Two Beloved MN and WI Oktoberfests Just Made the National Top 10

Raise your steins, because our neck of the woods once again wears not one, but two crowns when it comes to hosting America’s top Oktoberfests. From Minnesota’s hearty celebrations to Wisconsin’s beer-soaked traditions, these two festivals have just been named the very best in the nation.

Minnesota is known for our 10,000 Lakes, but we're also no slouch when it comes to celebrating Oktoberfest. And seeing as a celebration about beer seems much more at home behind the Cheddar Curtain over in Wisconsin, it's no surprise America's Dairyland does Oktoberfest right as well.

And while we've always known that living here in the upper Midwest, now the rest of the country is starting to catch on to our top-notch Oktoberfest celebrations as well, seeing as two huge Oktoberfests-- one here in Minnesota and one in Wisconsin-- were just ranked as two of the 10 best in the entire country.

SEE ALSO: Why Wasps, Hornets and Yellowjackets Seem To Be Everywhere in Minnesota This Fall

Why Minnesota and Wisconsin Have Such Strong Oktoberfest Traditions

Minnesota and Wisconsin became a natural home for Oktoberfest celebrations thanks to the large number of German immigrants who settled in both states in the mid-1800s. History.com reports that the first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 when Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese, and they threw quite the beer-infused party to celebrate.

And carrying on their German heritage, those celebrations soon popped up here as well, and today, this German festival is recreated in cities across the United States each fall-- especially here in Minnesota and Wisconsin, History.com said.

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Minnesota and Wisconsin Oktoberfests Make USA Today’s Top 10

According to USA Today's 10 Best Oktoberfest 2026 list, two familiar festivals in each state just made their prestigious list this year. So, hoist a stein for both of these well-known fall celebrations. Ranked at #9 on USA Today's 10 Best Oktoberfest 2026 list was Wisconsin's New Glarus Oktoberfest.

#9 -New Glarus Oktoberfest - 1

New Ulm Oktoberfest Ranks Among America’s Best

The New Glarus Oktoberfest is a yearly festival that is set to run from October 24th through 27th this year, in the Wisconsin town known for its Swiss heritage. Here's how USA Today described the festival:

For one full weekend in late September, the New Glarus Oktoberfest brings locals and visitors alike tons of fun in the form of live music, delicious craft beef from the New Glarus Brewing Co., traditional Swiss and German treats, and tasty bites, including Swiss-Wisconsin cheeses. They’ve also got wagon rides, a kids area (complete with a craft and cookie event just for them), craft vendors on site for shopping, and even chainsaw carving to keep things extra exciting.

Minnesota's New Ulm Oktoberfest Also Makes the USA Today List

The second regional festival to make the USA Today 10 Best List this year is Minnesota's Oktoberfest in New Ulm. The fall celebration takes 5th place this year on the USA Today 10 Best list.

New Ulm Oktoberfest - 1

 Visit New Ulm notes this massive festival is the largest in the state, with live music, a market, polka dancing, and plenty of German fare. People described it like this:

New Ulm Oktoberfest takes place during the first two weekends in October. Celebrations are hosted all across town, to include those at the iconic Schell's Brewery, which specializes in Minnesota's Grain Belt beer. Hoist a stein and enjoy live music, a market, polka dancing, and plenty of German fare.

So, whether you're staying in Minnesota or heading over to Wisconsin, there's a great way to take part in this annual fall festival! And speaking of great things to do in the fall in Minnesota, keep scrolling to check out 10 of the best corn mazes to get lost in this autumn as well!