The Ultimate Guide to Hermann’s 2023 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 71st Annual Arts & Crafts Festival

The Brush and Palette Club will host the popular arts and crafts festival October 14-15, from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday and 10 am to 4pm 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 2023 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. 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.
• 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, home-made doughnuts, 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. 
• Ainsley’s Place – If you love French Toast, indulge your sweet tooth with their weekly featured French Toast flavor. Enjoy your breakfast in their quaint outdoor space or dine inside.
• Zydeco – For a great kickstart to your Sunday, check out the breakfast at Zydeco, Hermann’s Cajun & Creole restaurant. Make sure to check out the beautiful outdoor patio.

For a late-night snack, stop here:

• Loose Caboose Saloon – Known for good bar food and create-your-own-pizzas. Also has karaoke Fridays, dancing, and late-night bites. Watch the game on the big screen TVs, or get your game on with bags/cornhole and ring game.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.

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.

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 – 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 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.
• One Chauffeur – Want to get around town in style? Book a limo for up to 10 people for a special Oktoberfest experience.
• Pedego Electric Bikes – Zoom around town on an e-bike! These bikes can even climb the hills of Hermann! Reservations recommended.

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, limo or other ride to travel from the Amtrak station to your next stop for fun.

Don’t forget to tag @VisitHermann and #HermannOktoberfest2023 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.