Top Oktoberfest Activities and Events – October 6-17
Hermann’s deep German heritage shines brighter every October in celebration of Oktoberfest. With live music and food around nearly every corner, there’s plenty to do, see, and eat. Here are some highlights for the next two Oktoberfest weeks, October 6-10 and 13-17.
Find the full list of activities and events for October 6-10 here and October 13-17.
Live Music
Hermann 1837 Cellar Bar
Known for live music, including weekdays, Hermann 1837 Cellar Bar is an incredible spot for sipping exceptional drinks and singing or dancing with the band. The cellar space feels personal and sophisticated with vintage stone walls and Victorian Era architecture. Live music Wednesday through Sunday.
Jaycee Bier Garten at Sesquicentennial Park
This pop up venue comes around just once a year for Oktoberfest. Grab a bite to eat, stein of beer (for those over 21), and enjoy live music all weekend long. Don’t miss the Stein Hoisting competition where participants see who can hold a full stein of beer the longest. Sound easy? Be sure to join in!
Live Music at Hermann Wineries & Distilleries
All weekend you can find live music at Hermann’s wineries and distilleries including Adam Puchta Winery, Copper Mule Distillery, Hermannhof Winery, Lost Creek Vineyard, Stone Hill Winery, The Loft at Fernwah Distillery, and Tin Mill Brewery. With a variety of music genres and times, it’s easy to hop from one venue to another to enjoy tunes and drinks all weekend. Be sure to take advantage of Hermann’s taxi services in the weekend highlight for safe transportation around town.
Dueling Piano Bar
New to Hermann this fall, The Piano Bar offers food, drink, and fun with two dueling pianos inside. Sing along with friends or take your drinks outside to the patio and enjoy people watching along Market Street.
Delicious Food
German Fare
Grab a bite at Concert Hall and Barrel Tavern, the oldest continually operating tavern west of the Mississippi. With German specialties like schwein schnitzel and several types of bratwurst including original, Hermann Wurst Haus apple-maple, caramelized pear and gorgonzola, beer and cheddar, or bloody Mary. There’s a late night menu for the night owls, too!
First Street Food Trucks & Stands
Grab a bite to eat on the go and support local organizations and businesses hosting food trucks or stands along First Street. Enjoy food from a brat stand, kettle corn, bier garten, lemonade, BBQ, and more.
Build Your Own Picnic
Not sure where you’ll be or want to grab your bottles and head back to the room to avoid a crowd? Stop by The Fancy Pheasant on Schiller Street to build your own picnic. This general store has a mix of items you may want to enjoy right away as well as gifts and souvenirs to take home.
Extra (Fun) Activities
Quilts and Crafts
You don’t need to be “crafty” to enjoy the art and love that goes into quilting. Don’t miss
The Fine Art of Quilting at The Blank Canvas Gallery & Studio featuring incredible handmade quilts. For more arts and crafts, head to the 69th Hermann Arts and Crafts Festival featuring a wide variety of original art and handmade crafts.
Deutschheim State Historic Site
After enjoying German music and food, be sure to learn a little about Hermann’s rich German heritage at Deutschheim State Historic Site. Tours are available three times a day, at 10:00am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm. The Visitor Center and gardens are open daily. Reservations are suggested for tours (max 6 people) by calling 573-486- 2200.
Caboose Museum
Small but mighty, the Caboose Museum is perfect for train as well as history buffs. Located in a real caboose, the museum was recently renovated and features authentic and interactive displays and exhibits that share a slice of local history.
