Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

When you’re in Germany, do as the Germans do. When you’re in Milwaukee, just pretend you’re German for a day to enjoy the cornucopia of Fall events in America’s most German city! Milwaukee, Wisconsin is one of the nation’s most popular spots for festivals of all kinds, and Oktoberfest brings a fresh lineup of activities and events for the entire family. From parades to fireworks displays, Oktoberfest is a time to take in the fresh Fall air along with your amber ale of choice. Here’s what’s in store for Oktoberfest 2007 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin:

The official Milwaukee Oktoberfest revelries start off at Old Hedielberg Park in Glendale. This park is one of Milwaukee’s top spots for food and drink festivals year round, and you’ll find tents full of German suds and snacks each weekend throughout September. Just follow the Bavarian music to one of Wisconsin’s oldest celebrations. Oktoberfest here is sponsored by the United German Societies of Milwaukee and the Bavarian Inn, and there’s even a cook-off between German chefs drumming up some authentic ‘Wunderbare’ bratwurst and classic Spanferkel. Call (414) 964-0300 for more information.

Old World Third Street holds its annual block party to honor Oktoberfest, and this year it takes place on September 29 and 30. Biergarten favorites will be served at the old Beer Garden Hall, and you can enjoy music and live entertainment starting at noon each day. This year’s lineup includes Eddie Vidmar, the Booze Brothers, Brew Haus Polka Kings, and Sigmund Snopke performing none other than the ‘Beer Show.’ Enjoy from German menu items including rotisserie chicken, roasted pig, German potato salad, and plenty of Oktoberfest Biers on tap. Sign up online for more information

While it doesn’t serve up a formal Oktoberfest celebration in Old World Third Street, Rock Bottom brew pub in Milwaukee offers plenty of entertainment and Oktoberfest beer during festival season. Enjoy lakefront dining on the Milwaukee River, or just enjoy a house beer with your burger and fries. Rock Bottom is one of Milwaukee’s top spots to enjoy outdoor dining, and there’s nothing like Fall season in Wisconsin to make the most of it! Call (414) 276-3030 for reservations or more information.

Finish up your Oktoberfest celebrations with a tour of an authentic Milwaukee brew pub. Just minutes from Pabst Theater and the Milwaukee Center is the home of Water Street Brewery, a Milwaukee classic. Go ahead and count all the beer on the wall, this place has enough to make your head spin! Take part in an around-the-world beer tasting of all your favorites, but don’t miss out on the Old World Oktoberfest. This is a great spot for lunch and dinner too, so you can settle in for a classic fish fry while you’re there! Call (414) 272-1195. Milwaukee will warmly ‘vilkommen’ you with its annual tradition of beer festivals throughout September and October. As long as you’ve made time for some German dancing and Polka, you’ll be well-prepared for a classic Oktoberfest celebration!