Photos: Minnesota Oktoberfest
The annual Delano celebration promises food, merchandise and music for all ages.
Minnesota Oktoberfest returns to Delano September 20 and 21. The third annual festival will feature German cuisine, music and many other family-friendly activities for children.
The festivities begin at 5 p.m. on September 20 with Barvarian bingo, music and several food trucks. On September 21, the first 500 21+ visitors will receive a free limited edition mug to kick off a full day of food, drink and live entertainment. Performers include Alex Meixner Band, S.G. Edelweiss St. Paul and The Wendinger Band.
Although the event is family-friendly, beer and cider will be served alongside pretzels, schnitzel dinners and apfelstrudel. Local food trucks include B’s On the River, Cindy’s Cinnamon Roasted Nuts, Deutschland Meats, Mid Life Coffee, Top Pierogi and Wonders Ice Cream Co.
The all-ages children’s area will be staffed by Delano High School students and features bouncy houses, watercolor painting and cornhole.
21+ visitors can attend for $5, and those under 21 get in free.
Alongside the sights to see and snacks to eat, last year’s Oktoberfest was a community gathering at heart. Editor of Lake Minnetonka Magazine, Renée Stewart-Hester, highlighted the celebration in her Best of Lake Minnetonka 2024 Editor’s Pick in our July issue.
“Perhaps, the best part of the night was the people watching. Groups, large and small, gathered in laughter and conversation. The spirit of community connectiveness was as visible as it was palpable. Family, neighbors and friends—joining together in their own mini reunions,” Stewart-Hester says.
Oktoberfest Markt
The Oktoberfest Markt will have 40 vendors offering fall decorations, produce, garden art, jewelry and more.
All ages. Prices vary. 5 p.m.–11 p.m. September 20, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. September 21; Central Park, 650 River St. N., Delano; 952.955.1679; stpeterlc.org
