Best Oktoberfest Events Around Kansas City

One thing you should never take for granted is having a grand time at your local Oktoberfest celebration and of course, Kansas City has some incredible festivals not to be missed.

Maybe you are Bavarian yourself or simply a seasoned Oktoberfest participant so you’re already planning your outfit or your calendars but for some, this is something new altogether. Don’t worry, we’ve put together some helpful details about what to expect at Oktoberfest.

what happens at Oktoberfest?

Hanging out at an Oktoberfest festival is full of music and festive experiences that celebrate Bavarian culture, great German beers, and overall community. While the activities can vary depending on the location and size of the event, here’s our list of 10 things you can expect at Oktoberfest:

1. Family-Friendly Activities

The event is not just for celebrating beer, many events also offer kids activities throughout the day, including carnival-style rides, contests, and petting zoo areas for children.

2. Live Music, Dancing, and Competitions

Expect lots of live music and entertainment. Make sure you take time to catch some traditional Bavarian bands playing their lively folk music and follow that up with many dance performances and stein hoisting competitions.

3. Great Food

German cuisine is a staple of Oktoberfest. You can indulge in fare such as sausages, sauerkraut, schnitzel, sauerkraut, pretzels, and various types of traditional desserts. Grab some roasted chicken and savor the rich tastes of Bavarian fare.

4. Endless Beer

Oktoberfest is well known for its Biergarten serving up all kinds of popular beers. One beer in particular is Märzen, a traditional amber lager brewed especially for the festival. Bavarian beers are typically served in large steins, and it’s common to see people toasting and tasting with friends and strangers alike.

5. Traditional Bavarian Attire

Many attendees opt to dress in traditional Bavarian clothing. Women often wear dirndls (popular Bavarian dresses) and for the men, this usually means lederhosen (short leather pants). Wearing such attire is not required but adds to the festive atmosphere.

6. Traditional Bavarian Atmosphere

These events aim to recreate the feel and aesthetic of a traditional Bavarian beer festival. You’ll certainly find large, decorated tents or outdoor beer gardens, complete with long tables, festive banners, and an abundance of Bavarian music.

7. Large Crowds

Oktoberfest events can get crowded, especially since most events are held on weekends. However, the festive atmosphere makes it enjoyable to rub elbows with fellow attendees, both locals and tourists and make new friends.

8. Cultural Exhibits

Some Oktoberfest celebrations include cultural exhibits and displays, offering insights into Bavarian history and original crafts.

9. Games and Rides

In addition to the beer and food, many Oktoberfest events have contests and midway rides. You can try your hand at games like ring toss or test your courage on spinning rides and Ferris wheels.

10. Safety and Responsible Drinking

It’s undoubtedly important to drink responsibly at Oktoberfest events, as these events are a great place to bring kids and expose them to the Bavarian culture. As a result, this is important to protect and not allow public intoxication to become an issue. Security and medical professionals are usually on hand to ensure the safety of everyone.

We indeed had a blast watching the annual Steinhoisting Competition at the Lee’s Summit Oktoberfest Event. Over 60 folks participated in this year’s challenge. A male and female champion were crowned after some fierce competition.

2023 list of Kansas City Oktoberfest Events nearby

As we’ve been out and about, we’ve been checking out the many festivals happening in the area. Meanwhile, here are the local Oktoberfest events we’ve found that you should experience. We hope to hear about some more to include soon.

1. KC Oktoberfest

• Location: Kansas City’s Crown Center
• Dates – Oct 6 & 7, 2023
• Admission Fee – Yes (check website)
• Host: KC Bier Co – Brewer of Traditional German-Style Bier
• Website Details

2. Lee’s Summit Oktoberfest

• Location – Downtown Lee’s Summit, Mo.
• Dates – Sep 22 & 23, 2023
• Admission Fee – Free
• Host: Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce
• Website Details

3. O-kC-tober fest

• Location – 13875 S. Gardner Road, Olathe, KS 66061
• Dates – Sep 9, 2023
• Admission Fee – Yes
• Host: KC Wine Co
• Website Details

4. Oktoberfest Live!

• Location – Power & Light District in Downtown Kansas City, Mo.
• Dates – Sep 23, 2023
• Admission Fee – Yes
• Host: Power & Light & Leinenkugel
• Website Details

In Conclusion

Attending an Oktoberfest event around Kansas City or any area can indeed be a fun and memorable experience filled with good times, good beer, craft vendors, and a sense of pride. It’s a celebration of German culture and traditions that folks all around the world come together to celebrate. Now let’s help you find one near you.

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