It's not too early to start adding Oktoberfest events to your 2026 calendar! The dates are set for some of Iowa's annual Oktoberfest celebrations, and we've got the info for you on 13 of them.

*Article will be updated as more 2026 information is announced*

GALLERY INFORMATION

Adventureland Oktoberfest

• Adventureland, Altoona
• Saturday, September 19th
• 21+ event
• Featuring live entertainment on multiple stages, games, contests, rides, food, beer, and more
• 2026 schedule & admission prices TBA (Platinum, Gold, and Silver Passholders get in free)

• Amana Colonies
• October 1st through 4th
• Featuring German food, beer, live music, competitions, games, a parade, and more
• 2026 schedule & admission prices TBA

Des Moines Biergarten Oktoberfest

• Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park
• September 18th through 20th
• All ages welcome
• Featuring face painting, balloon art, yard games, food vendors, beer, live entertainment, and more
• 2026 schedule TBA

Des Moines Oktoberfest

• The District at Prairie Trail, Ankeny
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, September 25th from 3 p.m. to midnight
  • Saturday, September 26th from 12 p.m. to midnight
• Featuring live entertainment, a Porsche giveaway, competitions, food, beer, and "Rocktoberfest"
• Tickets go on sale soon and are $20 per day for ages 21+ ($5 for ages 13 to 20) - bring back your commemorative pint glass on Saturday for a free drink ticket

Dubuque Oktoberfest

• Back Waters Stage at Q Casino, Dubuque
• Saturday, September 19th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• All ages welcome
• Featuring live entertainment, a ceremonial keg march, polka dancing, a wiener dog parade/races, food, beer, and a stein-holding contest - see the full schedule HERE
• Admission is free, but donations to Camp Albrecht Acres are accepted at entry

Iowa Oktoberfest

• Anton’s German Bier Garden, Waterloo
• September 25th & 26th
• Featuring yard games, live entertainment, beer, food, contests, a dog parade, and a market sale
• Admission is free
• 2026 schedule TBA

Marion Oktoberfest

• 7th Ave, Marion
• Saturday, September 19th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (11 a.m. entry for VIP)
• Ages 21+
• Featuring a free commemorative tasting glass, beer sampling, live music, games, and more
• General admission is $40 and VIP tickets are $60 - Tickets go on sale July 31st HERE

Northside Oktoberfest

• Northside Marketplace, Iowa City
• Saturday, September 26th
• BrewFest
  • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Ages 21+
  • "Each ticket includes a specialty Bier Glass imported from Germany, unlimited beer samples, and access to live entertainment, contests, beer games, and plenty of German-inspired eats."
  • Tickets are $60 - purchase them HERE
• Bier Hall (General Admission)
  • Time TBA
  • "For just $5, purchase a commemorative Oktoberfest mug at check-in and enjoy beer and wine in the streets. Pair your drinks with neighborhood food vendors, test your skills in the beer games, and soak in the lively atmosphere with music, contests, and entertainment throughout the day."
• SodaFest
  • 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • "A festival for the kids! Hosted by the Iowa Children’s Museum, SodaFest lets kids sample unlimited sodas for just $5. A family-friendly way to join in the spirit of the celebration. All activities (other than soda sampling) are completely free."

Ottumwa Oktoberfest

• Jimmy Jones Shelter at Greater Ottumwa Park, Ottumwa
• September 30th through October 3rd
• Featuring BINGO, live music, parades, drumlines, competitions, beer, German food, and more
• 2026 schedule TBA

Remsen Oktoberfest

• Remsen, Iowa
• Saturday, October 31st
• Featuring a beer garden, a vendor market, live entertainment, German food, contests, and more
• 2026 schedule TBA

University of Okoboji Oktoberfest

• Arnolds Park Preservation Plaza, Arnolds Park
• Saturday, September 26th
• Featuring a bike ride, competitions, games, a vendor show, live entertainment, inflatables, and a Duck Derby
• Bike ride registration starts at $30 - register online HERE

Waverly Oktoberfest

• Kohlmann Park, Waverly
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, October 2nd from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 3rd from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• All ages welcome
• Featuring live music, a food & beverage garden, food, fireworks, games, and more
• 2026 schedule TBA
• Tickets are available at the gate - weekend passes are $15 for ages 18+ and $5 for ages 13 to 17

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