One of the big fall festivals across the globe each year is Oktoberfest. There are several cities in Iowa that are preparing to host Oktoberfest celebrations in September and October of 2025. Here are 11 of them:

READ MORE: All the Big Events Happening in Eastern Iowa - September 2025

GALLERY INFORMATION

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Adventureland Oktoberfest

• Adventureland Park, Altoona
• Saturday, September 13th from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Main stage lineup includes the Pork Tornadoes, Not Quite Brothers, and Tyler Richton & The Highbank Boys
• Featuring rides, games, contests, beer, and food
• Ages 21+
• Tickets start at $59.99 - purchase them HERE

Dubuque Oktoberfest

• Back Waters Stage at Q Casino, Dubuque
• Saturday, September 13th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Featuring live entertainment, a ceremonial keg march, a wiener dog parade/races, food trucks, beer, games, and a stein-holding contest
• Admission is free, but donations to Camp Albrecht Acres are accepted at entry - all ages welcome

Des Moines Biergarten Oktoberfest (NEW IN 2025)

• Water Works Park, Des Moines
• September 19th through 21st from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Featuring games/contests, live music, food, beer, trivia, and more
• Admission is free - all ages welcome

Marion Oktoberfest

• 7th Ave, Marion
• Saturday, September 20th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (11 a.m. entry for VIP)
• "Each attendee will receive a commemorative tasting glass, access to samples, and complementary water. Music and games, traditional stein holding contest, hammerschlagen, and awards for best dressed!"
• Ages 21+
• Tickets are $40 for general admission and $60 for VIP - purchase them HERE

Northside Oktoberfest

• Northside Marketplace, Iowa City
• Saturday, September 20th from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• BrewFest sampling event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • "Come enjoy the Bohemian nature of the Northside Marketplace with unlimited craft beer samples, neighborhood food, games, live entertainment, and comical contests that you don’t want to miss."
  • Ages 21+
  • Tickets are $50 - purchase them HERE
• Event is rain or shine
• Bier Hall & SodaFest details coming soon

Des Moines Oktoberfest

• The District at Prairie Trail, Ankeny
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, September 26th from 3 p.m. to midnight
  • Saturday, September 27th from 12 p.m. to midnight
• "You bring the dirndl and lederhosen, we’ll supply the Bavarian beers, ‘kraut and everything you need to get into the spirit. Get ready to prost the day away, 'cause you're gonna wanna try all the German, local and regional craft beers, eat all the pretzels and experience all the fun of our traditional competitions, live music including the regions finest polka bands and Saturday afternoon's 'Rocktoberfest' {Rock & Roll Cover Bands} a Silent Disco, games and more!"
• Kids are allowed until 8 p.m. -  event is 21+ only after 8
• Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day-of - purchase them HERE

Iowa Oktoberfest

• Anton’s German Bier Garden, Waterloo
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, September 26th from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 27th from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Featuring yard games, live music, beer, food, contests, and a dog parade
• Admission is free
• 2025 schedule TBA

University of Okoboji Oktoberfest

• Arnolds Park Preservation Plaza, Arnolds Park
• Saturday, September 27th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Featuring a bike ride, competitions/games, inflatables, a Duck Derby, live music, beer, food, an e-bike raffle, and a vendor show
• All ages welcome
• Bike ride registration starts at $30 - register HERE

Ottumwa Oktoberfest

• Jimmy Jones Shelter at Greater Ottumwa Park, Ottumwa
• September 30th through October 4th
• 2025 schedule TBA

Amana Oktoberfest

• Amana Colonies
• Dates/Times
  • Thursday, October 2nd from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Friday, October 3rd from 11 a.m. to midnight
  • Saturday, October 4th from 11 a.m. to midnight
  • Sunday, October 5th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Featuring a parade, beer, food, live entertainment, Oktoberfest Games, competitions, and more
• 2025 schedule TBA
• Weekend passes are $30 and one-day passes are $15 (Sunday is free) - purchase tickets HERE

Waverly Oktoberfest

• Kohlmann Park, Waverly
• Dates/Times
  • Friday, October 3rd from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 4th from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Featuring a kids' activities, live music, a food & beverage garden, food, fireworks, games, and more
• 2025 schedule TBA
• Ticket Prices
  • $15 button (good for both days) for ages 18+
  • $5 button (good for both days) for ages 13 through 17
  • Free for ages 12 and under