Oktoberfest 2023!

A festival celebrating German heritage, music and food in downtown Waterloo. Dress in your dirndls and lederhosen, grab your stein and your friends, and get your Prost on at Iowa Oktoberfest!

There will be live music; beer and food, and fun contests.

Contests & Games

Stein Hoist!

A traditional Bavarian endurance contest during which contestants must hold a one-liter stein of beer in one outstretched arm for as long as possible. The filled stein weighs roughly five pounds and must be kept parallel to the ground at all times. Any spilling leads to immediate disqualification! The person who holds theirs out for the longest time, wins.

We’ll start off with a Celebrity Stein Hoist on Friday afternoon and continue all weekend with friendly competitions leading to crowning the Iowa Oktoberfest Stein Hoist Champion!

Beers & Hammers!

Thius German game involves hammering some nails into a tree and drinking for whenever you mess up. This game supposedly dates back as far as 1940 or earlier. It’s safe to say this game makes a lot more sense if you’ve already had a few beers before you start it. You can play with as many players as you want as long as there’s enough nails.

Grab a pint and challange your friends to a competition - we'll have Beers & Hammers stations set up all festival!

Barktoberfest!

Bring your best dressed pups! Come on down at 11am on Saturday for a barking good time. We’ll have a short parade of dogs so come dressed to win - best costume gets a trophy!

Date: September 29-30, 2023

Cost: Free

Location: Anton's Garden, 518 Sycamore St, Waterloo, IA 50703

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