Prost! Celebrate Oktoberfest in Kentucky

By Ben Mackin

Published June 28, 2024

The fall is quickly approaching. The sun is going down earlier, the temperature is starting to cool, and all over Kentucky people are getting their lederhosen and beer steins ready for Oktoberfest.  

Originating in Munich, Germany in the early 1800s, Oktoberfest started as a celebration of the wedding between Ludwig I of Bavaria and Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. In the two centuries since, the fest has transformed into a world-famous celebration of culture and community and is attended by thousands every year. 

Thanks to droves of Germans immigrating to the United States over the years, German-American communities all over the nation have put on their own Oktoberfests. Here are some of the Oktoberfests held in Kentucky that you don’t want to miss.   

Louisville: 

German American Club Oktoberfest | First weekend in September 

This annual family-friendly event is the biggest of the year for the German American Club, which is dedicated to promoting German culture and sociability. The festival features a variety of traditional foods and beverages for sale, including German potato salad, green beans, sauerkraut balls, schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle), pretzels, spätzle (a mac-n-cheese vegetarian dish) and schnitzel (breaded pork chops), along with things like grilled bratwurst with sauerkraut and red cabbage. 

Germantown Oktoberfest | Last Friday in September 

With a name like Germantown, how could this neighborhood in southeast Louisville not have an Oktoberfest? This celebration has all the trappings of a great German fest, beer, traditional food, music, and, competitions like stein hoisting and wiener dog races.  

Steins on Main | Last Saturday in September 

Louisville Downtown Partnership, Louisville Ale Trail, and Against the Grain Brewery put their steins together to transform a block on Main Street into an all-new Oktoberfest to celebrate Louisville’s rich German heritage. This party is free and family-friendly and it features beers from several local breweries. 

Northern Kentucky:  

Covington Oktoberfest | September 13-15 

Held annually since 1979 in Goebel Park, this fest is three days full of incredible amazing local food and craft vendors, live music, interactive activities, competitions, and locally brewed beers. 

Newport Oktoberfest | Last Saturday in September 

Newport Oktoberfest is designed to match the one in Munich with large fest tents full of food, drinks, and music. Festival revelers can also enjoy shopping wares in the Bluegrass Marketplace and partake in a beer-stein-holding competition or yodeling contest. 

Central Kentucky

Maysville Oktoberfest | First weekend in August 

Families of all kinds can enjoy a variety of children and adult events. Come dressed in traditional German and Bavarian costumes are encouraged as you surround yourself in a mix of German and Kentucky culture. There will be traditional fare as well as German music, dancing and a wiener dog race. On top of all that, if you play your cards right you may end up being a part of the Royal Court. 

Harrodsburg Oktoberfest| Last weekend in September 

Harrodsburg’s Oktoberfest is on the biggest in central Kentucky, drawing crowds of up to 15,000 in recent years. Hosted in the city’s historic downtown area festival-goers can expect three days of free concerts as well as local beers, specialty foods, and family fun.