ON THREE, SAY "PROST!" There will be plenty to celebrate this Sept. 17-19 at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds (225 Edward St., Chippewa Falls) as the annual Oktoberfest celebration returns to town with timeless traditions and new ways to celebrate for locals of all ages. For area volunteers, Oktoberfest is all about finding your rhythm on the polka dance floor.

If there was a single tradition that Chippewa Falls executes with unmatched excellence, locals and visitors alike would undoubtedly place the annual Oktoberfest celebration at the top of the list. This year, from Sept. 17-19 at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, the annual event promises both timeless traditions and new experiences to all who attend.

Thanks to the help of area volunteers, sponsors and partners, the festival offers all-day programming of family fun, live music, Bavarian bites and the unique spirit of “Gemütlichkeit”: the warmth and sense of belonging that define Oktoberfest.

“After 23 years, what has remained constant is the heart of Oktoberfest – bringing people together to celebrate community, tradition and hospitality,” Jill Herriges, executive director of the Community Foundation of Chippewa County said. “For me personally, one of the greatest joys has been watching Oktoberfest become a cherished tradition for so many families, just as it has for mine.”

Serving as a Festmeisterin for this Chippewa Valley celebration, Herriges belongs to a storied lineage of ambassadors whose contributions to the Chippewa Valley and the event itself mirror the community’s deep investment in camaraderie and connection.

"When I first step onto the grounds on Friday with the procession, I hear polka music, there’s the smell of Bavarian food in the air … It gives a feeling. That feeling is gemütlichkeit." –Amanda Hill-Hable, volunteer with Chippewa Falls' Oktoberfest

“It’s not just about celebrating German heritage; it’s about celebrating community, and that’s something everyone can be a part of,” Herriges said. “It’s amazing how quickly strangers become friends, tables fill with conversation and laughter (and a little beer) and everyone feels welcome – whether it’s their first visit or their twenty-third.”

Attendees of all ages can look forward to a bounty of flavors and refreshments throughout the Oktoberfest weekend. Dive into everything the festival has to offer from Thursday to Saturday and discover each tradition that lies ahead.

The Festmeister’s Gala, serving authentic German cuisine, will be held starting at 4pm on Sept. 17 within the Custer Coliseum at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds and features the 2025-2026 Festmeister and Festmeisterin: Charles “Buddy” and Jaynee Brannen.

Past the celebratory introduction, rise early for Kegs ‘n Eggs Friday morning beginning at 8am, served by the Chippewa County 4-H and Mid-West Family Eau Claire. Join in the legacy Golden Keg Procession at noon starting from the Leinenkugel Brewery, or dedicate the days to follow with a sampling of traditional German fare.

For Amanda Hill-Hable, a returning volunteer with Oktoberfest, it’s all about finding your rhythm on the polka floor with seasoned festival fans from multiple generations. “Every year, when I first step onto the grounds on Friday with the procession, I hear polka music, there’s the smell of Bavarian food in the air … It gives a feeling. That feeling is gemütlichkeit,” Hill-Hable said.

Four stages will host over 30 entertainment options and attractions throughout the weekend. Enjoy a mix of traditional German music, modern bands and cultural performances. The Glockenspiel Show, on the Window World Family Stage is a must-see attraction, bringing a touch of old-world charm to the fairgrounds!

From longtime festival goers to Festmeisters, the hot tip amongst all are the event’s dedicated kids zones spread across the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds – making Oktoberfest an accessible outing for the whole family, with kids keg rolling, arts and crafts, bouncy houses and more.

Oktoberfest relies heavily on a dedicated network of volunteers who plan and execute the event. Deeply rooted in the local area, the celebration actively gives back by supporting various regional nonprofits throughout the year.

Even if you do not have German heritage, volunteers provide plenty of educational opportunities to help get everyone into the festive spirit, Hill-Hable added.

“We aren’t trying to replicate Germany or any other regional Oktoberfest,” Hill-Hable said. “We’ve created a unique Chippewa Falls tradition and our local pride is what makes our Oktoberfest special.”

Don’t miss the full multi-day lineup of events for Chippewa Falls’ 2026 Oktoberfest, online at nwsfa.com/oktoberfest.

Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest

Address: Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds (225 Edward St., Chippewa Falls)

Phone: (715) 723-2861

Website: nwsfa.com/oktoberfest

Social media: @nwsfa

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