Save This For Later
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Milwaukee is famous for its lively Oktoberfest celebrations, and you don’t have to leave the kids at home to enjoy them. All across the city and surrounding communities, families can take part in fall festivals filled with German food, live music, dancing, and kid-friendly activities.
If you’re planning out your autumn calendar, these Oktoberfest events are a fun way to experience Wisconsin traditions together.
For even more seasonal fun, check out our interactiv Fall Fun Map for the Milwaukee Area with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and local favorites! And since apple picking is just the beginning of fall fun in Wisconsin, don’t miss our complete Milwaukee Fall Family Fun Guide for hayrides, festivals, and more family adventures.
Here are the top family-friendly Oktoberfest events in Milwaukee for 2025:
Bavarian Bierhaus Oktoberfest
Bavarian Bierhaus | September 5 – October 5, 2025
Held at the historic Heidelberg Park in Glendale, this celebration has been a local tradition for over 60 years. The Bavarian Bierhaus offers authentic German food like schnitzel and Bavarian pretzels, along with live music and a midway for kids.
Oktoberfest runs on weekends from September 5 to October 5, 2025. Admission is $5 on Fridays, $10 on Saturdays, and free on Sundays, with gates opening at 4 p.m. on Fridays and 11 a.m. on weekends.
School Sisters of St. Francis Oktoberfest
St. Joseph Center | September 13, 2025
This unique event on September 13, 2025 features a commemorative glass stein celebrating the sisters’ 150th anniversary. Families can enjoy craft beers from Lakefront Brewery and root beer for kids, as well as games like giant Jenga and cornhole. The festivities run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the St. Joseph Center in Milwaukee.
Waukesha Oktoberfest
Frame Park | Friday, Sept. 19, 5–10 p.m. & Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
Frame Park transforms into a riverside festival for Waukesha Oktoberfest, filled with Bavarian music, authentic food, and plenty of beer under the big tent along the Fox River. Families can enjoy the festive atmosphere with live German-style bands and hearty food vendors.
Guests are invited to join in old-world contests like stein-holding (Masskrugstemmen), nail-driving (Hammerschlagen), and cornhole tournaments. There’s even a Best Dressed competition for those ready to show off lederhosen or dirndls. Admission is free, though a $2 wristband is required to purchase beer.
👉 Looking for more seasonal celebrations? Don’t miss our complete roundup of fall festivals around Milwaukee.
Greendale Lions’ Family Oktoberfest
Gazebo Park | Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 (time TBD)
Greendale’s Gazebo Park will be buzzing with Bavarian cheer at the Greendale Lions’ Family Oktoberfest. Broad Street turns into a festive hub with a lively beer tent, local brews, brats hot off the grill, giant pretzels, and other German-inspired favorites. Admission is free.
Elm Grove Oktoberfest
Elm Grove Village Park | Friday, Sept. 19, 5–10 p.m. & Saturday, Sept. 20, 4–10 p.m.
Elm Grove Oktoberfest brings two days of Bavarian-inspired fun to Village Park. Guests can enjoy a lively beer and wine tent with both German and local brews, plenty of food trucks serving bratwursts, pretzels, and other festival favorites, plus live music to keep the atmosphere festive.
Admission is free. On Saturday, the lighthearted 0.5K Fun Run ($40 entry) adds to the fun with beer stations along the way, medals for participants, and a celebratory finish right in the beer tent.
Estabrook Beer Garden Oktoberfest Weekend
Estabrook Park | Date TBD
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Estabrook Beer Garden, the first public beer garden in the U.S. since Prohibition.
This family-friendly event features live music, a brat-eating relay, and a traditional “Masskrugstemmen” stein-holding contest. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Estabrook Park along the Milwaukee River, the event offers plenty of fun for kids too, with trails, playgrounds, and open spaces to explore.
Enjoy German beers from Munich’s Hofbräuhaus, local craft brews, and classic beer garden fare. The event is free to enter and open to everyone.
👉 For more outdoor fun, check out our complete guide to the best beer gardens in Milwaukee for families.
Greendale Oktoberfest
Downtown Greendale | September 19, 2025
On September 19, 2025, downtown Greendale will transform into a bustling Oktoberfest celebration with activities for all ages. From an expanded Makers Market to kids’ activities like bounce houses and face painting, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy live music, food, and traditional German contests like stein holding and pretzel eating at this free event.
Germantown Hunsrucker Oktoberfest
Dheinsville Historic Park | September 27-28, 2025
Taking place on September 27 and 28, 2025 at Dheinsville Historic Park, this annual festival features free admission, German food, music, and dancing.
With games and activities for kids and plenty of family-friendly entertainment, it’s a great way to experience the spirit of Oktoberfest.
Milwaukee Oktoberfest
Henry Maier Festival Park | October 3–5, 2025
Celebrate Bavarian tradition on the lakefront at the 15th annual Milwaukee Oktoberfest, hosted by Kegel’s Inn with Swarmm Events and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. The festival takes over Henry Maier Festival Park with authentic food, lively entertainment, and plenty of beer.
Under the big tents – including the Aurora Pavilion and Hofbräu Beer Garden Commons – guests can enjoy imported German brews like Hofbräu, Hacker-Pschorr, and Paulaner, alongside German-style offerings from local breweries. Kegel’s Inn serves up hearty German fare, while stages feature live music, cultural performances, and spirited contests. Tickets are $6 in advance (through Oct. 1) or $12 at the gate.
Cedarburg Oktoberfest
Downtown Cedarburg | October 4-5, 2025
Head to downtown Cedarburg on October 4-5, 2025 for polka dancing, live music, and authentic German fare.
The festival includes a lively tented dance floor, a biergarten, and a variety of food options like wiener schnitzel and bratwurst. There are also contests and a shopping marketplace to explore, making it a fun destination for families.
Our Lady of Lourdes Oktoberfest
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church | October 10–12, 2025
The Our Lady of Lourdes Oktoberfest offers three days of festive fun on the church grounds, blending tradition, family activities, and community spirit.
The weekend begins Friday with a classic fish fry, polka music and dancing, a campfire with s’mores, and hands-on art activities. Saturday adds an artisan fair, children’s art tables, and a spirited Polka Mass at 4 p.m., followed by live music from the Squeezettes. On Sunday, the celebration continues with more music, raffles, cake walks, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Admission and parking are free.
More Family Fall Fun Near Milwaukee
If your crew loves Oktoberfest, you’ll want to plan even more autumn adventures:
- Pick your own apples at the area’s top apple orchards near Milwaukee.
- Find the perfect pumpkin at our favorite pumpkin patches around Milwaukee.
- Get lost in the best corn mazes near Milwaukee.
- Enjoy a crisp day on one of these classic hayrides in the Milwaukee area.
- Meet friendly farm animals at local petting zoos near Milwaukee.
- Make spooky memories with our guide to Milwaukee Halloween guide for families.
- Wander through stunning sunflower mazes near Milwaukee.
- Soak in the colors on scenic fall hikes in Southeastern Wisconsin.
- Don’t miss our roundup of the best places for fall views around Milwaukee.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
