The leaves are starting to change their hue, the temperature is slowly dropping, and you can smell the distinct sent of… bratwursts and beer? This can only mean one thing: it’s Oktoberfest season!
This German celebration originated in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria and turned into the festivals we know and love today, which include dancing, competitions, agriculture, and the plentiful amounts of beer. So, pick up a stein, dress in your favorite lederhosen, and give cheers with your friends or family in celebration of this German tradition in a city near you.
Clarkston
After a hiatus, Clarkston Union is bringing back its final installment of Oktoberfest, featuring food, draft beers, and a live polka performance from The Ladeedas. Join the final farewell to a long-held event starting at 6 p.m. behind the restaurant. Sept. 27. 54 S Main St, Village of Clarkston, clarkstonunion.com.
Detroit
Alpino: Oktoberfest is returning to Corktown’s Alpino for its third year in a row. The ticketed dinner will take place on its patio, with three time slots: 12 to 2 p.m., 2 to 4 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. (the latter is sold out). The dinner includes a Baravian Bratwurst Plate. Hofbräu Oktoberfest and Hefeweiss beer will be served, and the accompaniment will be live music from Old Europe. Tickets can be purchased online. Sept. 20. $52. 1426 Bagley St, Detroit; alpinodetroit.com.
The Brakeman: The Parker’s Alley American beer hall has its Oktoberfest celebration running every Friday and Saturday through October 18. These days will feature Oktoberfest beer, festive specials at Penny Red’s and Mister Dips, and DJ sets each weekend night. Now through October 18. 22 John R St, Detroit, 48226; thebrakemandetroit.com.
Dakota Inn Rathskeller: One of Detroit’s oldest and most iconic restaurants will feature two days of food, drink, and merriment — chicken hats are strongly recommended. The celebration will kick off on Friday, Sept. 26 with a traditional keg tapping and a proclamation reading, with live music from Tommy Schober. The following night, Saturday, features a performance from Rob Deblander and imported German beers. Sept. 26 and 27. 17324 John R St, Detroit; dakota-inn.com
Fowlerville
Experience an Oktoberfest Polish dinner at the Knights of Columbus, with a menu featuring kielbasa, golabki, and pierogi. Oct. 18. Cost TBA. 855 E. Grand River Ave., Fowlerville; facebook.com.
Frankenmuth
Michigan’s Little Bavaria hosts its annual German festival once again with food, drinks, and music for an extended weekend of family-friendly fun. Enjoy the wiener dog race, with a variety of trophies awarded, such as Fattest Wiener, Best Dressed Wiener, and Smallest Wiener. Sept. 18-21. $10 admission, kids 15 and under are free. 601 Weiss St., Frankenmuth; frankenmuthfestivals.com.
Franklin
At this Oakland County village’s Oktoberfest, patrons can enjoy food by Frank N Deans Catering Co., local craft beer, and live oompah music, along with a raffle. Oct. 3. $75-$100. 32455 Franklin Road, Franklin; franklin.lib.mi.us.
Holly
Battle Alley Brewing’s annual Oktoberfest celebration is back! Enjoy the German festival with a German-inspired food menu, a stein-holding competition, and raffle for those who dress up, all with a beer or harvest ale in your clutches. Sept. 20. No cost for admission. 806 N. Saginaw St., Holly; allevents.in.
Lake Orion
A staple of the Lake Orion community, Canterbury Village is celebrating its Oktoberfest with a two-day party featuring live music and themed food. Enjoy a variety of traditional games such as Fassrollen, Masskrugstemmen, and Hammerschlagen. Sept. 13-14. $5 with cash, $6 with card. Free parking provided. 2325 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion; canterburyvillage.com.
Macomb
Step into the St. Isidore Church social hall and celebrate Oktoberfest with live music by The Polka Towners, authentic German food, and a selection of beers to choose from. Test your skills with indoor and outdoor games, including a gourds slingshot, fowling, and the Hammerschlagen challenge, or compete in activities such as the cornhole and euchre tournaments or the stein-holding competition. Sept. 27. $5 (excluding food, beverage, and tournament entry fees), free entry for ages 14 and under. 18201 23 Mile Road, Macomb; stisidore.church.
St. Clair Shores
On the 10th anniversary of St. Clair Shores’ Oktoberfest, it is revising the format to include over 30 local eateries, highlighting the city’s bar and restaurant scene. Guests who “support and scan” at three or more participating businesses are entered to win a gift card bundle. With the campaign, the Saint Clair Shores Cool City Committee hopes to launch a larger celebration next year, bringing back both ShorestoberFeast and ShorestoberFest. Sept. 20-Oct. 5. No cost for admission. For the list of participating bars and restaurants, visit scscoolcity.com/shorestoberfeast.
Taylor
Enjoy Oktoberfest at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church with live music; food such as bratwurst, German potato salad, and sourdough pretzels; and a raffle with a $10,000 grand prize. Oct. 11. No cost for admission. 20049 Lorne St., Taylor; facebook.com.
Be sure to visit hourdetroit.com for details on more fall activities coming to metro Detroit and beyond. Did we miss your favorite Oktoberfest experience in metro Detroit? Tell us about it in the comments so we can add it to our list.
This post has been updated for 2025.
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