Oregon is an excellent place to live or visit if you love beer with its long list of breweries, and our favorite fall beer festival, Oktoberfest, is being celebrated throughout the state. Oregon has a large population of German descendants, and lots of cities and towns throughout the state host festivals that bring in travelers from all over the country. Regardless of what your heritage is, it’s fun to take part in the delicious food, beer, dancing, music, and games that come with a traditional Oktoberfest celebration in Oregon. Here are some of the best ones in Oregon to check out!
Mount Angel Oktoberfest
One of the largest and most popular Oktoberfest celebrations in Oregon each year is in Mount Angel. Here, you’ll find dozens of alpine food chalets, live music on several stages with dozens of musical groups lined up, and a traditional biergarten. There’s also a car show and arts and crafts show here to keep you entertained, and a 5K and 10K run/walk, a volleyball tournament, and a golf tournament if you’re looking to get active for your weekend. This is the event’s 54th year of celebration, and favorite annual festivities include the street dance evenings, the Die Fruchtsäule harvest monument, and the pedal tractor race.
Official Website
September 14th-17th, 2023
Bend Oktoberfest
The town of Bend is an awesome destination if you enjoy year-round outdoor recreation and great beer. In September, you can join in the fun at the Bend Oktoberfest in the downtown area. Expect to find lots of fun Oktoberfest games like wiener dog races, a costume contest, stein-holding competitions, and yodeling. You’ll also find lots of local craft beers on tap and several types of bratwurst ready to be devoured. Something unique to check out at the festival is the Hammerschlagen competition, which involves trying to hammer nails into a stump.
Oktoberfest at Oaks Park, Portland
Of course, Portland has several Oktoberfest celebrations, and one of the best ones is Oktoberfest at Oaks Park. Here, you’ll find authentic oompah music, food, German beer, wiener dog races, a fun run, a chicken dance, and activities for the kids. You can also enjoy some delicious schnitzel, strudel, and sausage while you’re here.
Official Website
September 22nd-24th, 2023
Widmer Brothers Brewing Annual Oktoberfest, Portland
Another fun Portland Oktoberfest to check out is the event at the famous Widmer Brothers brewery. This is the brewery’s annual Oktoberfest celebration and will feature a series of live concerts. In fact, this is the longest-running Oktoberfest in Portland. Not only will the brewery be celebrating its Oktoberfest beer, but this is also a family-friendly event with free activities, such as necklace building, face painting, and a photo booth. Stop by the Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland to be part of the fun.
Official Website
September 30th, 2023
Oktoberfest Pendleton, Pendleton
If you find yourself in Eastern Oregon this fall, definitely make a point to check out Oktoberfest Pendleton. This event was created to celebrate German heritage and beer, and some of the proceeds from sales will go to local charities. The family-friendly event features Oregon beers, sausages, live music, and kids’ games.
Official Website
October 7th, 2023
