Dubuque Oktoberfest

View on map
Food & DrinkDubuque
DatesDates TBA · Usually OctoberCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forBeer tents & foodFolk fair, markets, rides
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryFood & DrinkFestival type
The story

Dubuque Oktoberfest in Dubuque

Dubuque Oktoberfest is a one-day German-heritage festival at Q Casino and Resort's Back Waters Stage, held each mid-September since 2009. Anchored by Premier Bank sponsorship, it functions as a charity fundraiser for Camp Albrecht Acres, a camp serving people with disabilities, and features a Wiener Dog Race, a stein-holding contest, and traditional German food and polka music.

Dubuque Oktoberfest began in 2009, originally conceived to showcase the rehabilitation of several downtown Dubuque businesses, including L.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

What sets this Oktoberfest apart from a typical beer-and-bratwurst festival is its charitable structure: gate donations go entirely to Camp Albrecht Acres, a camp for people with disabilities, turning a day of polka dancing and German food into the area's primary annual fundraiser for that cause

02

The mystery stays covered

Signature attractions like the Wiener Dog Races and Parade and the Tri-States Championship Bier Stein Holding Contest give the event a playful, competitive identity beyond standard German-festival fare, while live polka bands and dance lessons keep the cultural programming genuinely participatory rather than passive

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

Six Munich breweries

Beer rule

Only Munich breweries may pour at the Wiesn, which keeps the beer local rather than generic.

Tents and benches

Gathering

The core ritual is sharing long tables, brass bands, roasted chicken, pretzels, and rounds of beer.

Theresienwiese

Place

The festival still belongs to Munich's fairground meadow, named for the royal wedding that started it.

Folk fair

Rhythm

Rides, parades, dress, food stalls, and family days keep it a Bavarian folk festival, not only a beer event.

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually October

Getting around

For Dubuque Oktoberfest, plan transport around the exact Dubuque venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Mild mid-September weather suits casual layered clothing; some attendees dress in German-themed lederhosen or dirndl-style attire for the occasion, though it is not required.

Safety

Use normal food-market caution, hydrate, and leave time between crowded stalls.

Where to stay

For Dubuque Oktoberfest, stay near the part of Dubuque you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Entry may be free while tastings, meals, or special tables are paid locally.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map42.50 N, 90.66 WOpen in Google Maps

Dubuque, IA

Nearest airportDBQ — Dubuque Regional
TransportFor Dubuque Oktoberfest, plan transport around the exact Dubuque venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Dubuque Oktoberfest, stay near the part of Dubuque you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Dubuque via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Dubuque, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for October.Compare faresFestival gearMild mid-September weather suits casual layered clothing; some attendees dress in German-themed lederhosen or dirndl-style attire for the occasion, though it is not required.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Dubuque Oktoberfest?

Dubuque Oktoberfest is listed for Past edition: 13 September 2025. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Dubuque Oktoberfest take place?

The festival is listed in Dubuque, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Dubuque, IA

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLdbqoktoberfest.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually October
Source statusOfficial source linked
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Qingdao International Beer Festival

17 July–16 August 2026

Qingdao, China
Photo pending

National Cherry Festival

July · Summer

Traverse City, United States
Photo pending

National Cherry Festival

4–6 December 2026

Young, Australia
Photo pending

Oktoberfest

19 September–4 October 2026

Munich, Germany

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →