Oktoberfest Festivals in Wisconsin
German Party in Milwaukee, LaCrosse and Chippewa Falls, WI 2008
Aug 18, 2007
Autumn in Wisconsin is a time of cooling temperatures and the changing colors of the leaves. The natural beauty of the countryside makes Wisconsin a popular destination for fall color drives. In keeping with the autumn weather, is the fall Oktoberfest, patterned on the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Oktoberfest celebrations in Wisconsin are held in Milwaukee, Chippewa Falls, La Crosse and Plymouth.
Oktoberfest is so much more that a beer party. Oktoberfest has origins in Old World Germany. the original Oktoberfest was a wedding celebration for Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, in 1810. The celebration was to thank the Lord for blessings and the crops of the past year and to share in the joy of the royal family. The festival was so successful that it became an annual event. In the early years of Oktoberfest there was a horse race and agricultural show.
Oktoberfest is a celebration of German heritage, culture and of the contribution of German immigrants to America. Many immigrants from Germany settled in Wisconsin. There are authentic Oktoberfest festivals in Wisconsin with old world gemuchlichtkeit.
Following are the Oktoberfest festivals in Wisconsin:
Milwaukee Oktoberfest at Heidelberg Park in Glendale. September 5-7, 11-14, 19-21, 2008
Oktoberfest is celebrated on the north shore of Milwaukee for the three weekends following Labor Day. Old Heidelberg Park's Bavarian Fest Garten is an Alpine pavilion that seats up to 2,000 people. continuous entertainment by German brass bands and German dancers. enjoy eating the variety of German foods, sausage, sparnferkel, bratwurst, rollbraten, and sweet strudel and home made cakes. Tickets: Friday and Saturday $5 each, Sunday $4. Advance Tickets $4. Senior Citizens free admission on Sundays.
Chippewa Falls, WI. September 19-21, 2008
Weekend festival is a German style celebration featuring the harvest, market and entertainment. The official kick-off of Oktoberfest will take place at Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company. Oktoberfest is opened with the Golden Keg Procession. The golden Keg is carried from Leinenkugel's Brewery, uphill by horse and beer wagon to the grounds of the Oktoberfest festival. The ceremonial keg tapping takes place at three biergartens. Leinenkugel's beer will be for sale at the popular festival. wine lovers will enjoy the wines sold by Autumn Harvest Winery. Three stages will feature a variety of entertainment with non stop music for the entire weekend.
LaCrosse, WI. September 26- October 4, 2008
48th annual Oktoberfest in LaCrosse is a 9 day festival held in Riverside Park. LaCrosse claims to be one of the few authentic Old World folk festivals held annually in the United States. Local industries and civil groups volunteer to make the event successful. Oktoberfest USA is a happy celebration with parades, pageantry, royalty, brews, bratwurst and lively entertainment. LaCrosse Oktoberfest opens with a parade on the first Friday at 10:15 am. The nine day festival features the sounds of jovial music from singers and bands. There will be a number of different bands and entertainers. Of course, there will be lots of different types of beer to enhance to the fun of this popular festival.
Plymouth, WI September 19-20, 2008
The Plymouth Arts Center presents the 5th annual Plymouth Oktoberfest, Friday and Saturday. Enjoy authentic German food, arts and crafts and more. Admission free. Oktoberfest Garten is behind the Plymouth Center on the Eagles club grounds.
The destinations is this article are within driving distance from the Chicago, Illinois and Minneapolis, MN area. There are hotels the the areas of the festivals for a great weekend getaway vacation.
For Oktoberfest history and fun facts, read German Oktoberfest More Than a Beer Festival .
Information subject to change.
Oktoberfest Festivals in Wisconsin 2009
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