Kansas is rich in German heritage, with 30 percent of residents claiming ancestry. Many towns across the Sunflower State host a free-to-attend Oktoberfest this fall, featuring schedules packed with contests, shopping, and of course, beer and brats.

The countdown is on! Don your lederhosen and dirndl, traditional German dress, at one of these top Bavarian-inspired events.

Oktoberfest
Hays

Volga Germans settled east of the city, bringing their European heritage to Hays in 1876. Considered the German Capital of Kansas, the town’s Oktoberfest coincides with the Fort Hays State Homecoming weekend from Oct. 2-3 at Municipal Park.

The 54th Annual event is free to enter, but adults ages 21 and over who plan to drink must purchase a $2 wristband. Events kick off on Friday with the Opening Ceremony and Tapping of the Keg, followed by Stein Holding, Deutsch Hops and OktoberFEAST contests. Saturday features a parade, cornhole tournament, Battle of the Beirock and kid-friendly games and bounce houses.

Oktoberfest Hays
Hays Municipal Park
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Oktoberfest
Stafford

Launched in 1990, the Stafford Oktoberfest occurs on Oct. 3 during the Stafford Trojans’ Homecoming weekend. 

A crowd gathers for the parade, musical acts and a beer garden. Competitive games include sausage toss, cornhole tournament and FFA Cow Patty Bingo. A popular event for years, people dress in inflatable costumes and race to the finish line. The strongest arms prevail in the Stein-holding contest when men and women raise a three-pound glass stein, defying gravity until a winner is declared.

Oktoberfest Stafford
Downtown Stafford
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Oktoberfest
Abilene

Downtown Abilene transforms into a scene from Germany during the 8th Annual Oktoberfest from Sept. 18-19.

The time-honored festival begins Friday evening, welcoming attendees to peruse vendor booths and pause to sip and savor at beer and wine tents and Bavarian food vendors. A crowd favorite, the Stein Hoisting Competition is a prelude to live music by 7 South Band. Saturday’s schedule promises cornhole, keg rolling and Hammer-Schlagen® competitions. German dancers and a keg-tapping ceremony highlight day two of the festivities. Party planners included bounce houses for kids.

Abilene Oktoberfest
Downtown Abilene
(202) 276-1618
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Oktoberfest
Junction City

A long-standing tradition of a German-inspired festival brings a crowd to downtown Junction City from Oct. 2-3.

A car show and more than 70 food, craft and shop vendors are expected to draw crowds. This year, the Junction City Oktoberfest is adding Lost Wax to its live music lineup, and unlike previous years, the adults-only VIP Party Tent is free to enter. Guests can purchase drinks at the bar or a German-inspired meal. Traditional American Pro Wrestling will deliver dramatic, physical feats in the ring. An expanded Kids Zone will feature more inflatables along with a climbing wall, mini golf and a roaming circus performer.

Junction City Oktoberfest
Downtown Junction
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