Bend Oktoberfest 2025 is set to bring beer, brats, and plenty of downtown fun to the heart of Bend, Oregon. This beloved annual festival transforms the city’s downtown area into a slice of Bavaria, complete with craft beer, delicious German fare, and quirky competitions that have become local legends. Best of all, Bend Oktoberfest is a free, family-friendly event open to all ages. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a foodie craving pretzels and bratwurst, or just looking for a great time in downtown Bend, Oktoberfest 2025 promises an unforgettable experience.
What Is Bend Oktoberfest?
Bend Oktoberfest is an annual fall festival celebrating Bavarian culture through Bend, OR. Hosted by the Downtown Bend Business Association – a nonprofit that uses the event’s proceeds to keep downtown beautiful – the festival is both a community gathering and a fundraiser. This one-of-a-kind event combines over 200 years of German tradition with Central Oregon’s love of craft beer and outdoor fun. It’s a celebration where you can raise a stein of local brew, savor authentic German sausages, and even cheer on costumed dachshunds racing down the street, all in one place.
Craft beer and Barbeque
First launched in the mid-2000s, Bend’s Oktoberfest has grown into one of the city’s most anticipated annual events. After a brief hiatus in 2020–21, the festival came roaring back, adding new twists while keeping beloved traditions. Each year seems to get bigger and better – so if you enjoyed Oktoberfest in Bend, Oregon last year, the 2025 edition is gearing up to be the best yet.
When and Where is Oktoberfest in Bend, Oregon?
Mark your calendar: Bend Oktoberfest 2025 takes place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, in downtown Bend. The fun runs from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Deschutes Historical Museum plaza and adjacent downtown streets This central location transforms into a pedestrian-only festival zone filled with tents, beer gardens, and stages. Admission is free and open to all ages – just show up and enjoy. (If you plan to drink beer, bring ID and be prepared to purchase drink tokens or a commemorative stein on site.) The inclusive, block-party atmosphere makes Oktoberfest Bend feel welcoming to everyone, whether you’re 5 or 95.
Bend Oktoberfest 2025 Schedule & Highlights
Wondering what’s happening when? Here are the key events and highlights for Bend Oktoberfest 2025:
2:00 – 4:00 PM – “Bark Bash” Dog Races: The festival kicks off with canine fun, featuring the Wiener Dog Race, the Running of the Bulldogs, the Corgi Crush, and the Mutt Strut dog show (with cute categories like Best Trick and Best Costume). These paw-powered races are as adorable as they are hilarious, and they support a good cause – entry fees benefit the Humane Society of Central Oregon.
5:00 – 7:00 PM – Oktoberfest Games & Challenges: In the late afternoon, it’s time for humans to compete! Sign up to test your skills in crowd-pleasers like the Stein Holding contest, Pretzel Toss, Beer Slide, and Barrel Rolling race. Spectators can cheer on the antics as contestants lift, toss, slide, and roll their way to glory. Costumes and yodeling are encouraged for participants, so don your lederhosen and let out a “yodel-ay-hee-hoo!” if you’re bold.
7:00 – 8:00 PM – Live Music & Entertainment: As evening sets in, grab a beer and enjoy live music to cap off the night. A lively band (or two) will keep the crowd dancing and singing along with both classic Oktoberfest tunes and modern hits. It’s the perfect high-note to finish the festival day – a communal dance party under the stars in downtown Bend.
Throughout the day, you can also explore vendor booths, enjoy impromptu dance-offs, and savor food and drink at your leisure. There’s never a dull moment at Oktoberfest Bend 2025 – expect plenty of cheers of “Prost!” and smiling faces all around.
Beer Galore: Craft Brews at Bend Oktoberfest
Craft beer takes center stage at Bend Oktoberfest, where local breweries pour seasonal lagers and special Oktoberfest brews for thirsty festival-goers. Bend is famous for its craft beer scene, so it’s no surprise that the Oktoberfest celebration puts beer front and center. You’ll find a fantastic selection of brews to enjoy – from traditional malty Märzen lagers to creative seasonal ales from Bend’s top breweries. Many local brewers create unique beers just for Oktoberfest each year, so keep an eye out for limited-edition taps and classic German styles.
Beer is typically served in hefty glass steins, adding an authentic touch. You can usually purchase a commemorative Bend Oktoberfest 2025 mug to use for your pours (and take home as a souvenir). There’s nothing like clinking a real glass stein with friends while shouting “Prost!” to make you feel like you’re at a true Bavarian celebration.
If beer isn’t your beverage of choice, there are usually a few alternatives available (such as local ciders or wine), but beer definitely steals the show. And because this is a community-driven festival, you can sip easily knowing your beer money helps support local causes and the downtown community spirit.
Bratwurst, Pretzels, and More: Food Offerings
No Oktoberfest is complete without pretzels – and Bend’s festival delivers with giant pretzels, savory bratwurst, and other German treats on the menu. Come hungry, because Bend Oktoberfest is as much a food festival as it is a beer festival. The mouthwatering smells of grilled bratwurst, simmering sauerkraut, and fresh baked pretzels will fill the air. Local vendors serve up all the classic German dishes: bratwurst sausages (tucked in a bun with tangy sauerkraut and mustard), huge soft pretzels (perfect for sharing, with cheese or mustard for dipping), and other favorites like schnitzel, spaetzle, and strudel for dessert.
You’ll also find creative twists on Bavarian fare from Bend’s food trucks and restaurants. Don’t be surprised to see a special bratwurst made with local craft beer or unique toppings on your pretzel. Whatever you choose, be sure to pair it with a beer for the full Oktoberfest experience. Grab a picnic bench in the vendor area and enjoy your feast family-style – part of the fun is meeting new people over hearty food and cheers-ing with your steins.
Games and Contests: Oktoberfest Shenanigans
One thing that makes Bend Oktoberfest unforgettable is the slate of playful games and contests that anyone can join or watch. Classics include the stein-holding contest (how long can you hold a full stein at arm’s length?), the pretzel toss (aiming pretzels into targets), the beer slide (sliding a full mug down a table like a shuffleboard puck), and the barrel rolling race – all guaranteed to generate laughs and friendly competition. In past years there’s even been a yodeling contest and a nail-hammering challenge dubbed “Bendhamershlagen,” Bend’s twist on a traditional Bavarian hammer game.
These contests are lighthearted and often hilarious to witness. Crowds gather around to cheer, and winners earn prizes (and bragging rights). If you’re eager to compete, be sure to sign up early, as spots for these games can fill up fast. And even if you just watch, you’ll find yourself laughing and clapping along – it’s all about having a good time.
Costumes add to the fun as well. Many participants (and onlookers) don their best lederhosen or dirndl dresses, which only enhances the cheerful atmosphere. Don’t be shy about dressing up – the festival organizers often reward great costumes, and at the very least you’ll get to take festive photos and receive compliments from fellow festival-goers.
Wiener Dog Races and the “Bark Bash”
A highlight that truly sets Bend’s Oktoberfest apart is the Wiener Dog Race and the larger “Bark Bash” canine celebration. Early in the afternoon, the festival turns into a pupper’s paradise when dozens of dachshunds line up for the Wiener Dog Races. It’s a short dash of pure cuteness: little dogs in possible costumes bolting (or sometimes waddling) toward the finish line as the crowd cheers wildly. Not to be outdone, there’s also the Running of the Bulldogs for the stout, slobbery contenders, and the Corgi Crush for those short-legged speedsters.
The grand finale of Bark Bash is the Mutt Strut, a dog show where all breeds can compete in fun categories like best trick, fastest eater, or best costume. It’s a tail-wagging good time and keeps everyone grinning from ear to ear. Best of all, the Bark Bash is for a good cause: all the entry fees and donations from these doggy events go to the Humane Society of Central Oregon, supporting pets in need.
Families with kids especially adore this part of Oktoberfest – what child (or adult) doesn’t love watching adorable dogs show off? If you want a prime spot to see the wiener dog race action, arrive early and stake out a viewing spot, because these races draw a big crowd. The Wiener Dog and friends have become such a beloved tradition that many people come to Oktoberfest just to catch this spectacle.
Live Music and Entertainment
Music is the heart of any Oktoberfest, and Bend Oktoberfest always delivers. Throughout the day, you’ll hear a mix of traditional German oompah tunes and upbeat contemporary music. Early on, a band might play polkas and classic Oktoberfest songs to get people clapping and dancing. Later in the evening, a high-energy local band will hit the stage around 7 PM, playing crowd-pleasing hits and maybe even leading a sing-along or two.
By nightfall, the combination of cool autumn air, great music, and plenty of beer has the crowd in a joyous mood. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself joining a circle of strangers in the Chicken Dance or swaying arm-in-arm to “Ein Prosit.” The live music adds to that warm, communal vibe (what the Germans call Gemütlichkeit). Even between sets, the entertainment continues – you might see costumed performers or an accordion player roaming through the crowd, keeping the energy high.
Tips for Enjoying Bend Oktoberfest 2025
To make the most of your Oktoberfest experience, keep these tips in mind:
Arrive Early: Popular events can get crowded, so show up at the start if you can. Early birds also get first dibs on limited-edition steins and prime seating.
Dress Up: Embrace the Oktoberfest spirit by wearing lederhosen, a dirndl, or any festive costume – it makes the event more fun (and there may be costume contests)
Bring Cash: Some vendors or activities may be cash-only, so having a bit of cash on hand is helpful. ATMs can have long lines.
Stay Hydrated and Fueled: Alternate your beers with water, and enjoy plenty of food throughout the day to keep your energy up. With all the tasty bratwursts and pretzels around, this part is easy!
Dress in Layers: Central Oregon’s fall weather can be warm in the day and chilly at night. Wear layers or bring a jacket so you’re comfortable into the evening.
Plan Your Ride: Don’t stress about parking – consider walking from your hotel, biking, or using a rideshare. If you’re with a group, have a designated driver. Downtown Bend is very walkable, so once you’re there, everything is close by.
Plan Your Bend Oktoberfest Stay with Meredith Lodging
Meredith Lodging offers a wide selection of Bend vacation rentals, from modern downtown condos just steps from the festival to spacious homes including pet-friendly, luxury homes, hot-tubs, for groups of friends or family. After a full day of polka dancing, dachshund races, and stein-hoisting, you’ll love coming back to your own private retreat with all the comforts of home. Make the most of your weekend in Bend by pairing the festivities with a cozy and convenient place to stay.
