Prost to Oktoberfest!
From special celebrations to authentic German food and refreshing seasonal brews, many places around Middleton offer Oktoberfest fare and festivities.
Oktoberfest is here and there are so many ways to celebrate in Middleton.
Wisconsin is not only home to the highest percentage of German-Americans, but also the first-ever Oktoberfest celebration in the United States. Because of this, and our state’s love for craft beer, Wisconsinites celebrate Oktoberfest in a big way — including here in Middleton. Whether you have German heritage or not, Sept. 20 is the kickoff of this popular German holiday and here are six ways you can celebrate until it ends Oct. 5, 2025.
Capital Brewery
Fall in Middleton isn’t complete without a stop at Capital Brewery & Bier Garten for a fall-flavored craft beer. You’re in for a treat when ordering Capital Brewery’s Oktoberfest — this brew has won 11 gold and eight silver medals since it was first brewed in 1989. Capital Brewery also offers Autumnal Fire, another sought-after and award-winning craft beer, for a fruitier take on fall. You can enjoy these beers and others on tap in the brewery’s Bier Garten on lovely fall days. Don't miss their Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
Clasen’s European Bakery
You may be remiss if you don’t stop at Clasen’s European Bakery this Oktoberfest season. Clasen’s offers an assortment of old-world style bread, rolls, cakes, pastries, wedding cakes and confections — handcrafted and based on an original 1959 German recipe. Whether looking for a delicious dessert or a handmade Bavarian soft pretzel, this bakery offers an authentic taste of German food that pairs well with just about any Oktoberfest activity. They even have a recipe for the perfect beer cheese dip to pair with it.
Craftsman Table and Tap
From Aug. 21 through the end of October, Craftsman Table & Tap will offer Oktoberfest specials, including seasonal beers from both craft and traditional breweries, as well as a jumbo pretzel board with creamy beer cheese dip, stone ground mustard, hot honey mustard, smoked sausage bites and sweet curry pickles. Every Thursday, they will tap a new craft Oktoberfest keg, which will be sold for $5 on that day.
Longtable Beer Cafe
Throughout the season, Longtable Beer Cafe will have a variety of Oktoberfest brews on tap and in their cooler (a wall of almost 300 different beers). Taps will feature the German Ayinger Oktoberfest all season and rotating domestic Oktoberfest options, including Working Draft Beer Company, 3 Sheeps Brewing Company, New Glarus, Raised Grain and more local favorites.
National Mustard Museum
If interested in hosting an Oktoberfest celebration, the National Mustard Museum is a great place to get authentic German fixings. And if celebrating Oktoberfest with a sizzling German bratwurst, head to the National Mustard Museum for the perfect topping. This year, the National Mustard Museum has also put together an Oktoberfest gift box filled with Kathi's German Pretzel Mix, Lowensenf Honey Mustard, Alstertor Dusseldorf Mustard and Handelmaier Bavarian Mustard.
Downtown Middleton Sip & Stroll
Raise a stein to the Second Annual Beer and Cider Edition of Downtown Middleton's Sip & Stroll on Sept. 25, 2025. This Oktoberfest-themed event has participants stroll through more than 20 locations in Downtown Middleton, with each stop offering a variety of beers, ciders and snacks. Buy your tickets early, as this is the perfect Oktoberfest celebration for you and your best drinking buddies.