Prost to Oktoberfest in La Crosse!
La Crosse’s annual Oktoberfest returns September 24–27, 2026, 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. Wristbands are $25 and can be purchased in advance online (order by September 7th 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. If you purchase your wristbands online after September 7th, you can redeem your purchased wristband at Will Call or the Box Office before entering the grounds. General admission also includes a 2026 Commemorative Button!
Military/Veterans can redeem one complimentary ticket for access to the Fest Grounds all weekend long. Admission is free on Sunday, September 27th for everyone.
You’re able to exit and re-enter, as long as you keep your wristband on! 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.
Please note: you must be 21+ to enter the Altra Federal Credit Union Festplatz tent.
Craft Beer Night
Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 4 PM – 8 PM
On Thursday, sample your way through 30 regional 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 exclusive pours, and take home your very own Commemorative Craft Beer Night tasting glass. For more details on participating breweries and ticket options, visit the Craft Beer Night event page.
Lederhosen Games
Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 5 PM – 7 PM
Friday, September 25, 2026 | 2 PM – 4 PM
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 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, scavenger hunts, and more. Play for fun, join in the laughter, and compete for prizes.
Tapping of the Golden Keg
Friday, September 25, 2026 | 11 AM
Oktoberfest officially begins with the Tapping of the Golden Keg at 11 AM on Friday 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.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
There are plenty of activities at Oktoberfest that the whole family can enjoy. Parades, fireworks, food, music, games, and more..these events offer something fun for all ages!
Carnival
Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Friday, September 25, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 12 PM – 9 PM
Head to Veterans Freedom Park (120 Clinton Street) on La Crosse’s north side for carnival rides, games, and food vendors. Note the new location this year, due to construction happening at Copeland Park! No Oktoberfest admission wristband is required to enjoy the fun, however, you do need a Carnival wristband (purchased directly through the Carnival).
Torchlight Parade & After Glow Bash
Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 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 by The Swing Crew, along with food and beverages available for purchase. This event is hosted by the Oktoberfest Parade Marshals, and the proceeds from the event support student programs at Logan and Central High Schools.
YMCA Maple Leaf Walk Run
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 7 AM
The 27th 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 26, 2026 | 10 AM
A highlight of the festival, the Maple Leaf Parade kicks off Saturday, September 26 at 10 AM in La Crosse. See full details in the Parade information section!
Fireworks Celebration
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 9 PM
The 65th 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 27, 2026 | 7:30 AM – 11 AM
On Sunday morning, head to the Harry J Olson Senior Center (1607 North Street, 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, and children 6 and under are free. Tickets are available in advance from former parade marshals or you can get them at the door.
Sunday at the Fest Grounds
Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 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 a foam party will be happening from 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM, and Half Pint Games taking place from 12 PM – 2 PM.
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 24, 2026 | 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 26, 2026 | 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.
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, UWL Campus, Viterbo Campus, and nearby communities like La Crescent, Onalaska, and Holmen. Check the shuttle schedule for detailed routes, pickup times, and duration.
MEDALLION HUNT
The annual Medallion Hunt begins Monday, September 14, 2026. 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. Stay tuned for more information on the hunt as it’s announced!
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.
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.
💵 This event is cashless! For quick and convenient payments, you can register your wristband prior to the event to link your debit or credit card. You can also pay with your physical debit or credit card to make a payment at the grounds. There is also an option to load your wristband with cash at the Oktoberfest Office (but please note, there will be no refunds on unused cash, so keep this in mind when you’re loading cash on your wristband!).
OKTOBERFEST WEEKEND EVENTS
65th Oktoberfest USA | Oktoberfest Grounds
Craft Beer Night | Oktoberfest Grounds
Oktoberfest at Hatchery! | Hatchery Riverside
Oktoberfest Torchlight Parade | Northside La Crosse
Torchlight After Glow Bash | Copeland Park – Loggers Field
LIVE MUSIC – Oktoberfest Blues Night: Dave Orr, Howard “Guitar” Luedtke, & Larry Nelson | Popcorn Tavern
Oktoberfest Kick-Off Party | State Room
Oktoberfest Tapping Golden Can Party | Flipside Pub & Grill & Ardie’s Restaurant
Z93 Morning Buzz Oktoberfest Breakfast | Brothers La Crosse
Oktoberfest Pre-Party with Fish | Neuie’s Vogue
65th Oktoberfest USA | Oktoberfest Grounds
Oktoberfest at Hatchery! | Hatchery Riverside
Tapping of the Golden Keg | Oktoberfest Grounds
Oktoberfest Partner Celebration | Marine Credit Union
LIVE MUSIC – Gregg Hall & The Wrecking Ball and Demitrious Rallis Band | Popcorn Tavern
Oktoberfest Maple Leaf Parade | Northside to Downtown
Oktoberfest at Hatchery! | Hatchery Riverside
65th Oktoberfest USA | Oktoberfest Grounds
Turned Leaf Family Festival | Myrick Park
Oktoberfest Post-Parade Party with Something Familiar | Hatchery Riverside
LIVE MUSIC – Oktoberfest After Party with the Brianna Rae Band | John’s Bar
LIVE MUSIC – Oktoberfest Parade Afters: Double D Duo | Popcorn Tavern
Oktoberfest Maple Leaf Post-Parade Party | La Crosse Club
LIVE MUSIC – Randy Erickson: Cheers to Oktoberfest Tour! | Adams St Pub
LIVE MUSIC – SpaceHeaters & Wurk | Popcorn Tavern
65th Oktoberfest USA | Oktoberfest Grounds
