September brings Oktoberfest season! Yes, Oktoberfest is traditionally celebrated in September. Wisconsin offers some frolicking good times at the festivals around the state. Oktoberfest in LaCrosse and Chippewa Falls are considered two of the top ten Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S. The three weekend long Oktoberfest celebration at Old Heidelberg Park in Milwaukee is a lively party and is the closest of the Wisconsin celebrations for people traveling from the Chicago area.
Oktoberfest celebrations in Wisconsin are patterned on the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. The very first Oktoberfest in Munich was actually a wedding celebration 
for beloved Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese in 1810. The royal family held a street party for the community to thank the Good Lord for His blessings. They celebrated the blessings of the fall harvest, the Bavarian community and their joy about the royal wedding. The festival was so successful that it became an annual event and expanded over the years. The Oktoberfest is Munich is now so popular that people travel from around the world to join the world's biggest beer and sausage party.
Oktoberfest is much more than a beer festival, it is a celebration of German heritage, culture and of the contribution of German immigrants to America. Many immigrants from Germany settled in Wisconsin and made contributions to the culture of their communities. Frolicking Oktoberfest festivals in Wisconsin, with old world gemuchlichtkeit, are worth the trip over the state line for a joyful community event.
Following are the Oktoberfest festivals in Wisconsin:
Milwaukee Oktoberfest at Heidelberg Park in Glendale - September 11 - 13, 18 – 20, 25-27, 2009
Oktoberfest is celebrated on the north shore of Milwaukee for the three weekends following Labor Day. Old Heidelberg Park's Bavarian Fest Garten is an Alpine pavilion that seats up to 2,000 people. continuous entertainment is provided by German brass bands and Bavarian dancers.
The United German Societies promote the heritage and culture of the German community by supporting the traditions and sports of the German people. Soccer is presented by the Bavarian Soccer C;ub. Enjoy eating the variety of German foods, sausage, sparnferkel, bratwurst, rollbraten, sweet strudel and home made cakes.
Tickets: Friday and Saturday $5 each, Sunday $4. Advance Tickets $4. Senior Citizens free admission on Sundays.
Oktoberfest! Is held at Bavarian Inn/Heidelberg Park, 700 W. Lexington Blvd., Glendale, Wisconsin.
Chippewa Falls - September 18 - 20, 2009
The weekend Oktoberfest festival in Chippewa Falls is a German style celebration featuring the harvest, market and entertainment. Oktoberfest is opened with the Golden Keg Procession. The golden Keg is carried from Leinenkugel's Brewery , uphill by horse and beer wagon to the grounds of the Oktoberfest festival. The ceremonial keg tapping takes place at three biergartens. Leinenkugel's beer will be for sale at the popular festival. Autumn Harvest Winery will offer wines for the wine lovers. Three stages will feature a variety of entertainment for the entire weekend.
The food, fun and frolic of Oktoberfest will take place at Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in Chippewa Falls.
LaCrosse - September 25- October 3, 2009
The 49th annual Oktoberfest in LaCrosse is a 9 day festival held in Riverside Park. LaCrosse claims to be one of the few authentic Old World folk festivals held annually in the United States. Local industries and civil groups volunteer to offer an authentic Bavarian experience . Oktoberfest USA is a joyful celebration including parades, pageantry, royalty, brews, bratwurst and lively entertainment. LaCrosse Oktoberfest opens with a parade on the first Friday at 10:15 am. The nine day festival features the sounds of jovial music from a variety of singers and bands. Of course, there will be a variety of beers to enhance to the enjoyment of this Bavarian festival.
Oktoberfest is held at the Oktoberfest Grounds in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
Plymouth - September 18-19, 2009
The Plymouth Arts Center presents the 6th annual Plymouth Oktoberfest, Friday and Saturday. Enjoy authentic German food, arts and crafts and more. Admission is free. Oktoberfest Garten is behind the Plymouth Center on the Eagles Club grounds.
For Oktoberfest history and fun facts, read German Oktoberfest More Than a Beer Festival .
Information subject to change.
September festivals in Wisconsin a great getaway
Oktoberfest celebration in Lake Villa Illinois
Comments
Sounds fun.
The Lacrosse Oktoberfest USA is by far the best in the US. I've been there, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Chippewa. The biggest disappointment was Chippewa Falls....Don't bother. The rest are fun and professional. Thanks for your interest!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!