Milwaukee Oktoberfest
In 1960, Mayor Henry Maier traveled to Germany, experienced Munich’s Oktoberfest, and returned inspired to create a permanent festival home for Milwaukee. That vision helped shape the lakefront festival grounds we know today.
Decades later, Milwaukee Oktoberfest made its own journey, from Kegel’s Inn’s parking lot, to National Avenue, the War Memorial with Swarmm Events, Cathedral Square, and finally Henry Maier Festival Park.
It feels less like we found a new venue and more like Oktoberfest found its way home.
We’re honored to carry Henry Maier’s vision forward and keep the spirit of Oktoberfest alive in Milwaukee.
MILWAUKEE OKTOBERFEST 2026
Oktoberfest isn’t just a celebration. It’s a gathering.
NO PASSPORT REQUIRED
A KEGEL'S HISTORY
WHERE IT STARTED
Milwaukee's "First" Oktoberfest started in August. It started small, right in the parking lot at Kegel’s Inn as a fundraiser for the West Milwaukee Lions Club.
Kegel Block Party
As more people joined the celebration, it grew to fill our entire campus and eventually took over three blocks of National Avenue.
War Memorial
In 2020, COVID forced us to rethink everything. Oktoberfest moved to the War Memorial Center from 2020–2023, where we found a great partner in Swarmm Events and began imagining what this festival could become.
Cathedral Square
Together, we brought Oktoberfest to Cathedral Square. It was an incredible setting, but as attendance grew, so did the challenge of building kitchens, bars, power, water, bathrooms and an entire festival infrastructure from scratch.
A HOME BUILT FOR FESTIVALS
HENRY MAIER’S VISION
When Henry Maier Festival Park became available, everything clicked. Permanent kitchens, power, running water, real bathrooms, room to grow and, to seal the deal, Hofbräu beer. We finally had a home capable of growing with Milwaukee Oktoberfest.
Then we discovered the connection that made this place even more meaningful. Henry Maier traveled to Germany, experienced Oktoberfest and returned inspired by the idea of a permanent festival home for Milwaukee.
Decades later, our Oktoberfest found its way to the grounds that bear his name.
We’re honored to be stewards of that vision and carry Milwaukee’s Oktoberfest tradition forward.
