Friday, September 13 Activities

NOTE: There will not be a parade down West 7th Street this year.

​Opening Ceremony (6 PM)
St. Paul Oktoberfest begins with a horse-delivered keg of Oktoberfest beer to the festival grounds followed by a keg tapping ceremony with local dignitaries (der Anstich) to officially kick off Oktoberfest. The Persheron horse will be available for petting and photo opportunities after the keg tapping until 8:30 p.m.

​Kinder Carnival (5–8 PM)
A kid-friendly carnival, complete with bouncy inflatables by Affordable Inflatables. Admission: $8 per child for unlimited fun including performers and free face painting (parents: bar #1 is only steps away).

Beer Hall Contests 
Held on our main stage throughout the evening.
  • Beer mug holding contest
  • Beer chug
  • Yodeling contest
  • “Wiener dog” limbo

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Saturday, September 14 Activities

Cannon Blast (Noon)
This tribute to Bruce Larson will be a ceremonial blast from one of his cannons. Be prepared for a joyful noise!
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Bed Races (1 PM)
Assemble a team of at least four people (one per bed post) and race our official bed at the 19th Annual Bed Races. The races will take place with multiple heats so everyone can participate and race for fun prizes. Register your team here!

Dachshund Races (4 PM)
Watch dachshunds and dachshund mixed-breeds compete in hurdles and dashes. Adorable to look at, this surprisingly bold and tenacious breed was developed to flush badgers out of their burrows. Register your dog here!

​Steinheben (Stone Lifting) Competition (5:15–6:30 PM)
The only competition of its kind in the US! Strongmen and women compete to see how high they can lift a 515 pound concrete “stone”. Popularized in the late 1800s by the “Bavarian Hercules”, a butcher called Hans Steyrer, the heavy lifting competition is still practiced today. Qualifying round and competition all on the Main Stage.

Oktoberfest Wedding Vow Renewal (5 PM)
The original Oktoberfest in Munich celebrated a historic royal wedding. Rather than celebrating a wedding, we invite you to renew your vows, Oktoberfest-style. Held on the Cultural Stage followed by a short wedding dance in the main tent. Register here

Kinder Carnival (10 AM to 8 PM)
A kid-friendly carnival, complete with bouncy inflatables by Affordable Inflatables. Admission: $8 per child for unlimited fun including performers and free face painting (parents: bar #1 is only steps away).

Beer Hall Contests 
Held on our main stage throughout the day.
  • Beer mug holding contest
  • Beer chug
  • Yodeling contest
  • “Wiener dog” limbo