- Do you have to be a member, or is the event open to the public?
The event is open to the public. Members do get special perks, including free tickets for guests, and access to the inside of the Haus during festivals, along with monthly benefits. For more information about membership, visit our Membership Page
- What is the cost for Oktoberfest?
Admission is $10 at the gate, children under 12 enter free. For more information about gate hours and ticketing, visit our main page.
- What’s new this year?
We’re accepting credit cards at all booths as well as cash. 2 new bands from out of town. On the first weekend, a 32-piece band from Germany named Blaskapelle Luchtringen. On the 2nd weekend and 3rd Friday, a 3 generation band from Ohio named The Klaberheads. Schedule here. Once again, a free shuttle bus (ADA compliant) from the Cabrini campus parking on Esplanade Avenue.
- Are children welcomed?
Yes! We love having the little ones! Kids under 12 may enter free, and it can be a wonderful way to introduce them to German culture. There is space to picnic or play (feel free to bring blankets, balls, and toys). We also highly encourage the children to get up and dance with our Deutsches Haus Chicken for the Chicken Dance! There are other activities children will enjoy as well, such as our Schnauzer Strut dog parade ! There may be some other surprises this year too!
- Are there restrooms on site?
Onsite on on the outdoor grounds, there will be port-a-potties (including Handicapped accessible ones) for the general public. Members and 1 guest are allowed inside to use the Haus bathrooms.
- Is there parking?
Parking is located on our grounds, while availability lasts, for $25. More on our parking page here. Cabrini school on nearby Esplanade Avenue also offers parking. There is a free ADA shuttle bus from Cabrini school on Esplanade.
- Are there meals for special diets?
Usinger sausage is gluten-free.
For a vegetarian diet, the pizza booth can do a non-meat pizza if requested. The main food tent can do a vegetable plate (but avoid sauerkraut which has seasoning meat in it.)
Spiked seltzer is a gluten free beverage, as well as wine and schnapps. (The seltzer is at the Liquor/Schnapps booth which also sells non-Alcoholic beer by Buckler.)
People can also visit the Imbiss tent (“snack tent” — quick food service) for other options or a few of the other food tents (popcorn, candied nuts, pretzels, cheese, etc.) to find a variety of foods and drinks that will be pleasing to everyone.
- What isn’t allowed?
Please don’t bring outside food or drink. You’re not allowed to bring weapons or firearms. We do have local police officers, firemen and EMTs keeping the event safe. Please refrain from bringing anything to sell, or anything that’s religious, political, or otherwise hurts our gemütlichkeit (state of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer)
- What’s available for sale?
We’ll have a variety of foods available, for more information on food go here and drink, go here. There’s also a full gift shop with flower crowns, t-shirts, hats, lederhosen, steins, and a variety of other amazing German gifts. We are a cash-event, but there are ATMs available on the premises. For gift shop and dinner plate purchases, credit cards are available.