Oktoberfest is a celebration that takes place in Munich, Germany every year. It celebrates all things German, the costumes, the music, the food, and especially the beer.

Unfortunately, not everyone can make it out to Germany for Oktoberfest. But there are many cities around the world that celebrate Oktoberfest in their own way.

La Crosse, WI is the perfect example. They have been hosting an Oktoberfest since 1961. Read on to find out what to expect when you visit.

About Oktoberfest USA

Oktoberfest USA does its best to imitate the Oktoberfest that happens every year in Munich. Its sense of authenticity helped it win the All-American City Award. It is attended by thousands of people each year.

The 2022 Oktoberfest USA will take place from September 29 to October 1 on the Downtown La Crosse Oktoberfest Grounds.

Parades

Parades are part of the Oktoberfest USA celebrations. They include a Torchlight Parade, which will happen on Sept. 29 at 7 PM, and a Maple Leaf Parade on Saturday October 1 at 10 AM. Awards are given out for both parades.

The Torchlight Parade awards are given for the best floats and units in various categories. The Maple Leaf awards are presented to community members who deserve to be recognized for their actions throughout the year.

High school bands marching bands are also awarded for their participation.

Music

The festival offers several venues for live music including the Garden Stage, the Morrie’s Heritage Hofbrau Haus, and the Altra Federal Credit Union Festplatz. A variety of bands will be playing genres ranging from traditional German to popular hits.

Beer

A variety of beers will be served at Das Bier Haus, Kaplan Festplatz, Surly Bar, and Morrie’s Heritage Hofbrau Haus.

Buttons

Each year, Oktoberfest USA asks that designers create a button that symbolizes the festivities and the coming year. The Board of Directors selects a winning entry. The design is then added to the buttons which are available at Oktoberfest. The buttons from each year are also displayed and sold on the Oktoberfest USA website.

Royal Family

The festival selects a royal family each year to bring a face to the festivities. These include:

• Festmaster: The ringleader of the fest

• Mrs. Oktoberfest: The pillar of the community

• Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest: Miss Oktoberfest represents LaCrosse in the Miss America Organization.

• Maple Leaf Parade Marshall: The Marshall leads the Maple Leaf Parade.

• Torchlight Parade Marshall: To lead the Torchlight Parade.

• Special Fester: The fester plays a special role in the Oktoberfest family.

• Grenadiers: The grenadiers march in the parades and dance the polka to get the party started.

Events and Activities

Although a list of 2022 events has not yet been posted, you can get a good idea of what to expect based on 2021 events. This includes carnival rides, ethnic foods, German entertainment, live pop, rock, and country music, and children’s performances and activities.

The grounds are divided into two areas, the Southside, and the Northside. The Northside Grounds is more family oriented featuring a music and entertainment venue, food vendors and a carnival. The Southside is decorated with Munich-style Oktoberfest tents and features a biergarten and food court area.

What to Do in La Crosse

Here are some things to do in La Crosse when you are not attending Oktoberfest:

• Riverside International Friendship Gardens: Enjoy the nature landscape which overlooks views of where the Black, La Crosse and Mississippi Rivers converge.

• Riverside Park: This public park sits on the banks of the Mississippi River.

• Dahl Auto Museum: The Auto Museum is a great place to check out classic cars and learn the history of American car manufacturing.

• Children’s Museum of La Crosse: The museum offers interactive displays children will love.

• Grandad Bluff State Park: This park is over 1000 feet above sea level offering breathtaking views of the city.

• Great River State Trail: This 24-mile trail is ideal for hiking and biking.

• Goose Island County Park: The County Park is a terrific destination for canoeing and kayaking. It also has a campground where you can pitch you tent.

• La Crosse River State Trail: The 22-mile trail is great for walking, jogging, hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

• La Crosse Segway Tours: La Crosse Segway Tours allows you to explore the city in a unique way.

• Lake Onalaska: This 4-mile-wide reservoir is a terrific destination for outdoor activities like swimming, boating, fishing, waterskiing, and windsurfing.

If you are looking for an unforgettable Oktoberfest experience, La Crosse is the place for it. The festival offers so many things to see and do. Will you be planning a visit for the coming year?

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