Everything You Need to Know for Amana Oktoberfest 2023

Amana Oktoberfest is almost here!

This Friday through Sunday, September 29th through October 1st is the Amana Colonies' biggest festival of the year... Oktoberfest! Get ready for lots of live entertainment, games, competitions, food, and beer! Here's a rundown of everything you need to know ahead of this weekend's event:

Where is Oktoberfest held?

The official festival is held at the Festhalle Barn in the Amana Colonies, but there are different events and activities happening all throughout the village!

How much does it cost to get in?

Entrance to the Festhalle Barn is $10 for a one-day pass and $15 for a two-day pass. Admission on Sunday is free!

Where do I park?

There are different places to park throughout the Amana Colonies, but there is also free off-site parking at the Amana RV Park with shuttle rides to and from the festival. The shuttle trolley runs Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

What's happening at the Festhalle Barn?

Well... a LOT. There will be live entertainment on the Festhalle stage on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

There will also be various contests held at the Festhalle Barn throughout the weekend. That includes a yodeling contest on Friday at 6:30 p.m., Brezel Schmeissen (a team competition featuring pretzels and headplungers) at 12:45 p.m., and a brat eating contest on Saturday at 2 p.m.

And don't forget about refreshments! The Amana Colonies Meat Shop & Smokehouse will be serving brats, along with pork trotters, sides, and desserts. There will be plenty of beer available, too.

When is the parade?

The "Peace, Love, and Polka" Parade will take place Saturday morning at 10 a.m. on Main Street.

What about the keg tapping?

The OFFICIAL KEG TAPPING Pre-Party & Parade is happening in the Museum Courtyard from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. Hops & Hotrods will serve beer and wine and guests will get a free brat. The Keg Parade will head down Main Street to the Festhalle Barn at 1:45 p.m. for the official Keg Tapping Ceremony. Admission is FREE to the museum all day, but the Keg Ceremony tickets (which include a beer from the official first keg are $15 and must be purchased at the pre-party. Only 150 tickets will be available.

What other activities are happening outside the Festhalle Barn?

Let's start with the Market Barn. On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Market Barn will be serving beer and hosting several games. The Keg Toss & Log-Sawing Competitions will happen from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., as will Nagelhauen, a nail-driving competition. The Eisenmann Competition will take place at 4 p.m.

Hotel Millwright is another popular stop during Amana Oktoberfest. There will be a huge party on the lawn with food, drinks, and live music on Friday & Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you're a wine-lover, Ackerman Winery will be a great place to visit. All weekend long, they will have a wine-tasting tent, wine by the glass, wine cocktails and slushies, and more.

When it comes to food, Ox Yoke Inn and Ronneburg Restaurant are two of the most popular options. Ox Yoke Inn will be offering coffee and pastries on their lawn on Saturday morning from 9 to 11 a.m. and Oktoberfest specials at their Bierstube Bar from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ronneburg Restaurant will be grilling outside and have live music on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

And don't forget to check out Millstream Brewing! They will be open all weekend long beginning at 9 a.m. They have a big outdoor tent with live music, food trucks, beer, and merch. Admission is free.

Is there anything for kids to do?

Absolutely! Kinderplatz will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. next to the Amana Colonies Visitors Center. The event features balloon art, games, crafts, and more. Ackerman Winery will also have yard games on their lawn and a scavenger hunt.

For a full schedule of bands and activities for the entire weekend, you can check out the Amana Oktoberfest brochure online HERE.