Oktoberfest in Wisconsin 2025: La Crosse & New Glarus Guide
Oktoberfest La Crosse & New Glarus 2025 Dates & Tips
Planning to soak in some festive Bavarian spirit right here in Wisconsin? You’re in luck—both La Crosse and New Glarus host two of the region’s most celebrated Oktoberfest events. If you’re wondering when is Oktoberfest in La Crosse, WI & New Glarus, WI, this guide lays out everything from exact dates and parade times to ticket info and travel tips. Whether you prefer the large-scale excitement of La Crosse or the small-town charm of New Glarus, we’ll help you get there with confidence—beer stein in hand and schedule in check.
Oktoberfest USA – La Crosse, WI
Dates & Location
Oktoberfest USA in La Crosse, Wisconsin, will take place from September 25 to 28, 2025, at the heart of the city’s celebration zone: 1 Oktoberfest Strasse, La Crosse, WI 54601. This prime location transforms into a lively hub of Bavarian-themed festivities, drawing visitors from across the Midwest and beyond. Whether you’re coming for a day or the entire weekend, this address is where tradition, fun, and authentic culture come together.
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What to Expect & Why It’s Unique
Celebrated since 1961, La Crosse’s Oktoberfest stands as one of the oldest and most respected festivals of its kind in the U.S. While it mirrors Munich’s festive spirit, it adds a distinct Midwestern charm that makes it unforgettable. Guests can enjoy traditional beer tents, authentic German cuisine, and live polka music, alongside modern attractions like carnival rides, local crafts, and the ever-popular Oktoberfest Race Weekend held at a nearby speedway. The blend of heritage and entertainment offers something for all age groups, making it one of Wisconsin’s must-attend fall festivals.
La Crosse Oktoberfest Parades: Torchlight & Maple Leaf
When & Where
Two major parades bring extra excitement to Oktoberfest USA in La Crosse. The Torchlight Parade kicks off the festivities on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM, lighting up the evening with illuminated floats and marching bands. The Maple Leaf Parade, a long-standing favorite, takes place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Both events wind through downtown La Crosse, offering prime viewing spots and a festive atmosphere for locals and travelers alike.
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How to Participate or Watch
These parades are central to the spirit of Oktoberfest. The Torchlight Parade features glowing floats and evening festivities, while the Maple Leaf Parade includes costumed performers, traditional keg tapping, and community floats from local organizations. Families and photographers will find the Maple Leaf Parade especially picturesque. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early for good viewing spots, while groups or businesses interested in joining the parade can register online—entries are accepted until early September. Whether you’re marching or cheering, the parades offer a joyful way to celebrate German-American heritage.
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La Crosse Tickets & Wristbands: Entry & Pass Info
Required Wristbands
To access the main Oktoberfest grounds in La Crosse from Thursday, September 25 to Saturday, September 27, 2025, all visitors aged 13 and older must wear an official wristband. Sunday remains free for everyone. These wristbands are not just entry passes—they’re also equipped with RFID technology that lets you pay for food, drinks, and merchandise conveniently within the festival. For the best experience, it’s highly recommended to order wristbands online before September 11 to receive them by mail. Alternatively, they’re available for in-person purchase starting July 28 at the Oktoberfest Office and select local outlets.
Higher-Level Events
In addition to general admission, La Crosse’s Oktoberfest features exclusive ticketed events that require separate passes. These include the Festmaster’s Ball, Mrs. Oktoberfest Luncheon, and A Toast to Oktoberfest, among others. These gatherings offer more formal, community-centered experiences and are ideal for those who want to connect with the tradition on a deeper level. Tickets for these events can be secured online or directly at the Oktoberfest Office, and early purchase is encouraged due to limited availability.
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Oktoberfest USA – New Glarus, WI
Dates, Time & Location
New Glarus, often referred to as America’s Little Switzerland, hosts its annual Oktoberfest from September 25 to 28, 2025 in the heart of downtown (ZIP 53574). This festival offers a relaxed, family-friendly environment that’s perfect for visitors seeking authentic charm without the scale of larger events.
Festival Highlights
New Glarus Oktoberfest celebrates Swiss-German heritage with a cozy, small-town feel. Expect live polka and folk music, traditional bratwurst and sauerkraut, and fresh local brews from New Glarus Brewing Company. The festival grounds also feature wagon rides, children’s games, and chainsaw carving demonstrations. Unlike larger venues, New Glarus provides free tent access—no tickets or reservations required—which adds to the casual and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great choice for families, craft beer lovers, and cultural explorers alike.
Why Attend These Wisconsin Oktoberfests?
Both La Crosse and New Glarus offer unique takes on Oktoberfest, each with its own charm and attractions. La Crosse Oktoberfest stands out for its scale and heritage—it’s one of the oldest and most iconic festivals in the Midwest, with over six decades of tradition. You’ll experience vibrant parades, massive beer tents, authentic German food, carnival rides, and special events like the Oktoberfest Race Weekend. It’s ideal for those seeking a large-scale celebration with a full itinerary of entertainment.
On the other hand, New Glarus Oktoberfest is perfect for those craving a more relaxed, family-friendly experience. With its small-town Swiss roots, free admission, and cozy downtown vibe, it offers everything from live music and wagon rides to locally brewed craft beer—all without the crowds or ticket requirements. It’s a great option for visitors who want to explore Swiss-American culture and enjoy Oktoberfest in a more intimate setting.
How to Plan Your Visit: Tickets, Transport & Timing
Attending either La Crosse or New Glarus Oktoberfest requires just a bit of preparation to make the most of your weekend. For La Crosse, it’s essential to purchase wristbands ahead of time—especially for Thursday through Saturday when they’re required for entry if you’re 13 or older. Ordering online before September 11, 2025, ensures delivery to your home, while on-site sales begin July 28. These wristbands double as RFID payment tools inside the grounds, making food and drink purchases smoother. Also consider booking special event tickets (like the Festmaster’s Ball) early, as they tend to sell out fast.
In New Glarus, planning is more flexible thanks to its free admission and open layout. Since everything happens in the walkable downtown area, no ticket is needed—just show up and enjoy. However, accommodations fill quickly during festival weekends, so booking lodging early is wise. La Crosse provides shuttles and park-and-ride options, which are especially useful for out-of-towners. In New Glarus, parking is limited but local shuttle services and pedestrian-friendly access make getting around easy. Whether you’re driving in for the day or staying the whole weekend, advance planning guarantees a smoother Oktoberfest experience.
Anna Bauer is a seasoned Bavarian fashion expert, cultural consultant, and heritage stylist with over a decade of hands-on experience in traditional German clothing. Born in Munich, the heart of Bavaria, Anna grew up surrounded by the rich traditions of Trachten fashion. Her passion for cultural attire led her to pursue a degree in Fashion and Textile Design at the prestigious University of the Arts Berlin, where she specialized in European folkwear.
Over the past 12+ years, Anna has collaborated with renowned Trachten designers, styled outfits for Oktoberfest events across Germany, and contributed articles to top fashion and culture magazines across Europe. Her work focuses on preserving the authenticity of Lederhosen and Dirndl wear while helping modern audiences style them with confidence and flair.
As the lead content contributor for German Attire, Anna combines her academic background, professional styling experience, and deep cultural roots to provide readers with valuable insights into traditional German fashion. Her blog posts cover everything from historical origins and styling guides to care tips and festival outfit planning—making her a trusted voice for anyone looking to embrace Bavarian heritage in a stylish, modern way.