Epic parades, authentic German beer, a variety of food and other wonderful events, those are what you can find at the Oktoberfest USA. So, raise a stein and prost to beautiful La Crosse and cheer!
Oktoberfest in La Crosse is an annual event that welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Some come for the Biergarten, some come for interesting events. But what makes the fest irresistible is the centuries-old Oktoberfest tradition which comes along with German culture.
1. Some Interesting Things About The Oktoberfest USA
Beginning in 1961, Oktoberfest in La Crosse is the longest-running community celebration in the Midwest. The fest offers numerous activities influenced or inspired by German culture and serves traditional German beverages and cuisine along with encouraging traditional German attire.
The Oktoberfest USA usually runs for four days on the weekend in Downtown La Crosse, WI. This year, the fest will begin on September 30 to October 3 with plenty of family-friendly activities like two renowned parades, diverse musical performances, a community-nominated royal family, Tapping of the Golden Keg, carnival rides, wiener dog races, and many additional events. So take the chance to enjoy the best weather in Wisconsin and create new memories with your loved ones.
2. Some highlights of the Oktoberfest USA in La Crosse
Authentic German Beer
When it comes to Oktoberfests, the most significant thing that we can not miss out on is trying tasty beers. At Oktoberfest La Crosse, you can find various types of local beverages as well as German exported ones.
While you’re indulging in the celebration, don’t forget to try some of the most famous beverages like Samuel Adams Octoberfest beer, Surly Brewing Company Fest, Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest, New Belgium Brewery Pumpkick, Pearl Street Brewery Lederhosen Lager Fest Bier.
The Wiener Dog Races
The wiener dog races are calling for all dog lovers this year. After a canceled year due to the pandemic, the races will come back and meet up with our fur friends. Fest-goers will have an opportunity to take part in some dog-friendly feasting at the “Barks & Brews” held on Sunday.
The Maple Leaf Parade
The Oktoberfest USA will bring back the Royal Family Torchlight & Maple Leaf Parade Marshals to this year’s celebration. The parade is one of the most outstanding events, where you can line the streets with thousands of other Fest-goers and experience the cheerful atmosphere.
Besides, there are also a ton of other fun activities that could keep you busy all day like the Oktoberfest Photography Contest, Oktoberfest USA Medallion Hunt, Motorrad Tour, and so much more.
3. The Updated Schedule Of The Oktoberfest Usa In La Crosse 2021
Day 1 – Thursday, September 30
- 11 am – 2 pm: Lederhosen Lunch in Downtown Grounds
Enjoy Downtown Oktoberfest Grounds and sample the many varieties of tasty cuisine available from all vendors.
- 11 am – 2.30 pm: Special Fester Carnival at Northside Family Festgrounds
- 4 pm –11 pm: Downtown Festgrounds
- 4 pm –9 pm: Northside Family Festgrounds
Fest Fun with food vendors and carnival rides
- 4 pm – 8 pm: Craft Beer Night in Downtown Grounds
Sample from more than 40 craft breweries
- 6 pm: Cornhole Tournament in Downtown Grounds
- 7 pm: Torchlight Parade in Northside La Crosse
- 7 pm -11 pm: Torchlight After Glow Party at Copeland Park – Loggers Field
- 9 pm: 60th Oktoberfest Fireworks Celebration in Downtown Grounds
Day 2 – Friday, October 1
- 8 am – midnight: Downtown Fest Grounds
- 10 am: Stein Holding Finals at Garden Stage
- 11 am: Opening Ceremony at Garden Stage
The much-anticipated tapping of the Sam Adams Golden Keg
- 2 pm – 4 pm: Lederhosen Games in Downtown Grounds
Stein races, stein holdings, barrel roll, grain toss, schokolade essen, scavenger hunt
- 4 pm – 9 pm: Northside Family Festgrounds
Fest fun with carnival rides and food vendors
Day 3 – Saturday, October 2
- 7.30 am: Ymca Maple Leaf Walk Run at Riverside Park
Pre-registration required. Half marathon, 5-mile run, 5k walk, and Kid’s Maple Mile
- 10 am: Maple Leaf Parade in Northside to Downtown
- 11 am – midnight: Downtown Fest Grounds
- 11 am – 9 pm: Northside Family Fest Grounds
- 2 pm – 4 pm: Lederhosen Games at Garden Stage Area
- 9 pm: 60th Oktoberfest Fireworks Celebration in Downtown Grounds
Day 4 – Sunday, October 3
- 7.30 am – 11 am: Parade Marshal Pancake Breakfast at Terry J. Erickson Boy’s & Girl’s Club of La Crosse
- 10 am: Ecumenical Service at North Presbyterian Church
- 11 am – 4 pm: Northside Family Fest Grounds
- 11 am: Brats For Seniors
Delivery of Fest brats and Gemütlichkeit to residents in the City of La Crosse housing facilities
- 12 pm – 5 pm: 60TH OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION
4. What To Wear At The Oktoberfest In La Crosse
Wandering around the Oktoberfest USA or any other Oktoberfests, you’ll see almost every attendee dressed in traditional Bavarian outfits: Dirndl and Lederhosen. So dressing in those clothing will help you blend in better and make the entire fest experience a lot more interesting.
Dirndl is a white blouse covered with a tight-fitting dress with an apron tied around it. Today, modern dirndl dresses still maintain the traditional root of them while being fashionable and comfortable. Those Bavarian dirndls now have elaborate designs, custom embellishments, tons of flair and endless color options.
Classic Dirndl blouses normally cover shoulders and have various shapes and cuts depending on how much skin you want to show. The playful options range from diamond, heart, oval shapes to even full coverage.
The last piece of a dirndl, the apron, is important considering its features as a work outfit. Although aprons for dirndl dresses at Oktoberfest are little more than an accessory, it still plays an important role in completing the whole outfit. Depending on the style, you’ll have many choices when it comes to texture, like satin or cotton.
Here are all the things you may want to know about Oktoberfest USA. We really hope that you’ll have the best experience in the city of La Crosse.
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