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FRIDAY & SATURDAY
SEPTEMBER 26-27th, 2025

Anton's Garden

FREE ADMISSION! • GAMES • LIVE MUSIC
 
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Willkommen!

A festival celebrating German heritage, music and food in downtown Waterloo. Dress in your dirndls and lederhosen, grab your stein and your friends, and get your Prost on at Iowa Oktoberfest!

The polka party happens around Anton’s German Bier Garden and on East 4th Street, just north of the river. There will be live music; beer and food, and fun contests.

 

contests & games

 
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stein Hoist!

A traditional Bavarian endurance contest during which contestants must hold a one-liter stein of beer in one outstretched arm for as long as possible. The filled stein weighs roughly five pounds and must be kept parallel to the ground at all times. Any spilling leads to immediate disqualification! The person who holds theirs out for the longest time, wins.

beers & Hammers!

This German game involves hammering some nails into a tree and drinking for whenever you mess up. This game supposedly dates back as far as 1940 or earlier. It’s safe to say this game makes a lot more sense if you’ve already had a few beers before you start it. You can play with as many players as you want as long as there’s enough nails.

Grab a pint and challange your friends to a competition - we’ll have Beers & Hammers stations set up all festival!

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Barktoberfest!

Bring your best dressed pups! Come on down at 11am on Saturday for a barking good time. We’ll have a short parade of dogs so come dressed to win - best costume gets a trophy!

Sign up will be at 10:30AM (until event start) on Saturday, September 27th in person.

…and so much more!

Boot drinking, kubb, keg rolling competitions, the list goes on!
We have so much FREE fun planned, come see for yourself!

 Entertainment

POLKA POLICE
6PM-9PM

FRIDAY

 
MARV NISSEL
12PM-2:30PM

DENNY & BERNIE
3PM-6PM

BALVANZ & POWERS
7PM-10PM

SATURDAY

Step into the Beer Tent at Downtown Waterloo's Oktoberfest!
Get ready to taste the best of autumn brews this Friday, September 26th and Saturday, September 27th!

Featuring a stellar lineup of seasonal favorites:
Pivo Gutenberg German Pils - Crisp and refreshing!
Bremer Brewing Marzen - A classic!
Bremer Brewing Dunkel - A rich dark brew!
Founder’s Oktoberfest - Rich with festive spices!
Boulevard Bob's 47 Oktoberfest - Perfectly balanced!
Schell Oktoberfest - A true Bavarian treat!
Shiner Oktoberfest - Bold and hearty!
Leinie Lodge Lime - For those still craving the taste of summer!

NEW THIS YEAR
1919 Root Beer from the keg!

Market Sale!

Noon on Saturday, Sept. 27th
 

Get great deals on fall decor at Iowa Oktoberfest!
Huge, beautiful mums, iconic pumpkins & rustic hay bales.

All proceeds to go to support Iowa Oktoberfest.
Come do some shopping and enjoy the party afterwards!

 

Straw Bales $10

Pumpkins- $6 each

Mums- $15

Fall Package- $20 for a pumpkin and a mum!

 

 

Volunteer!

 We want YOU! To help out at this festive celebration — serve beer or brats, run a fun contest, and help keep Iowa Oktoberfest looking great! There’s a lot of fun to be have, come join us!

Sign Up!
 
 

Contact Us

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