New Ulm Oktoberfest has once again been recognized as one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the country, earning the #5 spot in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Oktoberfest.

Nominees for the award were selected by a panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY 10BEST editors before the public voted to determine the final rankings. New Ulm climbed two spots from its #7 finish in 2025, continuing its tradition of earning national recognition for a celebration that brings German heritage, music, food, beverages, traditions, and Gemütlichkeit to Minnesota’s most German city.

This year’s New Ulm Oktoberfest will take place during the first two weekends of October, October 2–3 and October 9–10, with celebrations throughout the community. Unlike many Oktoberfest celebrations held at a single festival site, New Ulm offers multiple Oktoberfest experiences, including festivities at Downtown New Ulm, Best Western Plus New Ulm, and August Schell Brewing Company, along with additional events and activities taking place throughout the community.

The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce will host Downtown Oktoberfest October 2–3 along Center and Minnesota Streets, bringing two days of live music, German food and beverages, family activities, contests, shopping, and more to the heart of New Ulm. Friday evening entertainment will include The Misfits and Tanner Stark, along with a qualifying competition for the U.S. Steinholding Association Minnesota State Championship. Saturday’s festivities will include the official keg tapping, Germanic-American Day Parade, Wendinger Band, Happy Hour Oktoberfest Band from Germany, Nate Frederickson Band, REVLINE Band, kids’ activities, food vendors, the Silver Floss Sauerkraut Eating Contest, and more.

New in 2026, Downtown Oktoberfest will host the U.S. Steinholding Association Minnesota State Championship. Competitors from across Minnesota will test their strength and endurance for the state title and the opportunity to advance to the U.S. Steinholding Association National Championship. A qualifying competition will take place Friday, October 2, at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Minnesota State Championship on Saturday, October 3, at 5:00 p.m.

Oktoberfest festivities continue beyond Downtown throughout both weekends. Best Western Plus New Ulm will celebrate October 2, 3, 9, and 10 with live German music, dancing, food, and beverages. Schell’s Brewery will also host its traditional Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, October 10, giving visitors even more opportunities to experience New Ulm’s German heritage.

The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce thanks the current Ein Prosit sponsors — Athena Genealogy, Best Western Plus New Ulm, and Silver Floss — for their support of Downtown Oktoberfest.

Visitors are encouraged to make a weekend of the celebration and experience Oktoberfest events throughout New Ulm, along with the community’s restaurants, shops, attractions, and German heritage. A complete guide to the 2026 celebration, including schedules, locations, parking, transportation, dining, and additional visitor information, is available at newulm.com/oktoberfest.

Come celebrate in New Ulm and experience for yourself why voters named New Ulm Oktoberfest the #5 Best Oktoberfest in the nation! For more information, visit newulm.com/oktoberfest, email chamber@newulm.com, or call 507-233-4300.