It's not too early to start adding Oktoberfest events to your 2026 calendar! The dates are set for some of Iowa's annual Oktoberfest celebrations, and we've got the info for you on 13 of them.

*Article will be updated as more 2026 information is announced*

2026 Oktoberfest Celebrations in Iowa

There are several cities in Iowa that are preparing to host Oktoberfest celebrations this fall! Check out some of the big ones coming up in 2026:

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

GALLERY INFORMATION

Adventureland Oktoberfest

Adventureland, Altoona
Saturday, September 19th
21+ event
Featuring live entertainment on multiple stages, games, contests, rides, food, beer, and more
2026 schedule & admission prices TBA (Platinum, Gold, and Silver Passholders get in free)

Amana Colonies Oktoberfest

Amana Colonies
October 1st through 4th
Featuring German food, beer, live music, competitions, games, a parade, and more
2026 schedule & admission prices TBA

Des Moines Biergarten Oktoberfest

Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park
September 18th through 20th
All ages welcome
Featuring face painting, balloon art, yard games, food vendors, beer, live entertainment, and more
2026 schedule TBA

Des Moines Oktoberfest

The District at Prairie Trail, Ankeny
Dates/Times
- Friday, September 25th from 3 p.m. to midnight
- Saturday, September 26th from 12 p.m. to midnight
Featuring live entertainment, a Porsche giveaway, competitions, food, beer, and "Rocktoberfest"
Tickets go on sale soon and are $20 per day for ages 21+ ($5 for ages 13 to 20) - bring back your commemorative pint glass on Saturday for a free drink ticket

Dubuque Oktoberfest

Back Waters Stage at Q Casino, Dubuque
Saturday, September 19th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All ages welcome
Featuring live entertainment, a ceremonial keg march, polka dancing, a wiener dog parade/races, food, beer, and a stein-holding contest - see the full schedule HERE
Admission is free, but donations to Camp Albrecht Acres are accepted at entry

Guttenberg GermanFest

S River Park Dr, Guttenberg
September 25th & 26th
Featuring a craft & vendor market, live music, German food, games, contests, kids' activities, a beer tent, and more
2026 schedule TBA

Iowa Oktoberfest

Anton’s German Bier Garden, Waterloo
September 25th & 26th
Featuring yard games, live entertainment, beer, food, contests, a dog parade, and a market sale
Admission is free
2026 schedule TBA

Marion Oktoberfest

7th Ave, Marion
Saturday, September 19th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (11 a.m. entry for VIP)
Ages 21+
Featuring a free commemorative tasting glass, beer sampling, live music, games, and more
General admission is $40 and VIP tickets are $60 - Tickets go on sale July 31st HERE

Northside Oktoberfest

Northside Marketplace, Iowa City
Saturday, September 26th
BrewFest
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Ages 21+
- "Each ticket includes a specialty Bier Glass imported from Germany, unlimited beer samples, and access to live entertainment, contests, beer games, and plenty of German-inspired eats."
- Tickets are $60 - purchase them HERE
Bier Hall (General Admission)
- Time TBA
- "For just $5, purchase a commemorative Oktoberfest mug at check-in and enjoy beer and wine in the streets. Pair your drinks with neighborhood food vendors, test your skills in the beer games, and soak in the lively atmosphere with music, contests, and entertainment throughout the day."
SodaFest
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- "A festival for the kids! Hosted by the Iowa Children’s Museum, SodaFest lets kids sample unlimited sodas for just $5. A family-friendly way to join in the spirit of the celebration. All activities (other than soda sampling) are completely free."

Ottumwa Oktoberfest

Jimmy Jones Shelter at Greater Ottumwa Park, Ottumwa
September 30th through October 3rd
Featuring BINGO, live music, parades, drumlines, competitions, beer, German food, and more
2026 schedule TBA

Remsen Oktoberfest

Remsen, Iowa
Saturday, October 31st
Featuring a beer garden, a vendor market, live entertainment, German food, contests, and more
2026 schedule TBA

University of Okoboji Oktoberfest

Arnolds Park Preservation Plaza, Arnolds Park
Saturday, September 26th
Featuring a bike ride, competitions, games, a vendor show, live entertainment, inflatables, and a Duck Derby
Bike ride registration starts at $30 - register online HERE

Waverly Oktoberfest

Kohlmann Park, Waverly
Dates/Times
- Friday, October 2nd from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Saturday, October 3rd from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
All ages welcome
Featuring live music, a food & beverage garden, food, fireworks, games, and more
2026 schedule TBA
Tickets are available at the gate - weekend passes are $15 for ages 18+ and $5 for ages 13 to 17

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Source: Oktoberfest Celebrations Happening Across Iowa in 2026 [LIST]