More than 40 percent of Wisconsinites report being at least partly German, so it’s no surprise that Oktoberfest celebrations are taken seriously around the state.
Between August and October, over 30 Oktoberfest celebrations take place across Wisconsin. Festival-goers take part in polka dancing, dachshund racing and naturally, beer drinking.
“If you can picture a polka band and anyone, of any age, wearing German clothing and a whole lot of beer, then you can picture yourself at Oktoberfest,” said Sara Meaney, Wisconsin Secretary of Tourism.
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While the festivals may be the main attraction, there’s far more to it than sitting with friends and drinking beer, Meaney said.
“It’s a very communal event with a lot of activities and a lot of things to watch and participate in,” she said. “It feels a bit like a carnival.”
To help narrow down the list, Meaney talked about three upcoming festivals around the state.
La Crosse Oktoberfest parade. rochelle hartman (CC BY 2.0)
Cedarburg, Oct. 5-6
A live glockenspiel — a giant cuckoo clock with people dressed up as different characters — that appears every two hours is a notable tradition at the Cedarburg Oktoberfest, Meaney said. Visitors can sample a variety of German food and beer and participate in a sauerkraut eating contest or German spelling bee.
It’s also an opportunity to check out other attractions in the town, Meaney said.
“You could bring a bike or bring your walking shoes and check out the Interurban Trail, which takes you through multiple historic town centers and take in the beautiful weather while we still have it,” she said.
La Crosse, Sept. 26-29
One of the largest Oktoberfests outside of Germany, the La Crosse celebration has been a mainstay since 1961.
“La Crosse takes Oktoberfest very seriously,” Meaney said.
Located at Oktoberfest Park near the Mississippi River, the festival boasts two parades, plenty of beer and food and the Dachshund Dash dog race.
Appleton, Sept. 27-28
Opening with a classic car show and live music, Appleton’s festival includes more than 100 food booths, arts and crafts and the Applefest recipe contest.
Meaney recommends taking a little extra time and go to High Cliff State Park outside of town to see the fall colors.
“Have an excuse to go to the Appleton area and climb to the top of the 40 foot observation tower, you’re going to see fall colors for miles around,” she said “You’ve got every excuse to have that fantastic beer and sit down and relax after you so hard to do that.”
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