Do you know what question we get asked most often regarding Sault Ste. Marie’s Oktoberfest? Why is it held in SEPTEMBER if it’s called Oktoberfest? To answer that question, here’s a little history about why our Oktoberfest is held in September.

Since 1810, the fall festival of Oktoberfest has been celebrating our favorite things: food, beer, and merrymaking. Originating in Munich, Germany, the festival did originally fall in October. However, with the beautiful weather of September came an even more enjoyable time for festival-goers. As the event has evolved, it has more commonly taken place earlier in the season. Most current-day festivals (like ours on the 29th) now take place in September. In Munich, some of the festivities do last into October, but the name for the event remains the same no matter what month it’s in.

At its core, Oktoberfest is truly about coming together and having a good time, and thanks to the Downtown Development Authority, we’re coming together here in Sault Ste. Marie! Our family-friendly event features arts and crafts vendors, food, live entertainment, dance performances, and kid’s activities. The Alpha Bar Bier Garden returns this year along with the Gym 906 Beer Olympics!

Start your day off right by entering the War Memorial Hospital Sault International Festival of Races and run across the International Bridge in the Half-Marathon or Bridge Run. Not into all the running so early? There’s also a 5K that you can walk or run that goes through downtown Sault Ste. Marie. More information is available here.

Whether you run or not, you are welcome to join us at 1668 Winery & Lockside Brewery for the Annual Kegs & Eggs Breakfast. Enjoy a plate of eggs, sausage, potatoes, and a pint of local craft beer!

The Oktoberfest Family Fun Run starts at 10AM and continues throughout the day until 5PM. Along the way, visit with arts and craft vendors and let the kids tucker themselves out in the bounce house. You can start filling up on some fantastic food options from downtown businesses starting at 11AM. Check out the full schedule here.

It wouldn’t be an Oktoberfest without Polka Music! Join Judy and Her Suchey Brothers Polka Band at the Cooper Dental Sound Stage from 1-5PM. Lederhosen are not required to participate.

Photo by Dr. Johnson Photography

Test your strength during the Up-North Nutrition & GYM 906 Beer Olympics. The festivities kick off after 5PM in the Alpha Bar Bier Garden at the corner of Ashmun and Portage! Join in or just watch the fun at this free competition that features a Keg haul, Flip cup, life-size beer pong, cornhole, and the always popular Stein Hoisting Competition (shown below)! Get your most competitive friends together, as participating teams must be made up of four members. Must be 21 or older to partake in the fun.

If your goal is to eat, drink, and be merry at Oktoberfest, this lineup of activities will provide you with the wonderful opportunity to do just that on September 29!

Snap a fantastic photo? Share your perspective of the event with us on social media by using the hashtag #ILovetheSoo!