Not everyone can make it out to the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Fortunately, Oktoberfest is a tradition celebrated all over the world. For example, there’s an Oktoberfest in Waverly, IA that’s simply packed with excitement.

Want to know what you can expect when you visit? Read on to find out.

About Waverly Oktoberfest

The Waverly Oktoberfest takes place over the course of a weekend in early October. The 2022 event will be happening October 7 and 8 at Kohlmann Park. Hours are as follows:

• Friday: 4-11:30 PM

• Saturday: 11AM – midnight

Ticketing

Ticket pricing is as follows:

• Adults: $10

• Teens 13-17: $5

• Kids 12 and under: free

• Wartburg Students: $5 with student ID

Events and Activities

There are tons of events and activities to enjoy at Waverly Oktoberfest. These include:

Kids Activities: Kids can have fun on an assortment of inflatables. They can ride ponies and have their faces painted. There will also be a Lego robotics station, a tractor-pulled kiddie train and a kids’ stein hoist with water instead of beer.

Free Games: There will be a variety of free games guests can enjoy. These include:

• Stein Hoist: This involves contestants holding out a full stein of beer with their arms outstretched. The one who holds out the longest wins. There will be separate men’s and women’s divisions.

• Hammerschlagen: Test your aim and strength by attempting to hammer a nail into a barrel. The player to get their nail flush with the fewest strikes wins.

• 9 Square: 9 square involves keeping the ball from landing in your square of going out of bounds on your hit. It’s a fast-paced game kind of like 4-square and volleyball rolled into one.

• Keg Toss: A simple concept, the one who can throw their empty keg the farthest wins.

Cornhole Tournament

The cornhole tournament costs $40 per team to enter and includes event admission. The winner gets all collected monies as well as $500. Players will throw a resin- filled bag at the hole in the board scoring points for hitting the board and for making a shot. The first team to score 21 wins.

Other activities include:

• Dance lessons by the UNI international Dance Team

• UNI International Dance Team performance

• Opening ceremonies including the tapping of the keg

• Musical performances by a variety of traditional and non-traditional bands

• A firework display over the Cedar River

• Local Homebrewers tasting event

Food and Drink

Vendors will be on hand selling a variety of food items. You can enjoy festival fare as well as German specialty foods.

Beer will be available on tap and in bottles and cans. There will also be several homebrewers at the event offering unique, hand-crafted selections.

Become a Member

Guests have the option of becoming a member of the Waverly Oktoberfest organization. Those who sign up will get:

• 2 tickets for the Oktoberfest event

• 2 official Waverly Oktoberfest 2022 handmade steins

• 2 drink tickets

• Name listed as a Sustaining Member on program

• An exclusive invite to the Sustaining Member party before the event

Not everyone can make it out to Germany for the official Oktoberfest event. Fortunately, cities like Waverly, IA hosts a festival that brings it closer to home for many people. Will you be attending this year’s celebration?

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