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Join us October 9-11
Things To Do
More Than a Fest—It’s a Full-On Fall Celebration 🎉
From sizzling sausages and stein-holding showdowns to live music, dancing and family fun—Oktoberfest NW is packed with ways to celebrate the season in true Bavarian style (with a Pacific Northwest twist!).
Whether you're a beer buff, a foodie, a polka pro or just here for the chicken dance, there’s something for everyone!
Tapping of the Firkin - Friday night only!
Starts at approximately 6:15 pm Friday October 9th in front of the Festhalle Stage.
Oktoberfest began on October 12, 1810, celebrating the royal wedding of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. The celebration was so popular it became an annual tradition held each October. The keg-tapping tradition began in the 1950s with Munich’s Mayor, Thomas Wimmer, who struck the first keg and shouted “O’zapft is!” — meaning “It’s tapped!” And so began the beloved tradition of kicking off the festivities by tapping the first keg. Prost!
Tapping of the FirkinFun & Games
Oktoberfest NW is packed with entertainment for all ages! From Wiener Dog Races and the Bavarian Bier-Lympics to Hammerschlagen® and the high-energy Stein Dash, there's truly something for everyone. Plus, enjoy classic back yard games like Cornhole, Holey Boards, and Beer Pong throughout the weekend!
Fun & GamesWashington State Stein Holding Championship Only at Oktoberfest NW
Oktoberfest NW has been officially chosen as the exclusive Washington State qualifying event for the U.S. Stein holding Association’s National Championship!
WA State Stein Hold ChampionshipBavarian Bier-Lympics – Let the Games Begin!
Ready to test your skills and your stein strength? The Bavarian Bier-Lympics is a wild series of over-the-top Oktoberfest-style games designed for maximum fun and friendly competition!
Bavarian Bier-LympicsFamily Fun
There’s something for everyone with a weekend full of festive activities the whole family will love!
Family FunStein Dash 5k - Sunday, October 11th
A fun-filled 5K with three beer stops along the course, where participants sip different brews as they run in their best Oktoberfest gear—lederhosen and dirndls welcome! Runners receive a t-shirt and a stein to run with!
Stein Dash 5kSports Haus - Presented by Xfinity
Sports fans, this one’s for you! The Sports Haus at Oktoberfest NW is your go-to spot to catch all the weekend action—right in the heart of the festival. Big-screen TVs will be showing the best games from the day. Grab a seat, order up an authentic German bier, and cheer on your team alongside fellow fans in a lively, beer hall-style atmosphere that blends the best of sports and Oktoberfest tradition. Prost to touchdowns, goals, home runs—and good times!
The Sports HausWiener Dog Races
Don’t miss the wildly entertaining Running of the Wieners on Sunday October 11th, an all-day dachshund extravaganza packed with races, contests, and plenty of tail-wagging fun!
Wiener Dog RacesStein Holding
Think you’ve got what it takes to outlast the rest? Join in our daily Stein Holding contests and test your strength and stamina for a chance to claim bragging rights and win fun prizes—open to all guests throughout the weekend in front of the Fest Halle Stage!
Stein HoldingHammerschlagen®
The rules are simple, but the challenge is real: Be the first to drive your nail into a log using only the narrow end of the hammer.
Hammerschlagen