MILWAUKEE, WI (July 17, 2025) - Kegel’s Inn and Swarmm Events are proud to announce that the 15th annual Milwaukee Oktoberfest—the city’s celebration of beer, culture, and community, is moving to Henry Maier Festival Park and will take place October 3–5, 2025.
After several years in downtown Milwaukee, Oktoberfest is excited to be moving to Henry Maier Festival Park, honoring the original vision of Mayor Henry Maier. Once the site of Maitland Airport, the grounds were transformed into the permanent home of Summerfest presented by American Family Insurance in 1970 under Mayor Maier’s leadership. Inspired by Munich’s legendary Oktoberfest, Maier helped shape Summerfest, which recently celebrated its 57th festival. \
This year’s Milwaukee Oktoberfest will bring the traditions and community spirit of Munich to Milwaukee, and will feature:
- Covered Main Stage, Beer Garden, and Northwestern Mutual Community Park
- Authentic German Beers from Molson Coors & Beer Capitol including: Hofbrau, Leinenkugels, and local brewery varieties.
- NA beverages, wine, spirits & Jagermeister cocktails
- Traditional German food by Kegel’s Inn.
- Large vendor market, hammer schlaggen and other games.
- Traditional Bands, German cultural performances and folk music on multiple stages.
- Family-focused activities, kids’ area, and more.
- $6 early bird tickets on sale now
- NEW - ability to make table reservations for the main covered Oktoberfest stage
“This festival belongs to the people of Milwaukee,” said Julian Kegel, (owner) Kegel’s Inn. “We’ve poured our hearts into German hospitality at Kegel’s Inn for almost a century, and now we’re taking that spirit to the lakefront. Our dream is to build a space where neighbors, newcomers, and generations of families can raise a stein together — not just to celebrate Oktoberfest, but to celebrate each other.”
“I am so excited to be at Henry Maier Festival Park”, said Michael Sampson, (owner) Swarmm Events. “The permanent festival grounds provide an amazing opportunity for growth to give Milwaukee an Oktoberfest celebration on par with others held in the Midwest like Cincinnati and St. Louis, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.”
For details about Oktoberfest at Henry Maier Festival Park, October 3–5, 2025—including tickets and event information visit [www.milwaukeeoktoberfest.com]
Volunteer opportunities and vendor applications will be available at www.milwaukeeoktoberfest.com
About Milwaukee Oktoberfest
Milwaukee Oktoberfest celebrates the city’s German heritage with beer, food, music, and fun. After moving to Cathedral Square in recent years, the festival outgrew the park and returns to Henry Maier Festival Park for its 2025 edition—honoring Bavarian traditions and building a legacy for the future.
About Kegel’s Inn
A cornerstone of Milwaukee’s German heritage since 1924, Kegel’s Inn is a family-owned restaurant known for its authentic German food, old-world charm, and community spirit. As stewards of tradition and champions of gemütlichkeit, Kegel’s brings nearly a century of hospitality to Milwaukee Oktoberfest through its food, beer, and festival operations. From bratwurst to beer gardens, they’re here to make sure every guest feels like family.
About Swarmm Events
Swarmm is Milwaukee’s go-to event production company for fresh, high-energy experiences that blend culture, community, and fun. Known for organizing iconic local events like the Shamrock Shuffle, The Wisconsin Card Show and Storm the Bastille 5K, Swarmm specializes in turning big ideas into unforgettable moments. With a focus on smart marketing, vibrant partnerships, and inclusive vibes, they’re helping shape Oktoberfest into a festival Milwaukee—and Munich—can be proud of.