Frankenmuth Oktoberfest returns this weekend with four days of German food, beer, live music, and Bavarian traditions in Michigan’s Little Bavaria.
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Oktoberfest without traveling all the way to Germany, Frankenmuth is putting on one of Michigan’s biggest German celebrations this weekend.
The 36th annual Frankenmuth Oktoberfest takes over Heritage Park from September 17th to the 20th, bringing authentic German entertainment, dancing, food, beer and plenty of Bavarian atmosphere to the city known as Michigan’s Little Bavaria.
And for Detroit-area residents, Frankenmuth is only about 1.5 hours away by car, making it an easy fall road trip for anyone looking for a festive weekend escape.
What makes this Oktoberfest especially notable is its distinct connection to the original Oktoberfest celebration in Munich: in 1996, Frankenmuth’s celebration received an official proclamation from Munich’s Lord Mayor Christian Ude and the German Parliament, recognizing it as the first Oktoberfest to operate with the blessing of the original Munich celebration.
When are the Frankenmuth Oktoberfest festivities taking place?
The 2026 Frankenmuth Oktoberfest runs Thursday, September 17 through Sunday, September 20 at Heritage Park in Frankenmuth.
The festival opens Thursday at 3 p.m., with the official keg tapping scheduled for 6:30 p.m., before closing at 10 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, the festivities run from noon until midnight, while Sunday’s final day runs from noon to 4 p.m.
That means visitors have four different opportunities to make the trip, whether you’re looking for a Thursday evening outing or want to spend a larger portion of the weekend in Frankenmuth.
2026 festival hours:
- Thursday, September 17: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday, September 18: Noon to midnight
- Saturday, September 19: Noon to midnight
- Sunday, September 20: Noon to 4 p.m.
What to expect at Frankenmuth Oktoberfest
Visitors can expect plenty of live German entertainment, dancing, food and beer throughout the four-day celebration.
The festival’s 2026 entertainment lineup includes performers such as Aaron Dussing, Sorgenbrecher, Enzian, Frank Moravcik, Da Frankenmuda Fratz’n and the Frankentrost Band, with music scheduled throughout the weekend. The official keg tapping and opening ceremony are also scheduled for Thursday evening.
Saturday brings one of the festival’s more unusual attractions: the Wiener Dog Races, beginning at noon. The 2026 races are already officially full, with up to 100 dogs registered to compete. There will also be a Parade of the Wieners featuring awards including Best Dressed Wiener, Smallest Wiener, Fattest Wiener and the King & Queen of the Wieners.
Food is another major part of the experience, with Tom Wood Catering offering a full menu at the festival. Hofbräu Oktoberfest beer is also served, with the festival highlighting the brewery’s Munich roots and its longstanding relationship with Frankenmuth Oktoberfest.
If you’re planning to attend, keep in mind that food and drinks are not included with admission. Festival organizers recommend using cash for food purchases, while drink tickets can be purchased with a credit card. Outside food, coolers and alcohol are not permitted, and bags are subject to inspection.
For those staying in Frankenmuth hotels, a hotel shuttle service will run Friday and Saturday, while a Birch Run hotel shuttle is also available for guests staying at the designated hotel.
Is Frankenmuth Oktoberfest free to attend?
Not every day.
Admission is $10 per person per day, with children 15 and under admitted free, according to the official Frankenmuth Festivals website, however Sunday is considered free for all to attend!
Tickets are available at the gate, and food and drinks are purchased separately once inside. Groups of 20 or more can also contact the organizers about discounted admission.
With four days of live music, German food, Hofbräu beer, dancing and special events, Frankenmuth Oktoberfest offers a distinctly Bavarian way to kick off the fall — and it’s close enough to Detroit to make for an easy weekend road trip.
