2026 Oktoberfest Events in SE Minnesota

Find your lederhosen and practice your stein holding because Oktoberfest events are here! A couple have passed already but never fear, there are still plenty of Oktoberfest events coming up in SE Minnesota.

In case you also think it's strange that Oktoberfest is celebrated in September, you're not the only one. But the reasoning actually goes way, way back to Germany in the 1800s.

Why is Oktoberfest Celebrated in September?

I've done the research and written about this before in a past article:

"In 1810, the prince of Bolvaria, Prince Ludwig, married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen in Munich, Germany.

This wedding was a big deal and the festivities began on October 12th, 1810, and lasted until October 17th.
Price Ludwig and Princess Therese thought the party was so amazing that they wanted to do it again next year. And so they did. And the next year. And the next year."

And then they said you know what, it's too cold in October. Let's move the festivities to September but continue to call it Oktoberfest. True story.

ALSO READ: SE Minnesota Fall Festivals and Events to Add to Your Calendar

Anyway, let's get to those Oktoberfest celebrations coming up around Southeast Minnesota!

2026 Oktoberfest Events in SE Minnesota

Mineral Springs Brewery's Oktoberfest - Owatonna
Thursday, Sept. 17th through Sunday, Sept. 20th
Live music, classic pretzels, food trucks, plenty of beer, and games and competitions, including a steinholding contest. Did you know Mineral Springs is an official US Steinholding Association qualifying venue?

The Last Punktoberfest - Thesis Beer Project - Rochester
Friday, Sept. 25th and Saturday, Sept. 26th
17 bands performing punk music over two nights. Definitely not your traditional Oktoberfest! Two-day passes are $40 (you can get tickets now) or single-days are $20 (at the door only). Doors open at 5 PM on Friday and 2 PM on Saturday.

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Little Thistle's Oktoberfest - Rochester
Saturday, Sept. 26th, noon - 7 PM
Live music, games, food from the Pre-Gamers BBQ and Heimstead, and plenty of 'prost's to go around.

Tilion Brewing's Oktoberfest - Cannon Falls
Saturday, Sept. 26th, noon - 9 PM
Live music, food, and games/tournaments including a crowd-favorite, the 'Drunken German' Spelling Bee.

Kasson's Oktoberfest - Kasson
Saturday, Sept. 26th, 1 PM - 8 PM
Family-friendly activities, sauerkraut eating contest, live music, wiener dog races, and more.

Oktoberfest for Suicide Prevention - hosted at Haley Comfort Systems, Active PT, Purple Goat, and Chip Shots - Rochester
Saturday, October 3rd, noon - 8 PM
Not only will there be live music, games, food, and plenty of beer, this Oktoberfest also raises money for suicide prevention organizations.