When the North Shore air turns as golden as a frothy lager and the leaves crunch like pretzels underfoot, there’s only one thing on tap: Milwaukee’s Original Oktoberfest at The Bavarian Bierhaus. Step into Old Heidelberg Park, where the spirit of Munich comes alive right here in Milwaukee’s North Shore!
Why It’s a Must-Attend
With roots deeply planted in tradition, this festival isn’t just another seasonal event, it’s Milwaukee’s longest-running, most authentic Oktoberfest celebration at The Bavarian Bierhaus. Imagine mural-decorated buildings, communal tables stretching under the Wisconsin sky, and the aromas of bratwurst and German pretzels filling the air. The energy is real, full of traditional polka music, and oompah bands performing across all weekends. Expect exciting activities: think Hammerschlagen, stein-hoisting contests, community dancing, singalongs, family carnival games, and so much more! Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover German heritage or a seasonal visitor eager for cultural immersion, this festival checks all the boxes, food, fun, music, and community!
The Bavarian Bierhaus is proud to host Milwaukee’s Original Oktoberfest in Old Heidelberg Park. Their Oktoberfest is the longest-running celebration of its kind in the city. Rooted in almost a century of tradition, their fest brings the true spirit of Munich to Wisconsin with authentic German beer, food, music, and family-friendly fun. Join us in Old Heidelberg Park or the festhall for steins, sausages, and live polka—this is Oktoberfest as it was meant to be experienced!
LIVE MUSIC is the heartbeat of this festival! The stage comes alive with traditional German polka, festive folk tunes, and high-energy party bands that keep the steins swinging and the crowd dancing. Whether it’s a lederhosen-clad oompah band or a local favorite rocking the beer garden, the music is loud, lively, and full of Gemütlichkeit!
Authentic Flavors & Brews
The Bierhaus Biergarten menu features classic German favorites made to pair perfectly with our haus-brewed beers. Enjoy hearty bratwurst, schnitzel, Döner kebabs, soft pretzels, sauerkraut, and warm potato salad. Finish your meal with a slice of fresh apple strudel—all served in a relaxed, communal setting that captures the spirit of a true Bavarian biergarten.
All of their delicious bites are crafted to complement house-brewed biers like Pilsner, Hefeweizen, Dunkel, and of course their seasonal Oktoberfest Bier! At The Bavarian Bierhaus, they take great pride in their wide selection of German beers, each with its own unique flavor and character. Brewed right on site in their state of the art 15bb brewery brews traditional German-style beers on-site, following the time-honored Reinheitsgebot (Purity Law) as a guideline. From crisp Pilsners and smooth Lagers to rich Dunkels and refreshing Hefeweizens, every bier is crafted with precision, passion, and the finest German ingredients. Whether you’re a longtime bier lover or new to the world of German brewing, there’s a perfect pour waiting for you. Check out their full bier menu here https://www.thebavarianbierhaus.com/beers
A Legacy of German Heritage
The Bavarian Bierhaus stands as a tribute to the rich heritage of German brewing, hospitality, and celebration. Built on tradition and rooted in community, they honor the old-world customs of Bavaria while embracing the spirit of Wisconsin. From their authentic cuisine and handcrafted biers to their lively festivals and warm Gemütlichkeit, every experience at the Bierhaus is a continuation of a proud legacy, where the past is celebrated, and new memories are made.
Nestled in Glendale, the beloved Old Heidelberg Park didn’t appear overnight—it’s the product of generations of German-American heritage. Starting in the 1920s, the German Clubs of Milwaukee secured a parcel of land along North Port Washington Road. By 1967, the park, its clubhouse, and soccer fields became a real hub for community and culture. Since the late 1960s, this has been the longest-running Oktoberfest in the city. Year after year, thousands gather for four straight weeks of food, music, Steins, and community spirit—earning the festival its title, “Milwaukee’s Original Oktoberfest”
9/26/1984 President Reagan watching dancers while visiting the annual “Family Octoberfest” at the Old Heidelberg Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin
Tap The Possibilities
From hearty sausages and frothy brews to polka rhythms that make every heart beat faster, Milwaukee’s Original Oktoberfest is more than a festival. It’s a celebration of tradition, togetherness, and pure joy. Mark your calendars, grab your lederhosen (optional, but encouraged!), and join us every weekend September 5th – October 5th at Old Heidelberg Park.
Plan Like a Pro:
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Book your stay in Glendale to make this Oktoberfest memorable, whether you’re looking for luxury, family-friendly comfort, or a budget-friendly rest. There are many options all with free overnight parking and within a mile of the famous festival grounds!
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Download The Bavarian Bierhaus App on your phone. The App delivers admission discounts and deals—worth downloading
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Reserve a table (for you and up to 7 others) under the Large Pavilion. Each reservation includes one picnic table (seats up to 8 people). Eventbite calls it a “ticket” don’t be alarmed; it is for a full table, not a single seat. Make a table reservation here!
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Stay up to date by following Discover the North Shore & The Bavarian Bierhaus on social media platforms
- Check out The Bavarian Bierhaus’s official website at https://www.thebavarianbierhaus.com/oktoberfest
