Get your Dirndl and Lederhosen and find your stein, because Saint Charles’ Oktoberfest is right around the corner. From September 27 to 29, Frontier Park transforms into a German village complete with food stalls, gift vendors, and non-stop entertainment. Bavarian flags line the park, alpine signs point the way to different attractions, and charming storybook wooden structures transport you straight to Germany at this popular Saint Charles event.
Oktoberfest began over 200 years ago in Munich, Germany as a celebration of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese. It has since evolved into a three-week-long annual festival now held in September due to the chilly October weather. St. Charles has embraced this tradition since 1986, hosting Saint Charles Oktoberfest during the last weekend of September. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the highlights of one of the biggest St. Charles events of the year. To see the full entertainment schedule, click here.
Friday, September 27
4 PM – 11 PM
Kick off Oktoberfest St. Charles with a frosty pint of your favorite German beer and a delicious bite of schnitzel. Saint Charles Mayor, Dan Borgmeyer, ceremoniously taps the first keg at the opening ceremony at 6:30 PM in the Hofbrau Biergarten. He hammers into the keg with a thwack as he shouts, “o’zapft is!” – German for “it’s tapped!” – To signify the start of all the things to do at Oktoberfest. From then on, immerse yourself in the German spirit with live music from Polka Floyd, Obenheimer Express, the Klaberheads, and more musicians throughout the park. Enjoy authentic German delicacies while watching energetic performances from Wir Tanzen Dance at 7:30 PM and 9 PM. It’s a night of festivities you won’t want to miss.
Saturday, September 28
10 AM – 11 PM
Saturday’s schedule is packed full of German food, beer, entertainment, and competitions. Channel your inner Joey Chestnut at the bratwurst eating competition at 4 PM. Later, test your endurance in the Raise the Stein contest and see if you can hold a liter of beer the longest. The term “winner” is used loosely here because the sooner you drop out; the sooner you get to drink your beer. Preliminary rounds are from 12:30-4 PM and the championship is at 5 PM. Start training now!
Throughout the day, watch German dance performances, indulge in Adam Puchta wine tastings, and enjoy over 12 hours of live German and pop music.
Sunday, September 29
10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday’s activities begin with the Wurst Race Ever, also known as the Saint Charles Oktoberfest 5k and 10k runs. Participants receive a commemorative medal and a themed shirt for their hard work. These races benefit the Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DACA). From 12-4 PM on nearby South Main Street is the 37th annual antique car show. Presented by the First Capitol Classics Auto Club, this show features only the sleekest rides from 25 years ago and beyond. Cheer on the speediest little Dachshunds in the Wiener Takes All wiener dog derby at noon in the Michelob Ultra Biergarten. Stay tuned for more details on this adorable competition. That’s not all, it’s also Sunday Funday! Bring the entire family for a day full of fun, education, and entertainment. Live music keeps the fun going all day long with the Battle of the Bands rocking the Bud Light Biergarten from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
VIP Access Tickets
Elevate your 2024 Saint Charles Oktoberfest experience with VIP tickets. Get your tickets soon, they sell out fast! VIP ticket holders have access to the Schlafly VIP Lounge Area and won’t have to wait in long bathroom lines with access to VIP-only bathrooms. Also included in a VIP ticket is an ID beer bracelet, an official VIP lanyard, a 32 oz. acrylic Oktoberfest boot-shaped skein, a commemorative Saint Charles Oktoberfest ceramic skein, three alcoholic beverages, unlimited free water, and a German food buffet presented by Kendrick’s Meat and Catering. New this year is the VIP parking pass upgrade, exclusively available to VIP ticket holders. This pass allows guests to park near the Lewis & Clark Boathouse, just a short walk from the festival grounds.
Are you a designated driver but still want the VIP experience? St. Charles Oktoberfest has you covered. Designated Driver VIP Access tickets offer all the perks of a VIP ticket, minus the alcohol, at a special discounted rate. All visitors must be 21 or older to purchase a VIP or Designated Driver VIP tickets.
Start planning now, St. Charles Oktoberfest will be here before you know it!