The Official Guide to Hermann’s 2026 Oktoberfest

Immerse your senses with the sights, sounds, and aromatic smells of authentic German food, music, and activities. Hosted each weekend in October, the festival features events focused on German Heritage. Below, you’ll find the ultimate guide to getting the full experience of Oktoberfest in Hermann.

Kick Off Oktoberfest with the Tapping of the Keg

The City of Hermann, Missouri will officially launch Oktoberfest Friday, October 2 with the Tapping of the Keg by Mayor Bruce Cox.  The public is invited to this free event.

According to a long-standing tradition, the first beer barrel at the German Oktoberfest is always tapped at the Schottenhamel festival tent.  The mayor of Munich tries his hardest to insert the tap in as few blows as possible to fill up the first beer glass.  

The Tapping of the Keg will be held in the Tin Mill Brewery Bier Garten, 114 Gutenberg Street.  Tin Mill Brewery is focused on the art of authentic German Brewing.  They brew the majority of their beers according to the German Purity Law of 1516 and import their barley, hops, and copper brewing kettles from the Hallertau region of Germany.

Things to Do During Oktoberfest

The Visit Hermann website has a packed events calendar that highlights the full lineup of live music. Hosted day and night, there’s something for everyone, whether you want to follow the live music around town, or pop into a winery or restaurant. You’ll also find several brat stands, as well as local craft beer, wine, and spirits available around town to celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest. Hermann’s local Wineries, Distilleries, and Breweries will offer tastings, live music, and German good times every weekend.

It’s not a proper Oktoberfest without a polka tune by the Loehnig German Band. They’ll be entertaining guests every Saturday afternoon in October at the Historic Festhalle at the Inn at Hermannhof. The Loehnig German Band has performed since the late 1970s. They specialize in German folk music, like waltzes, polkas, schottisches, vocals, and yodeling. They also play unique selections of Slovenian and Czech music on the button-box accordion. Clap, dance, and enjoy traditional German food and beverages for the afternoon. Next, line up at 3pm for a tradition all ages can enjoy: Missouri’s Largest Duck Dance!

Show Off Your German Attire in the Dirndl & Lederhosen Contest

Each Saturday of Oktoberfest at 2pm, Willie’s Philly’s & The 413 Speakeasy will be hosting a Lederhosen und Dirndl contest, seeking to find the best outfit among those wearing traditional German Oktoberfest clothing. Hop into a dirndl or a pair of lederhosen and try your luck, because everything Hermann is more fun when you look the part!

Attend the 74th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival

The Brush and Palette Club will host the popular arts and crafts festival October 10-11, from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday and 10 am to 3pm Sunday, at Hermann Middle School. Check out more than 70 juried vendors with unique arts, crafts, and antique displays. 

Shop Local Businesses on Sundays

After a weekend of delicious food, good music, and camaraderie, bring something special home with you to commemorate your Oktoberfest experience. Local shops offer everything from food to unique gifts and collectibles, making Sunday a perfect time to stroll through town and browse for your 2026 Hermann Oktoberfest souvenir.

For more ideas of things to do, check out some of Hermann’s museums, historical places, outdoor adventures, and so much more!

Where to Find Authentic German Fare

Hermann’s deep German roots are deliciously on display with traditional German fare at many local restaurants, like these:

• Concert Hall & Barrel Tavern – Located in the oldest continually operating tavern west of the Mississippi. Proudly continuing a time-honored tradition of good food and good times. You’ll find German and American favorites on the menu. 
• Hermann Wurst Haus – Don’t miss the All You Can Eat Wurst Breakfast every Saturday and Sunday with handmade, flavored bacon and Belgian waffles. Add on a Bacon Bloody Mary. Shop the selection of over 65 varieties of award-winning Bratwurst and German Sausage as well as Grand Champion House-Smoked Bacons, Gourmet Foods, Gifts and Wurst Haus craft beers and sodas.
• Swiss Meat & Sausage Co. – Choose from Swiss Meat’s line of house-made artisanal bratwursts and sausages: popular varieties like gourmet smoked brats and beer brats, as well as unique German specialties like Bockwurst, Weisswurst, and Thuringian style brats. Swiss Meats has over 70 bratwursts and sausages to choose from!
• Tin Mill Brewery – Try some of Tin Mill Brewery’s famous Bavarian Pretzel with Beer Cheese or a Bratwurst with Sauerkraut, then wash them down with Bavarian-style beer made on location. If you’re curious, you can also take a self-guided tour of the brewery facilities to see how it’s made!
• Tin Mill Restaurant– Pork schnitzel, Bavarian soft pretzel, seafood spätzle, German Chocolate cake…. are you hungry yet? Enjoy these traditional German dishes and more at Tin Mill Restaurant. Tin Mill is located in one of Hermann’s oldest and most recognized buildings, blending history and delicious cuisine.
• Vintage Restaurant at Stone Hill Winery – Housed in a historic, transformed carriage house, Vintage Restaurant at Stone Hill Winery is known for its contemporary world cuisine, including German specialties. Oktoberfest is the time to indulge your taste buds with traditional dishes like kartoffelpuffer, a wurst sampler plate, Bavarian pretzel sticks, as well as chicken or vegetable spaetzle… or both, we don’t judge! Be sure to complement your meal with an award-winning glass of wine. You won’t regret it!

For dinner or a late-night snack, stop here:

• Sharp Corner Tavern – One of the oldest establishments in Hermann, Sharp Corner Tavern is famous for its mouthwatering burgers. They also have a full-service bar to conquer your late-night cravings.
• Downtown Deli & Custard Shoppe – Home of from-scratch sandwiches, burgers, salads, and specials. Try the the Reuben or build your own burger!
• 1837 Cellar Bar – Enjoy live music nightly, and twice on Saturdays! The 1837 Grill is open late serving pizzas, burgers, potato ribbons, and more. 
• Concert Hall & Barrel Tavern – Good food and good times continue late on Saturday nights with a DJ Upstairs at the Tavern and a special late-night menu. 
• Doxie Slush – Whether you are craving a made-from-scratch frozen cocktail or quality seafood and coastal inspired eats, Doxie Slush is sure to please.
• Bunkers & Barrels –An elevated wine and sports bar featuring big screen TVs for your favorite sports games, delicious food, alongside beer, handcrafted cocktails, and local wines.
• Willie’s Philly’s – Grab a philly, gyro, or frisco melt to tempt your tastebuds. Try a Reuben Quesadilla for a German twist.
• Bar Vin Wine & Spirits – Relax in an upscale setting with wines of the world, classic cocktails, craft beer, tapas-style small plates, and desserts.

Find Your German Favorites

Hermann has it all: Bavarian-style pretzels, German beers, oom-pah music, and more. With an impressive variety of beer, wine, and spirits, Hermann’s Oktoberfest rivals even the famous Bavarian celebration, and you don’t need a passport to join in on the fun.

Check out our companion blog on German Food & Drink in Hermann for some mouthwatering inspiration for your next Hermann meal!

When It’s Time to Rest… We’ve Got You Covered

Oktoberfest weekends are very popular and book well in advance, but tent camping in the Hermann city park campground is an excellent option to consider. There is wide availability for tents in the campground and, as an added perk, transportation services will pick you up at your tent to take you to Hermann wineries, breweries, distilleries, or a beer garden.

Parking Options

There are numerous visitor parking lots and spaces throughout Hermann:

• Commuter Parking Lot at Visitor Information Center – 301 Wharf Street
• City Gravel Parking Lot on East 5th Street (next to Zydeco Restaurant)
• City Parking Lot on 2nd Street, across from Hermann Fire House, between Schiller Street & Gutenberg Street
• Green Space along East 5th Street, south of Clara Eitmann Messmer Amphitheater, along Frene Creek
• City Parking Lot on 4th Street, between Market Street & Schiller Street, by Ainsley’s Place Restaurant
• Bus Parking Gravel Parking Lot on Gutenberg Street- between 4th Street & 5th Street
• Riverfront Park
• Gerald Engemann Park – West 1st Street at foot of Missouri River Bridge
• Street Parking as available

Please see our Printable City Map – click here!

Transportation Options Abound in Hermann

Amtrak Missouri River Runner has four daily stops in Hermann from Kansas City or St. Louis, making it easy to get to downtown Hermann to join the fun. Once you’re in Hermann, there are several ways to get around, from a shuttle, to trolley, or even cycling. Downtown Hermann is walkable as well!

• Lyft You Up Rides – Riding in comfort and style with a local is one of the best ways to experience a new destination. Debbie is known for her extensive knowledge of Hermann, fair rates, as well as prompt and friendly service.
• Hermann Crown Taxi and Van Service – Available for the public as well as guests, Hermann Crown Suites has a fleet of passenger vans ready to take you to your next fun Hermann experience. You can call ahead to schedule services or request pick up in their safe, reliable vehicles.
• Hermann Crown Suites Studebaker Limousine – Want to get around town in style? Enjoy your weekend in Hermann with a private chauffeur and up to four guests.
• Hermann Trolley – Riding the Hermann Trolley is a fun and safe way to get around town. The trolley stops at seven wineries, distilleries, and a brewery. Along the way, enjoy local tidbits on places to eat, stay, as well as things to do to make the most of your Hermann getaway. Accepts cash or Venmo.
• Labby’s Outdoor E-Bike Rentals – Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a casual cruiser, you will be able to enjoy the Katy Trail or downtown Hermann! Rentals can be made HERE!

Tips for the Road: Make Your Oktoberfest Visit One to Remember

Fall weather in Missouri can be unpredictable, so be sure to wear layers to be comfortable with the changing autumn temps. Don’t forget flat, sturdy shoes for walking throughout town or potentially uneven terrain, like hills. 

With all the handcrafted wine and German sausage, savvy Oktoberfest goers will bring a cooler to take home delicious souvenirs. 

Visitor Information Center

The Visitor Information Center at the Amtrak station has everything you need to decide what to do while you’re in town. Pick up maps, the Oktoberfest schedule of events, and restaurant menus in one convenient location. 

Visitors can also find restrooms, lockers, catch a trolley, taxi, or other ride to travel from the Amtrak station to your next stop for fun.

Don’t forget to tag @VisitHermann and #HermannOktoberfest on Facebook and Instagram to show off your Oktoberfest fun. Reach out to our team of local experts for more information on planning your Oktoberfest trip: 573-789-0771 or TourismServices@VisitHermann.com.