 pm on Saturday.
Missouri Oktoberfest Dates & Duration
Hermann Oktoberfest: October 1st-31th (A month-long celebration)
Oktoberfest in Soulard, ST, Louis: October 13-14 (A two-day festival)
Missouri 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.
Missouri Oktoberfest Tickets & Booking
You can visit the official websites of each location a few months prior to Oktoberfest to check out the new prices and book your spots before they end. Also, check out closely for special events like opening parades, beer hall openings, and Keg tapping time to ensure you’re there on time.
Missouri Oktoberfest Highlights & Activities
Missouri’s Oktoberfest mixes German traditions with Midwest fun. Eat hearty food, dance to polka beats, and join games for all ages—no lederhosen required!
German Food to Try
Fill your plate with crispy schnitzel, juicy bratwurst, and warm pretzels bigger than your hand. Smother them in mustard or dip them in cheesy beer sauce. Ensure trying the potato dumplings and tangy sauerkraut! Save room for apple strudel dripping with caramel or Black Forest cake so rich it’ll make you grin.
Drinks for Everyone
Grab a stein of German beer like Paulaner or a Missouri-brewed lager with a hoppy kick. Not into beer? Sip fizzy Radler (beer + lemonade) or sweet apple cider. Kids get a soda or hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.
Music & Dancing
Clap along to oompah bands, blasting trumpets and accordions. Watch dancers in twirly dirndls stomp to polka tunes—or join them! Kids love yodeling contests (spoiler: it’s harder than it looks).
Family Fun
Kids bounce in play zones, race in sack hops, or stuff their faces with candy-stuffed pretzels. Craft stations let them glue glitter to paper hats or paint tiny beer steins. Don’t miss the dachshund parade—wiener dogs in tiny lederhosen!
Games & Contests
Test your skills:
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Stein Hold: Carry a heavy beer mug until your arm quits.
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Bratwurst Challenge: Gobble sausages fast—winners get bragging rights!
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Keg Roll: Push beer barrels like a Bavarian pro.
Essential Tips for Attending Oktoberfest Missouri
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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.