Event Info | FAQs
EVENT DATES
2023 Dates to be announced soon!
Our Oktoberfest is an all-ages event, but state law requires you to be 21 years of age or older to drink alcohol.
Be prepared to show your state- or federally-issued ID when purchasing alcohol.
About this event
Twin Cities Oktoberfest is held in the heart of the Twin Cities at the Historic Progress Center on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Every year we are proud to offer an entirely local event. That includes all beer, food, music and other entertainment. In 2022, we offered some returning and new beer/cider sponsors – Utepils Brewing, Lupulin Brewing, Hop and Barrel Brewing, and Sociable Cider Werks. Our food offerings included multiple varieties of brats and German potato salad from Gerhard’s Brats, traditional German pretzels from Aki’s Breadhaus, European pancakes from Burbach’s, savory and sweet pies from Sara’s Tipsy Pies, and candied bacon from Big Guy’s BBQ! We were excited to welcome back two bands well-versed in traditional German Oktoberfest music – Alpensterne and Doctor Kielbasa , a world renowned dancing troupe, SG Edelweiss, as well as a fun cover band to end the night on Saturday, The Stand Ups . Attendees could try their hand-eye coordination with Hammer-Schlagen. Looking forward to seeing you all there. If you feel strong please enter our stein holding competition on both Friday night and Saturday. We’re offering Men’s and Ladies’ divisions. May the strongest beer holder win! Prost!!
Now for the fun stuff – details! Please see below for more information regarding our sponsors, beer and food offerings, shopping, health and safety protocols and other misc. items.
Sponsors
Utepils Brewing based in Minneapolis, MN
Lupulin Brewing based in Big Lake, MN and Sioux Falls, SD
Hop and Barrel Brewing based in Hudson, WI and Spring Valley, MN
Red White and Brew Minnesota
Sociable Cider Werks based in Minneapolis, MN
Beer
The above beer and cider companies will provide a total of 20 different beers/ciders. You can expect multiple Marzen-style varieties, Pilsner, Kolsch, Porter, Hefeweizen and many more!
Food (options below subject to change)
We do our best to provide you the most authentic local German food. Gerhard’s Brats will have multiple varieties of authentic brats and German potato salad. Burbach’s will provide European pancakes and delicious Schnitzel. Aki’s Breadhaus out of NE Minneapolis will make a variety of soft pretzels and dipping sauces. Big Guy’s promises to please your taste buds with some candied bacon and chicken thigh sandwiches and Sara’s Tipsy Pies brings her sweet and savory pies to Oktoberfest every year. We are also very excited to bring aboard Payshees Popcorn, The Nuthaus for roasted nuts, and J’s Kombucha.
Shopping
We once again welcome back the most traditional German clothes and collectibles dealer in the Midwest, German Specialty Imports. She’ll have the finest lederhosen and dirndls you can find this side of the Atlantic. We’re also excited to welcome on board Hagen and Oats, who make handmade wooden art.
Rules and Regulations
Our Oktoberfest is an all-ages event, but state law requires you to be 21 years of age or older to drink alcohol. Be prepared to show your state- or federally-issued ID when purchasing alcohol. We reserve the right to stop serving you if deemed you have had enough to drink.
Pets are not allowed, but registered service dogs are.
Both cash and credit cards (fees apply on all credit purchases) are accepted for purchasing entrance and beer tickets. We will also have cash machines on site.
Health and Safety / Covid-19
The health and safety of everyone attending Twin Cities Oktoberfest is absolutely top priority. We are monitoring current guidance from federal, state and local health officials. Though masks are not required, we do strongly encourage them for those not fully vaccinated. Thank you!!!
What if I am experiencing COVID-19 symptoms?
If, within the 10 days before you attend Twin Cities Oktoberfest, you have tested positive or presumptively positive for COVID-19, please do not attend our Oktoberfest. We will work with you to refund your ticket or carry your ticket forward to 2023.
Tickets available for purchase onsite starting at 5 P.M on Friday, October 8th
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates and times of your event? Friday, October 7th, from 5-11 pm and Saturday, October 8th, from Noon-10 pm.
Where is the event located? At the Historic Progress Center (aka Eco Experience) on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
Are you charging admission in 2022? No, we are not. However, if you want to consume alcohol you will need to purchase a wristband and provide proof of age. It is free to come and enjoy the event unless you want to drink alcohol.
Can I bring my own mug? Yes, this is strongly encouraged. We love seeing everyone’s special mugs.
What if it rains? Good news, the Progress Center is completely indoors. We also rent a very large tent right outside the building if you want to be outdoors and safe from the rain.
Are masks required? At this time, they are not, but we are following federal, state and local guidelines and this may change. We do strongly encourage unvaccinated attendees to wear a mask while not actively drinking and eating.
What if I am uncomfortable being in a crowded place, but want to attend? Good news, we have a large area outside the building that we have set up a tent and placed outdoor tables/picnic tables. If it rains, that may limit our true outdoor ability, but the tent will still be open.
Are pets allowed? Our event space only allows for service dogs.
Is there parking available? Yes, all parking is free and plentiful on the State Fairgrounds. If you are driving, please plan accordingly so you are able to get home safely. Please don’t drink and drive. You may bike, as well, and lock your bike up in various areas around the Progress Center.
Lost and Found? If you feel you left something at the event, please email us at info@twincitiesoktoberfest.com or use the CONTACT US link above.
Any additional questions? Feel free to email us at info@twincitiesoktoberfest.com or use the CONTACT US link above.