New Glarus Oktoberfest

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Cultural & TraditionalNew Glarus
Dates24–27 September 2026Confirmed listing
Duration4 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forBeer tents & foodFolk fair, markets, rides
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryCultural & TraditionalFestival type
The story

New Glarus Oktoberfest in New Glarus

New Glarus Oktoberfest is a fall community celebration in New Glarus, Wisconsin, a village founded in 1845 by Swiss immigrants from Canton Glarus and marketed today as America's Little Switzerland. The event typically brings a beer garden, oompah and polka bands, Swiss folk dancing, and alphorn performances to the chalet-style village, drawing on the same Swiss heritage that shapes the town's architecture and identity year-round.

New Glarus was founded in 1845 by a group of Swiss immigrants from Canton Glarus who left Switzerland during a period of economic hardship and settled in what is now south-central Wisconsin, naming their new village after the canton they had left behind.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

New Glarus stands out among Wisconsin's German-heritage Oktoberfest towns because its identity is specifically Swiss rather than German, tracing to an 1845 settlement by emigrants from Canton Glarus in Switzerland who named the village after their home canton

02

The mystery stays covered

That Swiss lineage carries into the village's Alpine chalet-style architecture, which frames the festival's beer garden and street activities, and into performance traditions like alphorn playing and Swiss folk dance rarely paired with a typical Oktoberfest beer-and-pretzel format elsewhere in the state

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

24–27 September 2026

Getting around

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

What to wear

Casual fall clothing with layers for cooling October evenings; traditional Swiss or Bavarian-style festival attire is welcomed among attendees who choose to dress for the occasion.

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

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

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map42.81 N, 89.64 WOpen in Google Maps

New Glarus, WI

Nearest airportMKE — General Mitchell
TransportFor New Glarus Oktoberfest, plan transport around the exact New Glarus venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor New Glarus Oktoberfest, stay near the part of New Glarus 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 New Glarus via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near New Glarus, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearCasual fall clothing with layers for cooling October evenings; traditional Swiss or Bavarian-style festival attire is welcomed among attendees who choose to dress for the occasion.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

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is New Glarus Oktoberfest?

New Glarus Oktoberfest is listed for 24–27 September 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does New Glarus Oktoberfest take place?

The festival is listed in New Glarus, 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?

4 days 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?

New Glarus, WI

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 URLswisstown.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates24–27 September 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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