Fall Fun Alert! Midwest’s Longest-Running Oktoberfest Happens an Hour From Rochester

The season to raise a stein and find your lederhosen has arrived!  Southeast Minnesota has a huge list of amazing Oktoberfest events happening, but the longest-running Oktoberfest in the Midwest is about an hour from Rochester.  If you love a good party, below are the details you'll need to know.

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Huge List of Oktoberfest Events Happening in Southeast Minnesota in 2025

It wasn't until I moved to Minnesota that I first heard of Oktoberfest.  And last year, I finally had a chance to attend the longest-running Oktoberfest in the Midwest...and it is one of the biggest parties and parades I've ever seen!

Locally, if you want to celebrate at an Oktoberfest, there are a ton of events happening in Southeast Minnesota, including:

• Rochester Breweries Announce Oktoberfest Celebrations
• Brand New Oktoberfest in Rochester on Saturday, September 27th
• Oktoberfest Event hosted by the Kasson Chamber of Commerce on September 27th
• Oktoberfest for Suicide Prevention at Haley Comfort Systems on Saturday, October 4th

If you are ok with hopping in a car and driving for about 60 minutes, there is one more event you should add to your Oktoberfest bucket list.

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Don't Miss the Longest-Running Oktoberfest in the Midwest is in La Crosse, Wisconsin

Way before I was born, in 1961, an event started in La Crosse, Wisconsin, that soon became an annual tradition that about 150,000 people attend.  Oktoberfest in La Crosse has become a staple event that you do not want to miss this year.  Enjoy a beer, stay for the music, and be part of the crowd that cheers on one of the biggest parades I've seen.

Here's what you need to know about Oktoberfest in La Crosse, Wisconsin:

WHEN: September 25th - September 28th, 2025

WHERE: La Crosse, Wisconsin

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

• Thursday, September 25th
  • 7:00 am until 9:00 am - Senior Breakfast
  • 11:00 am until 2:00 pm - Special Fester Carnival - Fest fun with carnival rides and food vendors at Copeland Park
  • 4:00 pm until 12:00 am - Fest grounds Open at 1 Oktoberfest Strasse
  • 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm - Carnival at Copeland Park
  • 4:00 pm until 12:00 am - College Student Night at Fest Grounds
  • 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm - Craft Beer Night (sample from more than 20 craft breweries) - Fest Grounds
  • 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Lederhosen Games - Garden Stage Area at Fest Grounds
  • 7:00 pm - Torchlight Parade - Northside La Crosse
  • 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm - Torchlight After Glow Bash - Copeland Park - Loggers Field

• Friday, September 26th, 2025
  • 9:00 am until Midnight - Fest Grounds Open - 1 Oktoberfest Strasse
  • 10:00 am - Stein Hoisting Finals - Fest Grounds
  • 11:00 am - Tapping of the Golden Keg - Opening Ceremony - The Remainders Garden Stage
  • 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Lederhosen Games - Garden Stage Area
  • 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Carnival - Copeland Park, Northside La Crosse

• Saturday, September 27th, 2025
  • 7:00 am - YMCA Maple Leaf Walk Run - Riverside Park
  • 10:00 am - Maple Leaf Parade - Northside to Downtown
  • 11:00 am - Midnight - Fst Grounds Open - 1 Oktoberfst Strasse
  • 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Carnival - Copeland Park in Northside La Crosse
  • 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Lederhosen Games - Garden Stage Area
  • 9:00 pm - 64th Oktoberfest Fireworks Celebration - Fest Grounds

• Sunday, September 28th, 2025
  • 7:30 am until 11:00 am - Pancake Breakfast - Terry Erickson Boys & Girls Club of La Crosse
  • 9:45 am - Ecumenical Service - Holy Trinity Parish
  • 11:00 am - 6:00 pm - Fest Grounds Open - Free Admission! - 1 Oktoberfest Strasse
  • 11:00 am - Brats for Seniors
  • 11:30 am - 4:30 pm - Face Painting - Fest Grounds
  • 12:00 pm - 2025 Parade Award Ceremony - News 8 Now Heritage Hofbrau Haus

LEARN MORE: Need more info?  Check the Oktoberfest website for additional details, schedule of the live bands, and updates.