New Ulm Oktoberfest

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Cultural & TraditionalNew Ulm
DatesDates TBA · Usually OctoberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forBeer tents & foodFolk fair, markets, rides
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryCultural & TraditionalFestival type
The story

New Ulm Oktoberfest in New Ulm

New Ulm's Oktoberfest is a German heritage celebration held across the first two weekends of October in New Ulm, Minnesota, a city founded by German immigrants and still closely tied to its Bavarian roots. Festivities span multiple sites, including a downtown Minnesota Street celebration and an event at the August Schell Brewing Company, the state's oldest family-owned brewery. Running since 1981, the 2026 edition is set for October 2-3 and October 9-10.

New Ulm, Minnesota, was founded in the 1850s by German immigrant colonization societies, and the town has maintained a distinctly German civic identity ever since, from its architecture to its long-running radio station and its mid-twentieth-century reputation, built on the strength of local ballrooms and polka broadcasts, as the self-declared Polka Capital of the Nation.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

New Ulm's Oktoberfest stands out for splitting its celebration across two full weekends and multiple distinct venues rather than concentrating everything in one place, letting visitors experience both a closed-off downtown street party on Minnesota Street and a brewery-grounds celebration at August Schell Brewing Company, founded in 1860 and still family-owned

02

The mystery stays covered

The city's German identity runs deeper than the festival itself: New Ulm was founded by German immigrant societies in the 1850s and once billed itself as the Polka Capital of the Nation

03

The city starts moving

National travel outlets have repeatedly named New Ulm's Oktoberfest among the best in the country, and the 2026 edition adds the Minnesota State Steinholding Championship Finals, part of the U

04

The water draws everyone in

Steinholding Association's competitive circuit, as a new marquee attraction

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

What to wear

German-inspired attire is encouraged but optional: dirndls, lederhosen, or simple Oktoberfest accessories like a pretzel necklace are common sights, and comfortable clothing works just as...

Safety

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

Where to stay

For New Ulm Oktoberfest, stay near the part of New Ulm 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 map44.31 N, 94.46 WOpen in Google Maps

New Ulm, MN

Nearest airportMSP — Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field
TransportFor New Ulm Oktoberfest, plan transport around the exact New Ulm venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor New Ulm Oktoberfest, stay near the part of New Ulm 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 Ulm via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near New Ulm, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for October.Compare faresFestival gearGerman-inspired attire is encouraged but optional: dirndls, lederhosen, or simple Oktoberfest accessories like a pretzel necklace are common sights, and comfortable clothing works just as well. Early October in southern Minnesota can range from warm and sunny to cool and crisp, so layers, a jacket for evening hours, and comfortable closed-toe shoes for standing and walking between festival sites are practical.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 Ulm Oktoberfest?

New Ulm Oktoberfest is listed for October · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does New Ulm Oktoberfest take place?

The festival is listed in New Ulm, 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?

Autumn 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 Ulm, MN

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 URLnewulm.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually October
Source statusOfficial source linked
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