Experience Oktoberfest in Minneapolis

We're rapidly approaching one of the most unique times of the year here in Minnesota: Oktoberfest. Thousands of people from across the Midwest flock to the Twin Cities (as well as nearby New Ulm) to experience an entertaining, quasi-authentic Oktoberfest celebration where you can sip on some of the tastiest festbiers in the world. The perfect place to start and finish each day is inside one of MINNēSTAY's luxury estates or city lofts, all of which are within minutes of the most popular Oktoberfest in Minneapolis at Gasthof zur Gemütlichkeit. So, throw on your best Oktoberfest outfit, grab your largest stein, and brace yourself for the sudsiest celebration of the year!

There are dozens of classic Minnesota fall festivals and authentic Oktoberfest celebrations located throughout the region, which can be mildly dizzying for out-of-towners who are searching for the best event. So, we decided to pull together every worthwhile Oktoberfest in Minneapolis (as well as a short list of nearby staples). Most celebrations take place at breweries and bars, so you better arrive thirsty.

On the surface, bumping elbows with patrons wearing ill-fitting lederhosen and a variety of unnecessary hats (including fake chickens and wizard caps) isn't overly enticing for some travelers. But Gasthof zur Gemütlichkeit—which loosely translates to "guesthouse for comfort"—puts on a kitschy, inviting, and undeniably fun Oktoberfest four weekends a year in Northeast Minneapolis. Their annual event is hands-down the best Oktoberfest in Minneapolis thanks to the $6 pours, boisterous polka music, bizarre wiesn koks, and often hilarious after-dark people watching. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own steins (or mugs) of any size—seriously, you can enjoy a 1/2-liter pour of the best Oktoberfest beer in the world for just six bucks. Gasthof typically features ales from Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, and a crowd-pleasing cider from Blackthorn. We're partial to Paulaner's "Oktoberfest Weisn."

The most underrated Oktoberfest in Minneapolis can be found only 1.5 miles from Gasthof: Bauhaus Brew Labs' Schwandtoberfest. This $10, one-day festival will, of course, feature a healthy dose of Bauhaus' seasonal Bavarian-style märzen as well as food trucks (including plenty of bratwurst options), commemorative steins, and live music from rising local artists. Yes, live polka music will be ringing through this warehouse district, but you don't want to miss spooky synth sensations Graveyard Club and supergroup Viva Knievel. Schwandtoberfest is more of a hipster's fall festival, but there's no denying the allure of the musical lineup, colorful venue, and tasty brews.

Utepils Brewing is still pretty mum about what type of festivities we can expect at this year's Oktoberfest, but this event is basically an excuse to visit this beautiful brewery. They happen to brew the best Czech pilsner and German kölsch in Minnesota. Last year's festival featured a mass vow renewal ceremony, a traditional tapping of their German festbier, live music, food trucks, and prizes for the best Oktoberfest costumes. Their recently-renovated patio, which rests behind the 18,000-square-foot brewery, sits along the edge of quiet Bassett Creek near beautiful Theodore Wirth Regional Park.

We've pieced together five more nearby Oktoberfests to ensure that you get your fill of festbier, bratwurst, and lederhosen. After visiting the best Oktoberfest in Minneapolis, feel free to branch out to a nearby festival in St. Paul, New Ulm, Delano, or even Shakopee at the annual Minnesota Renaissance Festival.

After you've had your fill of German ales and polka music, go "leaf-peeping," seek out a neighborhood food truck, and take a day-trip to St. Cloud. MINNēSTAY's Lake Minnetonka house rentals and North Loop lofts are within minutes of the area's top attractions, including the Mall of America, Target Field, Valleyfair, and Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. To learn more about a potential visit to the Twin Cities (or perhaps a staycation), please give us a call today at 612-216-5511.