Saint Charles Oktoberfest | September 26–28
For almost 40 years, folks have been hoisting steins in St. Charles. It’s a family-friendly event with face-painting, bounce houses, kids’ games, and the Weiner Dog Derby—but there’s plenty for the grown folks, too, such as Bavarian beer and more than 40 bands, including the original Milwaukee Glockenspiel. There’s a VIP Meister Pass option available with premium parking and drinks. 4–11 p.m. Fri, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Sat, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun. Free admission. Frontier Park, St. Charles.
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Urban Chestnut Oktoberfest | September 27 & 28
The fine folks at Urban Chestnut Brewing Company are partying all over town. On Friday and Saturday, the Grove Bierhall hosts musical favorites, stein holding competitions, Bavarian pronunciation games, a mechanical bull, and more. Then, on Sunday at the Midtown Biergarten, the party is a bit more family-friendly, with crafts and a balloon artist. Great German fare at both locations. Free admission. Noon–11:30 p.m. Fri, noon–11:30 p.m. Sat, 11 a.m.– 6 p.m. Sun.
Oktoberfest in Hermann | Weekends in October
Just because it’s wine country doesn’t mean Hermann can’t get sudsy. Every weekend during the month of October, the quaint hamlet celebrates its German heritage. Plan your visit online—you don’t want to miss the lederhosen and dirndl competition! The mayor of Hermann taps the starting keg on October 3, and the party goes all month.
Zootoberfest | October 4–5, 10–12
Why should humans have all the fun? The Saint Louis Zoo’s family-friendly take on the celebration includes live music and beers from around the world, as well as German treats. For the kiddos, there will be special activity stations and root beer. October 4, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; October 5, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; October 10, 5–8 p.m.; October 11, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; October 12, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Soulard Oktoberfest | October 10 & 11
Soulard’s take on the festival boasts a historic setting—Soulard Market dates to 1779. Besides the brews, enjoy classic foods like bratwurst and pretzels. Family friendly fun happens during the day. There will be plenty of great music including live polka, brass, and party bands. The fest kicks off Friday October 10 at 3:30 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. On Saturday October 11, party from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Free entry, upgraded Bier Hall tickets available.
St. Louis Renaissance Festival Oktoberfest | October 11–13
The historical math might not quite be mathing here, but no matter. The St. Louis Renaissance Festival knows a party crossover when it sees one. During the festival’s regular hours October 11 through October 13, toss kegs, eat sauerkraut competitively, chug root beer, hoist steins, and more.
Eureka Old Town Oktoberfest | October 12
Celebrate autumn in Eureka’s Old Town with craft beers, tasty treats, quirky local shops, German dancing, live music, games, and kiddo-friendly activities. Free admission. 1–6 p.m.
Westport Plaza Oktoberfest | October 17 & 18
The party at Westport Plaza has been so much fun, it’s added a second day. Get your oom-pah on with live music Saturday from Die Spitzbaum, The Wurst Bavarian Band, and Ubercool. There will also be dancing, pretzels, bratwurst, stein-holding, and, of course, beer. 5–9 p.m. Fri, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sat.