Celebrate Oktoberfest GR 2026 Near Waters House

Raise a stein and celebrate German culture at Oktoberfest Grand Rapids! This free, two-day festival returns to Riverside Park on September 25–26, 2026, with authentic German food and drinks, live music, traditional games, and entertainment for all ages.

For Waters House residents, Oktoberfest GR is another exciting local event to add to the fall calendar.

Oktoberfest GR 2026 Event Details

• Friday, September 25: 3:00–10:00 p.m.

• Saturday, September 26: Noon–10:00 p.m.

• Location: Riverside Park, 3061 Monroe Avenue NW

• Admission: Free and open to all ages

• Event status: Rain or shine

Visit the official Oktoberfest GR website for event updates and additional information.

Authentic German Food and Drinks

Oktoberfest GR will feature a variety of German-inspired dishes, including bratwurst, currywurst, weisswurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, German potato salad, Bavarian pretzels, apple strudel, and gingerbread cookies.

Adults age 21 and older can choose from a selection of imported German beer, wine, and cider. Alcoholic beverages require drink tickets, which can be purchased at the festival. Guests must also present a valid photo ID and receive a wristband before purchasing or consuming alcohol.

Nonalcoholic drinks, water, and food will be available for purchase from participating vendors.

Live German Music and Entertainment

Live entertainment will fill Riverside Park throughout the weekend. Scheduled performers include the Edelweiss Choir, Alphorns, Route 161 Happy Wanderers, Stubnmusi, and the Ein Prosit German Band.

The festival officially gets underway Friday with a ceremonial keg tapping. Guests can also watch—or participate in—traditional Oktoberfest competitions such as stein-holding contests and the Trachten contest, which recognizes authentic German attire.

Saturday’s activities will include the popular Dachshund Races, keg rolling, keg tossing, and additional stein-holding competitions.

Fun for the Entire Family

Oktoberfest GR welcomes guests of all ages. Children can participate in free games and activities, including coloring, suitcase-packing games, chocolate-unwrapping challenges, and other German-inspired entertainment.

Bounce houses will also be available during select hours for an additional daily fee. Families should check the event schedule and register for children’s games at the kids’ booth before each activity begins.

Start Saturday With the Bier Stein 5K or 8K

Festivalgoers looking for an active start to the weekend can register for the Oktoberfest GR Bier Stein 5K or 8K on Saturday morning. Both routes travel through Riverside Park, giving runners and walkers an opportunity to enjoy the scenery before the afternoon festivities begin.

Race registration is separate from the free festival admission.

Enjoy Grand Rapids Living at Waters House

Living at Waters House means experiencing the historic charm of Heritage Hill while remaining close to Grand Rapids festivals, restaurants, entertainment, colleges, and the Medical Mile.

After enjoying Oktoberfest at Riverside Park, residents can return home to a community featuring renovated studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Waters House amenities include a swimming pool and sun deck, on-site fitness studio, community coffee bar, dedicated resident parking, and a fenced pet park.

Ready to experience Heritage Hill living near the heart of Grand Rapids? Explore Waters House online and schedule a tour today.