Everything To Know About 2023 Duluth Oktoberfestival

Duluth's traditional Oktoberfest celebration will return once again this year, scheduled for three days of fun in mid-September at Bayfront Festival Park.

The fourth annual installment of the Duluth Oktoberfestival brings a taste of Germany to the Twin Ports area each year, offering fun for the entire family! While many people think of Oktoberfest events as beer-centric (and there will be plenty of that to be had), but there is so much more on the docket for folks of all ages.

Authentic Bavarian food, live music, games, a Dachshund Derby, arts & crafts, and kids activities are highlights of the multi-day event that fills Bayfront to kick off the fall season September 15-17, 2023.

2023 Music & Entertainment

Live music is one of the big draws for the Duluth Oktoberfestival, with music from 4 pm until 10:30 pm on Friday, September 15. Music gets underway once again at 11:30 am on Saturday, September 16, going all day until 10:30 pm that night. Sunday will see music from 11 am until 3:45 pm. Some of the performers include rock/polka band Alpensterne, punk rock-polka band Winzgie Hosen, world-famous yodeler Kerry Christensen, and Bill Koncar Band.

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In addition to music, there will be stein holding competitions through the weekend, along with the Dachshund Derby (more on that in a bit).

You can see the full schedule of music and entertainment here.

Dachshund Derby

The Dachshund Derby returns, happening outside of the tent on the Bayfront grounds. Members of the public can enter your weiner dog into the competition for the third annual race, with dogs of all ages welcome to participate.

The entire event is held on Sunday, September 17, with the quarterfinals getting underway at 12:30 pm, semifinals at 1:30 pm, and finals immediately following the semifinals.

You can learn more about the race and how to enter your dog here.

Der Kinderplatz (Children's Activities)

Der Kinderplatz, which translates to "the children's place", will feature free activities for the kids on Saturday and Sunday. Some of the fun includes cookie decorating, arts & crafts, German games, and inflatables like a bouncy house, slide, and obstacle course.

Sunday, September 17 is Essentia Health Family Day, which will feature a petting zoo, kids tug-of-war at 2 pm, kids stein holding competition at 3 pm, and more, all with chances to win prizes!

Der Kinderplatz will be open from noon to 4 pm both Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17. You can learn more about the kids activities and schedule here.

Adult Games & Activities

The kids can't have all of the fun! This year's roster of adult games and activities includes corn hole, the aforementioned stein-holding contests, axe throwing, and barrel toss.

Food & Beer

What would an Oktoberfest celebration be without food and 'bier'? The Duluth Oktoberfestival offers authentic German fare around the grounds, including Paulaner Bier, Starling Castle Wine, and Jagermeister.

There will be a handful of beer varieties from Paulaner on tap, which you can see here. There will also be non-alcoholic options on-site, too!

MORE: Funds Available For Organizations & Individuals Helping At Duluth Oktoberfestival

On the food side of things, Black Woods Grill & Bar has partnered with Duluth Oktoberfestival to offer a range of authentic German good items like bratwurst, chicken schnitzel, spaetzle, Black Forest Stew, pork wings, pretzels, schnitzel, and apple crisp. You can learn more about the food options here.

2023 Duluth Oktoberfestival Tickets

Tickets are on sale in a few varieties:

• Youth Day Pass (15 & under) - Free, must be accompanied by an adult
• Designated Driver/Underage Day Pass - $5 in advance & week of the event
• Single-day Pass (21+) - $10 in advance, $20 week of event
  • Comes with 1 Bier Token & Limited Edition ½ Liter Cash Wise Plastic Stein
• Upgraded Day Pass (21+) - $55 in advance, $65 week of event
  • Comes with 2 bier tokens, 1 Limited Edition 1 Liter Ceramic Paulaner Collector Stein, 1 Limited Edition Collector Coin

A couple of additional notes:

• *All College Students (18+) are FREE at this year's event with student ID (general admission)
• North Shore Inline Marathon "After Party" being held in conjunction with the event this year on Saturday night

Learn more about the tickets or buy them here.