Oktoberfest in Michigan: MiBrew Trail’s Guide to Oktoberfest Around the State
If you want to celebrate Oktoberfest and are searching for a guide for the great state of Michigan, we’ve got you covered. This guide is designed to get you up to speed on Oktoberfest and into a nearby beer tent to celebrate with friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers. We also have suggestions for those that just want to yell “Prost!” from their living rooms.
Grab a beer, get comfy, and let’s explore what Oktoberfest is all about.
Most of us may associate Oktoberfest with German beers, brats, and polka music. But did you know that Oktoberfest began as a wedding celebration followed by a horse race in the Bavarian capital of Munich?
Andreas Michael Dall’Armi is credited as the “Inventor” of Oktoberfest. He had the idea of a horse race to honor the marriage of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (eventually King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Dall’Armi shared his idea with King Max I Joseph of Bavaria, who gave the go-ahead, probably saying something like, “Yeah, sure, let’s do this thing!” Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese married on October 12, 1810. The people of Munich celebrated with the festivities culminating in a horse race on October 17, 1810, in a meadow (“Wiese”) within the city. These grounds are now called Theresienwiese, and this is where Oktoberfest takes place each year in Munich.
The wedding celebration was such a hit that the people of Munich kept this celebration going. Eventually, the city of Munich and the local breweries began sponsoring Oktoberfest and setting up the famously huge beer tents. Only six breweries in Munich are permitted to serve beer at Oktoberfest. All the beers served must conform to the Reinheitsgebot (German Beer Purity Law). This law states that only barley, hops, malt, and water could be used as ingredients. Eventually, this law was amended to include yeast which, at the time of the creation of the law, folks didn’t realize was actually turning those ingredients into delicious beer.
“It was the world’s first food safety law,” our friend David Ringler of Cedar Springs Brewing told us recently. “In essence, because people were putting all kinds of, they put feces and roots and dirt and all kinds of things in beer to try to give it substance and flavor.”
Let’s take a moment to thank the folks behind the Reinheitsgebot for getting poop out of our beer.
In case you are curious, the six official breweries of Oktoberfest in Munich are:
- Augustiner
- Paulaner
- Löwenbräu
- Hofbräu
- Hacker-Pschorr
- SchänkeSpaten
Speaking of beers at Oktoberfest, while visiting with David at Cedar Springs Brewing, we asked him what is considered Oktoberfest beer.
“When people ask for Oktoberfest, that’s Märzen,” David said. “That’s it.”
Märzen (pronounced “M-AYE-R-T-sen”) is a lager that was typically brewed in March (März means March in German).
If you ever can sit down with David, do it. He is not only the Director of Happiness but a scholar of beer.
“Märzen, that fall harvest beer, quickly became associated with Oktoberfest,” David said. “Legally, anything you serve at Oktoberfest is Oktoberfest beer, but this became adopted as the Oktoberfest style. So for a little over a hundred years, pretty much, it was…Märzen was Oktoberfest beer, and all the big six breweries in Munich all made a version of Märzen beer, Oktoberfest beer, and that became the style.”
We all know that styles change. Just as the 70s brought us disco, it brought changes to Oktoberfest beer.
“In 1971, Paulaner made a lighter version they called Festbier, which was between a Munich Helles and a Märzen,” David said. “So it’s a little bit lighter, and that became adopted, and that’s what they all make now. So what they make now if you go (to Oktoberfest), everybody does fest beer, which is a lighter version of Märzen, but that traditional Märzen style is still associated with traditional Oktoberfest beer, and that’s what you see everybody trying to make, you know, as we get into the fall.”
You are in for a treat if you haven’t had a Märzen. Imagine a clear, light amber beer with a luscious head and a slight caramel nose. The taste is malty without being over the top. It is crisp, clean, and can be just a touch sweet. While Märzen is associated with fall and Oktoberfest specifically, it really can be enjoyed all year long. Some breweries, such as Cedar Springs Brewing and Kusterer Brauhaus, keep it on tap all year.
Oktoberfest is in its 188th year in Munich and still going strong. The dates have shifted from early October into the second half of September, presumably in search of better weather. Typically, Oktoberfest now runs from mid-September until the first Tuesday in October. Last year, Oktoberfest in Munich drew 5.7 million visitors, who drank 5.6 million liters of beer. If you ask me, I think someone was slacking in the beer-drinking department.
If heading to Munich isn’t in the cards this year, have no fear. There are tons of Oktoberfest celebrations happening all over Michigan. We scoured the events listing high and low, far and wide, and in between to bring you as many as possible. That said, we probably missed some, and we apologize for the gap in advance.
If none of the festivals in our guide work for you, but you’ve got a craving for a great Märzen, don’t fret. Head over to your favorite Michigan brewery. Most will have a Märzen on tap. Just in case you need a hand, here are a few select breweries that will undoubtedly have a beautiful Märzen on tap or available to go:
- Cedar Springs Brewing (Cedar Springs)
- Kusterer Brauhaus (Grand Rapids)
- Hopside Brewery (Alpena)
- Big Lake Brewing (Holland)
- Pigeon Hill Brewing (Muskegon)
- Kuhnhenn Brewing (Warren)
- Batch Brewing (Corktown)
- Loaded Dice Brewery (Troy)
- Kognisjon Bryggeri (Marquette)
Fun Fact: Kognisjon brewer Kris Thompson shared that their märzen is called OKTÖTENFEST. It was brewed with Weyermann malts from Germany and Munich lager yeast. The beer’s name is from an EP by the industrial metal band Hanzel Und Gretyl. Now you know and probably are dying to try this beer now.
Ok, I’ve kept you long enough; let’s jump into the list of Michigan Oktoberfests:
SOUTHEAST
Oktoberfest IX at Batch Brauerei
When: Friday, Sept 15 at 12p through Sunday, Sept 17
Where: Batch Brewing (Corktown, Detroit)
What: Our 9th year of Oktoberfest at Batch Brauerei. The weekend will be filled with German beer and food, traditional German music and non-traditional music, fun, and competition.
Smoketoberfest at Batch Brewing
When: Friday, Sept 29 at 12p through Sunday, Oct 1
Where: Batch Brewing (Corktown, Detroit)
What: BBQ and German Beer…it should be a good time.
Rochester Mills Oktoberfest
When: Friday, Sept 29 at 11:30a and Saturday, Sept 30
Where: Rochester Mills Beer Co (Rochester)
What: Our annual Oktoberfest is back, and this one falls on our 25th anniversary! We will have plenty of things to enjoy during these two days, including the band Sponge at 9p on Saturday.
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Oktoberfest
When: Friday, Sept 29 at 6p to 11p and Sept 30 12p to 11p
Where: Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Beverly Hills, MI
What: Food, drinks, music, midway games, rides, ponies, petting zoo, face painting, and more!
Oktoberfest 2023 at Brown Iron Brewhouse
When: Friday, Sept 15 through Sunday, Oct 1
Where: Brown Iron Brewhouse Royal Oak and Washington Township
What: Join us for an authentic German Oktoberfest celebration! Enjoy delicious German food specials to go along with a variety of 25+ German beers on tap! Wear your dirndl or your lederhosen and receive a 10% discount! Join us in our Stein hoist competition!
St. Joseph Oktoberfest
When: Saturday, Sept 23 at 3p to 8p and Sunday, Sept 24 at 12p to 8p
Where: St. Joseph Shrine (Near Eastern Market – Detroit)
What: Enjoy the 16th annual St. Joseph Oktoberfest over two days! German Food, Beer & Music, Steinholding Competitions, Kids’ Games & Activities, 50/50 Raffle, Vendors.
Free guarded parking at Brewery Park off Gratiot, south of Russell (1333 Gratiot Ave, Detroit), with a Courtesy Shuttle to Oktoberfest
Saline Oktoberfest 2023
When: Friday, Sept 15 at 5p and Saturday, Sept 16 at 10a
Where: Saline – City Parking Lot #4
What: Join us for the 17th Annual Oktoberfest in the Heart of Downtown Saline!
Bloktoberfest
When: Saturday, Sept 23 at 12p
Where: Atwater Brewery (Detroit)
What: Live music, stein hoisting, keg lifting, pretzel tossing, Oktoberfest-themed menu & more!
Dakota Inn Rathskeller Oktoberfest
When: Saturday, Sept 23, 2023 at 7p
Where: Dakota Inn (Detroit)
What: Join us for our first night of Oktoberfest with our traditional keg tapping and reading of the proclamation. Tommy Schober and the sound of Sorgenbrecher will be rocking the house.
German beers and music every Friday and Saturday through the rest of September and October
SOUTHWEST
OktoberfestGR 2023
When: Friday Sept 29 at 3p and Saturday Sept 30 at 12p
Where: Riverside Park (Grand Rapids)
What: We’re back for another year! We’ll again be at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids on September 29 & 30 with real German bier, adult and kid-friendly games, and our 4th annual Dachshund Dash! Don’t miss out on Beer City’s ONLY German Bier Fest!
Oktoberfest at Big Lake Brewing
When: Saturday, Sept 16 from 3p to 9p
Where: Big Lake Brewing (Holland)
What: Join us for Big Lake Brewing’s second-annual Oktoberfest! We’ll have live music, great food, and great beer.
Perrin Backyard Bash
When: Saturday, Sept 16 from 3p to 10p
Where: Perrin Brewing (Comstock Park)
What: Cheers to 11 years of Perring Beer. Music, food, beer (including their Oktoberfest release called Bashtoberfest) and fun.
Oktoberfest Celebration at Watermark Brewing
When: Saturday, Sept 16, from 11a to 11p
Where: Watermark Brewing Company (Stevensville)
What: $10 admission / $5 for children – includes 20 oz. Arc Britannia Mug. Admission gets you your mug and all-day admission to the music lineup.
Oktoberfest at Round Barn Brewery & Public House
When: Friday, Sept 29 at 5p
Where: Round Barn Brewery and Public House (Baroda)
What: From Bavaria to Baroda, ‘tis the season for Wiens! Experience for yourself an evening dedicated to our favorite thing – craft brews! Break out those lederhosen and celebrate the season with exclusive Round Barn steins, live music, and a special German-inspired menu; join us as we celebrate the simple things in life – good music, craft brews, and creating memories with loved ones.
Oktoberfest at Murray Street Brewing Company
When: Saturday, Sept 23 at 11a
Where: Murray Street Brewing Co. (Mattawan)
What: Oktoberfest 2023 is here! Come by dressed in your favorite Bavarian outfit and enjoy a mug of beer! We will be serving up our Oktoberfest Marzen along with a Festbier and a Helles Lager this year.
Stein holding will be back. We’re also excited to have Patriot Pizza and Pretzel Food Truck out starting at 5:00 serving up delicious pizzas and pretzels!
Pigeon Hill Oktoberfest
When: Saturday, Sept 30 at 12p
Where: The Brewer’s Lounge At Pigeon Hill (Muskegon)
What: September 30th, the Pigeon Hill Oktoberfest returns! Live music, German food, German beer, games, costume contest, and more!
Oktoberfest at Sisters Lake Brewing
When: Saturday, Sept 16 at 1p
Where: Sister Lakes Brewing Company (Dowagiac)
What: Celebrate Oktoberfest in true German style! German-style food specials, Polk Island Oktoberfest Beer Release, Live Polka Music
Fluxtoberfest
When: Saturday, Sept 23 at 2p
Where: ConfluxCity Brewing Company (Portland)
What: We are excited to announce that we will host our Oktoberfest celebration with a little ConfluxCity twist! Fluxtober Fest will be much similar to our anniversary celebration that we threw this past spring! With the moody Michigan weather, we recommend you come prepared in case the day ends up chilly, but definitely bring a chair or blanket to get comfy! You can expect great beer, food, and live music, all located right in our back beer garden.
3rd Annual Oktoberfest at Seedz Brewery
When: Saturday, Oct 7 at 12p
Where: Seedz Brewery (Union Pier)
What: On Saturday, October 7th, we will have an eventful day of Lager beer, food, and live music!!!! We will be celebrating the release of Oktoberfest on draft and cans. VIP tickets include a custom clay mug. 4 pack of Oktoberfest beer, an early entrance, and one mug fill. Regular tickets include glass stein.
DeutscheMarques Oktoberfest and Color Tour
When: Saturday, Oct 14 at 9a
Where: Gilmore Car Museum (Hickory Corners)
What: It’s back again – a fun fall gathering for the entire family! DeutscheMarques is hosting Oktoberfest in the Carriage House at the Gilmore Car Museum on Saturday, October 14th! Beer Hall: Located in Carriage House (transformed into a Bavarian beer hall). The Beer Hall is open from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. There will be German food, German beer, and the ever-popular DeutscheMarques Oom-Pah band. And of course your beautiful German cars.
MID AND NORTHERN LOWER
Oktoberfest Party at G’s Pizzeria Bar & Grill Saginaw
When: Friday, Sept 15 at 5p
Where: G’s Pizzeria (Saginaw)
What: Get ready to raise your steins and celebrate Oktoberfest like never before at G’s Pizzeria Bar & Grill Saginaw! Prost, party lovers! Join us on Friday, September 15th, as we transform G’s Pizzeria Bar & Grill into a Bavarian wonderland for an unforgettable Oktoberfest celebration! Thanks to our fantastic sponsor, Bells Brewery, this event promises to be an unforgettable evening of fun, food, and frothy brews. Stein Hoisting Contest, Hammerschlagen, and music.
Frankenmuth Oktoberfest
When: Thursday, Sept 14 at 3p through Sunday, Sept 17 at 12p
Where: Heritage Park (Frankenmuth)
What: Welcome to the Frankenmuth Oktoberfest 2023: September 14-17
2023: September 14-17 Come join us for our 33rd traditional Oktoberfest. The first Oktoberfest outside Munich that the Parliament and the City of Munich sanctioned. Keg tapping at 7p on Friday. The Hofbrauhaus became the official beer sponsor of the Frankenmuth Oktoberfest in 1997. With Frankenmuth’s unique German heritage and culture, the Frankenmuth Oktoberfest strives to preserve the sights and sounds of the Munich Oktoberfest. The event features authentic entertainment, dancing, Oktoberfest souvenirs, various food selections, and authentic Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest beer. Shuttle service to local hotels and Birch Run.
2nd Annual Howell Oktoberfest
When: Saturday, Sept 9 at 4p
Where: North State Street Parking Lot (Howell)
What: Oktoberfest is coming back to downtown Howell. We celebrate Oktoberfest as authentically as possible with German music, food, and dancing.
Oktoberfest Party at Tap-In’s
When: Friday, Sept 22 at 6p
Where: Tap-In’s (Howell)
What: Join us for our first annual Oktoberfest party at Tap-In’s! Music by The Local Heroes (7p). DeutschTroit Food Truck. Oktoberfest Drink Specials. Brew Buggy Beer Tasting.
6th Annual OXTOBERFEST at HomeGrown
When: Saturday, Sept 30 at 12p
Where: Homegrown Brewing (Oxford)
What: Make plans to join us for our annual OXTOBERFEST party! Oktoberfest beer, German food specials, contests, and prizes.
Oktoberfest week kickoff at Tri City Brewing
When: Tuesday, Sept 12 at 12p
Where: Tri City Brewing Company (Saginaw)
What: Tri City Brewing Oktoberfest week kickoff! We will open at noon on Tuesday with free brats for lunch. Our Oktoberfest drops at noon will be available on draft as well as growlers and six packs to go! Brats will be available all day through dinner.
6 Years of Beers & Oktobeerfest at Reed City Brewing
When: Saturday, Sept 30 at 4p
Where: Reed City Brewing Company (Reed City)
What: 6th Anniversary + Oktobeerfest Celebration will be one big celebration this year! Live Music
German Food & Beer, as well as our regular beer and wine! Stein Holding Competition. Best Dressed Competition in Lederhosen and Dirndls. We will have Anniversary Shirts, Steins to purchase and drink out of, and other new merch!
Downtown Ludington Oktoberfest
When: Saturday, Sept 30 at 2p
Where: Legacy Plaza (Ludington)
What: Craft Beer from Bell’s and Ludington Bay Brewing Co., a rocking stage, lawn games, and so much more
Pentwater Oktoberfest
When: Saturday, Oct 14 at 9a
Where: Pentwater
What: Pentwater’s Oktoberfest, held in October, grows bigger every fall. There are a variety of activities for all ages and many interests—Stout Stumble 5k, Classic Car and Hot Rod Show and Cruise, music, and food.
TC Germanfest 2023
When: Friday, Sept 22 at 6p and Saturday, Sept 23 at 10a
Where: 1003 S. Maple (Traverse City)
What: We’re celebrating not only all things Bavaria but our 11th year!!! Please join us for food, auction items, Familienfest, and all the fantastic things that come with BEING involved! We can’t wait to celebrate a decade-and-one of deliciousness, dancing, and donating with YOU!
14th Annual Skitoberfest
When: Saturday, Oct 7 at 12p
Where: Boyne Mountain Resort (Boyne Falls)
What: We are super stoked to present Skitoberfest 2023 – an Oktoberfest-style party with a twist. Fall for winter with the return of your favorite activities – keg bowling, stein hoisting, Kids’ Zone fun, pond pedaling, and more! We’re creating the great Bier Hall filled with craft brews, delicious eats, and rockin’ the tent with live music. No Skitoberfest is complete without our Pray for Snow Bonfire, wrapping up a perfect fall day in true Boyne Mountain fashion.
Oktoberfest at Mt Holly Ski Resort
When: Saturday, Oct 14 at 5:30p
Where: Mt. Holly Ski Resort (Holly)
What: The Schussmeisters’ Ski and Board Club is excited to present our 4th Annual Oktoberfest. This is a kid-friendly event. Doors open at 5:30 pm, and an authentic German feast will be served, beginning at 6:00 PM, which is included in the cost of the ticket. Dust off your lederhosen and get ready for our live band outside on the deck (weather permitting). Beer and wine will be available for sale.
UPPER PENINSULA
U.P. Fall Beer Fest
When: Saturday, Sept 9 at 1p
Where: Mattson Lower Harbor Park (Marquette)
What: 14th Annual Michigan Brewers Guild U.P. Fall Beer Festival featuring 87 breweries sampling over 513 beers (and 92 unique styles) – including many Oktoberfest beers from around the state.
Downtown Iron Mountain Oktoberfest
When: Saturday, Sept 30 at 12p
Where: Downtown Iron Mountain
What: Join us as we celebrate an authentic Bavarian Oktoberfest in Downtown Iron Mountain, MI. You and your family will enjoy continuous entertainment, polka dancing, delicious German food, sing-alongs, and fun for all. Men’s and Women’s stein holding competition. Ms. Oktoberfest is crowned every year.
Blackrocks Brewery Oktoberfest
When: Saturday, Sept 30 at 12p
Where: Blackrocks Brewery (Marquette)
What: Our Oktoberfest celebrations are going down on Saturday, September 30th! German beer, food, music, and Hammerschlagen.
Oktoberfest Celebration at Cold Iron Brewing
When: Saturday, Sept 23 at 4p
Where: Cold Iron Brewing (Ironwood)
What: Celebrate Oktoberfest with German food by Suffolk St. Eatery & Live music by Madison, WI-based Hollow Bill from 3-6 pm!
Annual Oktoberfest in Curtis, Michigan
When: Saturday, Sept 30 at 12p
Where: One Block North of Main Street – Curtis
What: Curtis Area Chamber of Commerce Welcomes You to the Annual Oktoberfest Celebration. Held in Curtis, Michigan. Live Musical Entertainment, German Food, and a beer tent. Enjoy Games, Food, Apple Dessert Bake-Off, Local Vendors, Best Dressed Bavarian Contest, and Door Prizes.