One of Michigan’s largest Oktoberfest celebrations gets underway Thursday, Sept. 18, in Frankenmuth, but it’s not the only celebration of German heritage across Michigan this fall.
“With Frankenmuth’s unique German heritage and culture, the Frankenmuth Oktoberfest strives to preserve the sights and sounds of the Munich Oktoberfest,” the Frankenmuth Festivals website says. “The event features authentic entertainment, dancing, Oktoberfest souvenirs, various food selections, and authentic Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest beer.”
Oktoberfests are yearly folk festivals that originated in Munich, Germany, in the early 1800s. In the U.S., they celebrate German culture in the form of music, dance, clothing (like lederhosen), bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels and, of course, endless beer.
While Oktoberfest literally means a festival held in October, many cities host Oktoberfest earlier because the weather is nicer, according to Pourmybeer.com, a beverage analytics and technology company.
In addition to Frankenmuth’s Oktoberfest, many other cities will tap kegs this fall, including Iron Mountain, Grand Rapids and Saline.
“Let the Prosting Begin!” Frankenmuth’s Oktoberfest Facebook group says as the festival starts Thursday, Sept. 18.
Here’s more on Frankenmuth’s Oktoberfest and others scheduled in Michigan 2025:
When is Frankenmuth’s Oktoberfest 2025?
Frankenmuth’s 35th annual Oktoberfest takes place from Sept. 18-21 at Heritage Park, 601 Weiss St.
The festival takes place from 3-10 p.m. Sept. 18 and continues from noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
When did Frankenmuth’s Oktoberfest start?
In 1996, Lord Mayor Christian Ude of Germany officially sanctioned the Frankenmuth Oktoberfest celebration, making it the only city outside of Munich to receive such an honor, Frankenmuth’s Chamber of Commerce said on its website.
“In homage, Munich-based brewer Hofbrauhaus became the festival’s official sponsor, making this the first city in the U.S. to import the German Beer,” the Chamber said.
Known as Michigan’s “Little Bavaria,” the city features the Harvey Kern Community Pavilion, a scaled-down version of an authentic German beer hall. German beer halls, the Chamber notes, can hold 10,000-20,000 people; the pavilion holds 5,000.
How do you get to Frankenmuth?
Frankenmuth is just east of Interstate 75, between Flint and Saginaw, Michigan. From the south, take northbound Exit 136 or, from the north, southbound Exit 144.
What activities are planned for Frankenmuth’s Oktoberfest?
At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, there will be an “official keg tapping ceremony,” performed by Frankenmuth’s mayor, Tom Meyer, at the Harvey Kern Community Pavilion, according to the event’s Facebook page.
Live music by authentic German bands, accompanied by German beer and food will be on hand throughout the festival. On Saturday, Sept. 20, the festival will host its famous wiener dog race.
Here’s the band list, according to the Frankenmuth Festivals website:
Where do I purchase an admission ticket?
Tickets cost $10 for adults and may be purchased at the event. Children ages 15 and under may enter for free. On Sunday, Sept. 21, the event will provide free admission for everyone.
Admissions and drink tickets may be purchased with cash or a credit card, though drink tickets are only available by credit card, per the festival’s Facbook.
Frankenmuth’s festival guideline: Can I bring my dog? Where should I park?
Here are some other policies, according to the festival’s Facebook page:
What other Oktoberfest’s are coming up this fall in Michigan?
Here’s a list of upcoming Oktoberfests across Michigan:
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Where can you see a wiener dog race this weekend? Frankenmuth Oktoberfest gets underway
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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