The Ultimate Guide to Hermann’s 2022 Oktoberfest
The leaves are beginning their annual turn from green to vibrant red, orange, and yellow. Halloween decorations are making their appearance on shelves, and pumpkin spice lattes are now the punchline of everyone’s jokes. Fall is just around the corner, and with it comes Hermann’s annual 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.
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.
It’s not a proper Oktoberfest without a polka tune by the Loehnig German Band. They’ll be entertaining guests the first four Saturday afternoons 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.
Show Off Your Strength in the Annual Stein Hoisting Contest
Each year, beer aficionados gather to see who can hold a stein full of brew the longest. It sounds easier than it is! This friendly competition takes place every Saturday night at 8pm in the Jaycees Biergarten at Sesquicentennial Park. Do you have what it takes?
Attend the 70th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival
The Brush and Palette Club will host the popular arts and crafts festival October 8-9, from 10 am to 5 pm at Hermann Middle School. Check out more than 70 juried vendors with unique arts, crafts, and antique displays.
Test Your Culinary Skills in the Pie Bake-Off
Bakers of all ages can participate in the annual pie bake off contest hosted at Stone Hill Winery Saturday, October 15. Once the winners are announced, slices will be sold with proceeds to benefit the Gasconade County Archives and Records Center Expansion.
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 2022 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:
- Hermann Wurst Haus– Nothing beats a juicy, handmade bratwurst for lunch or dinner. We wouldn’t even tell if you enjoyed one at breakfast (see below). After all, sausage is a breakfast food. All sausage and brats at Hermann Wurst Haus are made in-house by their hall of fame Wurstmeister, Mike. Wurstmeister Mike recommends pairing it with the German Potato Salad loaded with house-made bacon and red cabbage.
- Swiss Meat & Sausage Co. – Just like grandpa used to make, browse the traditional selection of old-world German specialty meat. From liverwurst, blood sausage, and head cheese to a whole roasted turkey, bringing home a bite of Germany is easy.
- 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!
- 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.
Eat Like the Locals
Start your day with a delicious, stick-to-your-ribs breakfast. Local favorites include:
- Hermann Wurst Haus– Don’t miss the All You Can Eat Wurst Breakfast every Saturday and Sunday with handmade, flavored bacon and Belgium waffles. Add on a bacon bloody Mary or cinnamon roll. Made to order breakfasts are available Monday through Friday.
- Sugar & Spice Laura’s Delights – Early risers will appreciate breakfast starting at 5:30 am at Sugar & Spice Laura’s Delights. Choose from classic favorites like pancakes, french toast, omelets, and more.
- Stomp’N Grounds Espresso Bar – You can taste the fresh ingredients in each breakfast item at Stomp’N Grounds. Fan favorites are the egg bakes, breakfast burritos, and egg sandwiches made with fresh-baked bread. A cup of carefully crafted, locally sourced coffee is a must!
- Espresso Laine– Find out why Espresso Laine is a local favorite. There’s something for everyone here with a wide variety of coffee specialties, smoothies, non-coffee drinks, and assorted sweet bakery items.
- The Piano Bar – You may know it for the nightlife, but the Piano Bar also offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays with a limited menu and bottomless Mimosas or Bloody Marys.
For a late-night snack, stop here:
- Loose Caboose Saloon– Known for their games like cornhole, giant Jenga, foosball, air hockey, darts, pool, and video games, Loose Caboose Saloon is always a fun time. Late-night favorites include a sheet pan of savory, cheesy nachos, a salty super pretzel with dip, and the create-your-own pizza.
- Sharp Corner Tavern– One of the oldest establishments in Hermann, Sharp Corner Tavern is famous for its mouthwatering burgers. With a full-service bar and extensive list of side items, like onion chips, you’ll find just the right thing for a late-night snack.
- The Piano Bar – Hermann’s first and only piano bar is a lively and fun place to spend your evening. Sing along to dueling pianos, signature cocktails, and select late night bites.
- 1837 Cellar Bar – Enjoy live music nightly, and twice on Saturdays! The 1837 Grill is open late serving pizzas, burgers, fresh-made chips, and more.
- Concert Hall & Barrel Tavern – Good food and good times continue late on Friday and Saturday nights with music in 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.
When It’s Time to Rest . . . We’ve Got You Covered
Oktoberfest weekends are very popular and book well in advance, but tent camping at Hermann’s campground is an excellent option to also 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.
Transportation Options Abound in Hermann
Amtrak 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 – Being chauffeured in comfort and style by 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 immediately in their safe, reliable vehicles.
- 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.
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.
And with all the handcrafted wine and German sausage, savvy Oktoberfest goers 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 #HermannOktoberfest2022 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.
