Your Complete Guide to Oktoberfest

Name: LIVE MUSIC – The Executives | Oktoberfest Grounds
Start: 2025-09-28T12:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-09-28T14:30:00-05:00
Location: Oktoberfest Grounds

by La Crosse LocalSeptember 3, 2025September 3, 2025

Prost to Oktoberfest in La Crosse!

La Crosse’s annual Oktoberfest returns September 25–28, 2025, bringing German tradition and Midwest hospitality together for one of the region’s most beloved celebrations. Known as the longest-running Oktoberfest in the Midwest, this four-day festival is filled with parades, music, dancing, and, of course, plenty of beer.

The spirit of the season extends far beyond the official festivities, too! Across the city, local businesses, organizations, and communities host a variety of Oktoberfest-related events that embrace the culture, food, and fun of this iconic celebration.

Dust off your lederhosen and dirndls, gather your friends, and get ready to raise a stein!

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO OKTOBERFEST

To make the most of your experience, we’ve pulled together everything you need to know, from event highlights and schedules to local insider tips, so you can navigate with ease and celebrate like a pro! To use this guide, click on the corresponding button you’d like more information on, or read in its entirety for all the details.

FEST GROUNDS

The heart of Oktoberfest is the Fest Grounds, where you’ll find music, food, beer, games, and plenty of Bavarian spirit. Here’s what to know before you go!

Admission & Wristbands

A wristband is required for anyone age 13 and over to enter the Fest Grounds. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult. Wristbands are $25 and can be purchased in advance online (order by September 11 to have them shipped directly to you for the fastest, easiest entry), at the Oktoberfest Box Office during office hours, or at the gates during the Fest. Please note: you must be 21+ to enter the Altra Federal Credit Union Festplatz tent.

You’re free to exit and re-enter, as long as you keep your wristband on! Admission is free on Sunday, September 28 from 11 AM to 6 PM.

Be sure to check the official list of prohibited items before heading in—large bags, coolers, chairs, bikes, and other restricted items are not allowed.

Craft Beer Night

Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 4 PM – 8 PM

On Thursday, sample your way through more than 20 craft breweries during this special event at the Fest Grounds. VIP admission begins at 4 PM, while General Admission opens at 5 PM. Meet the brewers, try unique selections, and discover your new favorite beer in a lively festival setting. For more details on participating breweries and ticket options, visit the Craft Beer Night event page.

Lederhosen Games

Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 5 PM – 7 PM

Friday, September 26, 2025 | 2 PM – 4 PM

Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 2 PM – 4 PM

Throughout the weekend, head to the Garden Stage Area for the always-entertaining Lederhosen Games. Events include stein races, stein holding contests, barrel rolls, grain tosses, a chocolate-eating challenge, and scavenger hunts. Play for fun, join in the laughter, and compete for prizes.

Tapping of the Golden Keg

Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 11 AM

Oktoberfest officially begins with the Tapping of the Golden Keg at 11 AM on Thursday at The Remainders Garden Stage. Join the crowd for this beloved opening ceremony as the Samuel Adams Golden Keg is tapped, signaling the start of the festival.

Music

From the UWL Screaming Eagles to lively polka bands and everything in between, music fills the Oktoberfest grounds all weekend long. Check out the full music lineup here.

Food & Drink

Want to plan your food and beverage stops ahead of time? Browse the official food and drink lists to see what’s on tap, from classic fest favorites to new offerings. View the food and beverage list here.

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FAMILY FRIENDLY

There are plenty of activities at Oktoberfest that the whole family can enjoy. From parades and fireworks to food, music, and games, these events offer something fun for all ages!

Carnival

Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 5 PM – 9 PM

Friday, September 26, 2025 | 5 PM – 9 PM

Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 12 PM – 9 PM

Head to Copeland Park on La Crosse’s north side for carnival rides, games, and food vendors. No Oktoberfest admission wristband is required to enjoy the fun. All-you-can-ride wristbands are available online for $37.75.

Torchlight Parade & After Glow Bash

Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 7 PM – 10:30 PM

The Torchlight Parade begins at 7 PM, followed by the Torchlight After Glow Bash at Copeland Park (Loggers Field) from 7:30 – 10:30 PM. Families are welcome, admission is free, and no wristband is required. Enjoy music and gemütlichkeit with The Swing Crew, along with food and beverages available for purchase. Proceeds from the event support student programs at Logan and Central High Schools, hosted by the Oktoberfest Parade Marshals.

YMCA Maple Leaf Walk Run

Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 7 AM

The 26th Annual YMCA Maple Leaf Walk Run takes place at Riverside Park and supports the Y’s Food Program. Events include a half marathon, 5-mile run, 5K walk, and the Kid’s Maple Mile. Pre-registration is required, and participants receive a free Thursday-only Oktoberfest admission wristband with registration. Find more information here!

Maple Leaf Parade

Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 10 AM

A highlight of the festival, the Maple Leaf Parade kicks off Saturday, September 27 at 10 AM in La Crosse. See full details in the Parade information section!

Fireworks Celebration

Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 9 PM

The 64th Oktoberfest Fireworks Celebration lights up the sky from the Fest Grounds. An admission wristband is required to enter the grounds, but the display can also be enjoyed from many nearby viewing spots.

Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, September 28, 2025 | 7:30 AM – 11 AM

On Sunday morning, head to the Terry Erickson Boys & Girls Club of La Crosse for the Pancake Breakfast, hosted by the Oktoberfest Parade Marshals. The menu includes pancakes, sausages, juice, milk, and coffee. Tickets are $7 per person, with children 6 and under free. Tickets are available in advance from former parade marshals or at the door.

Sunday at the Fest Grounds

Sunday, September 28, 2025 | 11 AM – 6 PM

The Fest Grounds are open from 11 AM – 6 PM with free admission. Families can enjoy root beer from Rudy’s, face painting, chalk contests, live music, vendors, and more. Free face painting and airbrush tattoos will be available from 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

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PARADES

Parades are a centerpiece of La Crosse’s Oktoberfest, bringing the community together to celebrate with colorful floats, marching bands, and festive spirit. Here’s what you need to know about the two signature parades:

Torchlight Parade

Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 7:00 PM

The Torchlight Parade kicks off the festival with glowing floats and illuminated night time fun! The parade route is on the north side of La Crosse, running from Gillette Street to St. James Street. Handicap parking is available across from Lawyer’s at Work (1206 Caledonia St, La Crosse) and on Caledonia between St. Paul and Clinton.

Please note: At the recommendation of the La Crosse Police Department, no candy or items will be distributed during this parade due to safety concerns. Because the event takes place in the dark, there have been increasing risks for children near vehicles on the route. This decision was made with the safety and well-being of attendees (especially children) in mind.

Maple Leaf Parade

Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 10:00 AM

The Maple Leaf Parade is one of the largest events of the weekend, drawing thousands of spectators to downtown La Crosse! The route runs from Clinton Street (near the Northside Grounds), through downtown La Crosse, and up to King Street. Handicap parking is available at US Bank (201 Main Street, La Crosse) and on Rose Street between St. Paul and Clinton.

Can’t make it in person? The parade will be broadcast live on News 8 Now (channel 8.2), Spectrum Cable channel 6, and streamed online at news8000.com.

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PARKING & SHUTTLE INFORMATION

The city makes getting to Oktoberfest a breeze with several parking and transportation options! Whether you prefer to park downtown, hop on a shuttle from surrounding areas, or take advantage of free Sunday parking, there are convenient choices to fit every plan.

Street and Ramp Parking

Street parking and ramp parking are available throughout downtown La Crosse. Visit Downtown La Crosse’s Parking Map for more details. All downtown parking ramps require payment between 6 AM – 10 PM, Monday through Saturday. Rates are $1 per hour or $10 for the entire day. Each ramp is equipped with multiple pay kiosks, and you can also use the ParkMobile app to pay by selecting the correct zone.

As an added bonus, on Sunday only, parking at the fest grounds is free!

Shuttle Service

For a stress-free option, take advantage of the festival shuttle service, which runs five routes connecting the fest grounds to the north side, south side, UW–La Crosse campus, and nearby communities like La Crescent, Onalaska, and Holmen. Check the shuttle schedule for detailed routes, pickup times, and duration.

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MEDALLION HUNT

The annual Medallion Hunt begins Monday, September 15, 2025, with a $500 cash prize and a souvenir medallion from Satori Arts for the winner. One clue is posted daily at around 7 AM on the Oktoberfest USA Facebook and Instagram pages, with up to 10 clues total until the medallion is found.

The medallion will always be within La Crosse city limits, on public property, never buried, and small enough to fit in your hand. Hunters are encouraged to team up, stay respectful of private property, and remember that hiding spots may have limited accessibility. Learn more here.

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INSIDER TIPS

Want to celebrate like a local? These tips will help you navigate Oktoberfest with ease and make the most of your experience!

🍁 The Maple Leaf Parade fills up fast! Arrive early if you want a prime spot. Many locals claim their space with blankets or chairs starting at midnight before the parade. Just be sure not to set up earlier than that!

🥨 Pretzel necklaces and floral or leaf crowns are a fun Oktoberfest tradition, and you’ll see vendors selling them throughout the weekend. Join in on the fun!

👍🏼 Don’t forget about the collectible Oktoberfest button! While wristbands are now required for admission, every ticket purchase includes a button, redeemable at the Oktoberfest Office windows.

🧢 Fest gear is always popular, so consider planning your outfits in advance. 🙂 Local shops like TJ Cheddarheads, Drift Mercantile, Dale’s Clothing, and Markos (among others!) carry Oktoberfest shirts and apparel.

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