From lederhosen to live polka, Mt. Angel is gearing up for its 60th Oktoberfest celebration this September 11–14, 2025. What started in 1966 with just $100 and a few hopeful planners has grown into the largest folk festival in the Pacific Northwest. It is now attracting more than 400,000 people to this small Bavarian village. Legend has it that the first Oktoberfest was such a hit, the town was overwhelmed and ran out of food and beer. Today, this four-day festival is prepared for all visitors and powered by decades of preparation and a strong sense of tradition. The resulting fruit of this labor is over $3.9 million raised for other local nonprofits since that very first ‘Prost’!

Kyle Beyer, Oktoberfest treasurer and second-generation board member shared, “What makes Mount Angel Oktoberfest special? It's not just the beer— it's the generations of hands that built it, danced through it, and keep it alive. If you want to understand community, tradition, and joy, spend a day in Mt. Angel during Oktoberfest.”

To commemorate its 60^th celebration, a special exhibit near City Hall will showcase the six decades of Mt. Angel Oktoberfest. New visitors can explore the rich history behind the festival, while longtime attendees can stroll down memory lane.

Mt. Angel showcases its Bavarian roots throughout the festival. Be sure to catch the town’s famous Glockenspiel, which comes to life at the top of every hour during Oktoberfest with figurines, music, and bells bringing local history to life.

At the heart of the festival stands the Die Fruchtsäule – The Harvest Monument – with artwork made of flowers, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.  Since the beginning, this centerpiece has been the official symbol of Oktoberfest, celebrating a bountiful harvest and the goodness of Creation. This is a classic location for a festival photo! More tradition can be found at the Maibaum (or “Tree of Trades) located near the Harvest Monument.

The sounds of Bavaria can be heard in accordion melodies, ringing cowbells, and alphorn notes. Enjoy the traditional dirndls and lederhosen as you walk around the festival.

Craving bratwurst? You’ll find plenty, piping hot with or without sauerkraut. Prefer Russian perogies and pelmeni, Mexican fiesta corn, street tacos, French-style beignets, or good ol’ American burgers? With 40+ food booths, including four originals, you’re guaranteed to leave full and happy. (Bonus: every food booth is a nonprofit raising money for their group!)

Thirsty? The bier selection is as substantial as the food! More than 40 brews are on tap, plus 20 Northwest wines and a variety of seltzers and local ciders. Prost!

Bring your best dance moves or just a sense of fun, and learn the Chicken Dance or a few Polka moves. If dancing isn’t your style, watch the talents of others as they schottische, waltz, and schuhplattler in the streets and venues. All ages, all skill levels, all fun! Traditional music abounds in the biergartens and streets.

So, dust off your dirndl and lederhosen, gather your crew, and get ready for a weekend of unforgettable fun in Mt. Angel. Learn more and start planning your visit at oktoberfest.org.