Event Info | FAQs

 EVENT DATES

2026 Dates Coming Soon!

 LOCATION

Minnesota State Fairgrounds

1621 Randall Ave
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108

(Map/Directions)

TWIN CITIES OKTOBERFEST IS FREE TO ATTEND*! 

Our Oktoberfest is an all-ages event, but state law requires you to be 21 years of age or older to drink alcohol .

*A wristband is required to purchase and consume alcohol. You must be 21 or older to get wristband, so please be ready to show your valid ID at time of check-in at the entrance.

About this event

Twin Cities Oktoberfest is thrilled to be celebrating the 15th anniversary of our event on October 3rd (5pm-11pm) and 4th (Noon-10pm). We’re located in the heart of the Twin Cities at the Historic Progress Center on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Like years’ past, our event is 100% local – that includes all beer, food, music, merchandise and other entertainment. We are beyond happy to have a few returning and NEW beer/cider sponsors – Utepils BrewingPryes Brewing CompanyBruhaven Craft Co.Lift Bridge Brewing Company, and Minneapolis Cider Company. Our food offerings in 2025 include Gerhard’s Brats, traditional German pretzels from Aki’s Breadhaus, savory and sweet pies from Sara’s Tipsy Pies, candied bacon from Big Guy’s BBQ and Christel’s Bavarian Kitchen! For traditional Oktoberfest music, we have three terrific bands – Alpensterne (Friday), Bavarian Musikmeisters (Saturday afternoon), and the Josh Norman Musik Meisters (Saturday afternoon). We also have back the world renowned and the #1 North American German dancing troupe, SG Edelweiss, as well as a couple of fun cover bands, The Stand Ups (Friday night) and Coyote Wild (Saturday night). We also have some terrific music in our tent this year, with Grunge Unplugged playing Friday night along with ELEVAN and Cornell Power Service on Saturday. And don’t forget to try your hand-eye coordination with Nice Axe. We’re looking forward to seeing you all there. If you feel strong, enter one of our stein holding competitions on either Friday night and Saturday. We’re offering Men’s and Ladies’ divisions, and ALL proceeds go to charity. May the strongest arm 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

Pryes Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN

Bruhaven Craft Company, Minneapolis, MN

Lift Bridge Brewing Company, Stillwater, MN and New Richmond, WI

Minneapolis Cider Co., Minneapolis, MN

Public Lands (Stage Sponsor)

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, 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. 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 have added NEW German food options with Christel’s Bavarian Kitchen and Jesse’s Spaetzle, plus we terrific offerings from OG Zaza Pizza Trailer and Simply Nuts & More.

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 big pond. Hagen and Oats and Made in Minn return in 2025. All of these are fantastic local merchandise vendors.

Hotel Packages!

I f you are looking for a place to stay during Twin Cities Oktoberfest, we are partnering with two hotels in Roseville. Both are offering a rate package along with an Uber credit! Please check out either the Courtyard Roseville or Residence Inn Roseville .

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), plus Apple and Google Pay, are accepted for purchasing entrance and beer tickets. We will also have cash machines on site.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the dates and times of your event?  Friday, October 3rd, 2025 from 5-11 pm and Saturday, October 4th, 2025 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 2025?   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.

Is my wristband good for either day?  Yes, you can attend either Friday or Saturday.

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.

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.