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Oktoberfest at DESTIHL
Raise a stein and join us for one of Central Illinois’ most anticipated traditions! DESTIHL Oktoberfest has been bringing the spirit of Bavaria to Normal, IL, for many years, growing into a multi-day celebration filled with live music, authentic German fare, festive décor, and of course—plenty of award-winning DESTIHL beer.
What began as a seasonal gathering in 2008 at DESTIHL Restaurant has evolved into an annual destination event at our brewery & beer hall that thousands look forward to each fall. From stein-holding competitions and festive beer releases to the lively sounds of polka and beyond, Oktoberfest at DESTIHL captures the joy of community, tradition, and craft beer culture. The 2025 addition to the celebratory weekend was our Dachshund Races.
Whether you’re donning your dirndl or lederhosen, raising a toast with friends, or discovering new seasonal favorites, our Oktoberfest is more than just a party; it’s a celebration of beer, food, and togetherness that only gets better with time.
Save the Date
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Oktoberfest celebrations: Friday, September 11th - Sunday, September 13th.
oktoberfest 2025 itinerary
The fun kicks off on Friday, September 12th at 4:30pm with the ceremonial keg tapping. Check out this event lineup and make your plans to don your Lederhosen or Dirndl and join the fun this weekend!
Friday, September 12th
- 4:00pm: DeadHead Shed, Merch Table & Patio Bar Open
- 4:30pm: Ceremonial Keg Tapping
- 4:30pm: Vendors & Activities Open
- 4:30-6:00pm Live Music: Peoria Accordion Club
- 6:00pm: Stein Holding Competition (women's, men's & kids)
- 6:20pm: German Attire Contest (kids & adults)
- 6:30-9:30pm Live Music: Heidelberg German Band
- 7:30pm: Stein Holding Competition (women's & men's)
Saturday, September 13th
- 10:00am: Pilates & Pretzels with Nancy Nork
- 12:00pm: DeadHead Shed & Axe Throwing
- 2:30pm: DeadHead Shed Food Available
- 2:30-5:30pm Live Music: The Mason Dixies
- 3:00pm: Oktoberfest Dachshund Races Preliminaries
- 4:00pm: Vendors, Activities & Patio Bar
- 5:00pm: Dachshund Race Finals
- 6:00pm: German Attire Contest (kids & adults)
- 6:10pm: Stein Holding Competition (women's, men's & kids)
- 6:30-9:30pm Live Music: Heidelberg German Band
- 7:30pm: Stein Holding Competition (women's & men's)
Sunday, September 14th
- 10:00am-2:00pm Oktoberfest Makers Market
- 10:00am-2:30pm DeadHead Shed Open
- 12:00-2:00pm Live Music: The Neals
Brat, Pickle & Potato Soup
German Meatloaf [Leberkäse]
German Meatloaf [Leberkäse]
braised brat, potato, onion, carrot, pickle, old bay, chicken stock, sour cream, cracked black pepper, dill
German Meatloaf [Leberkäse]
German Meatloaf [Leberkäse]
German Meatloaf [Leberkäse]
german meatloaf, shallot, sauerkraut, dill, caraway seed, mashed potato, hefeweizen gravy, pickled carrot, oktoberfest mustard seed, dill, parsley
Schnitzel Sandwich
German Meatloaf [Leberkäse]
Schnitzel Sandwich
pickle beer-brined & breaded pork cutlet, chow chow relish, mustard greens, roasted garlic aioli, pretzel bun, lemon
Oktoberfest Pizza
Schnitzel Sandwich
braised brat, spiced apple, swiss, caramelized fennel, italian cheeses, roasted garlic aioli, ipa mustard, chive
Pear & Apple Galette
danjou pear, granny smith apple, cinnamon, ginger, brown sugar, lemon, pie pastry, caramel, vanilla ice cream
Oktoberfest Flight
Battlebird Lager, Weissenheimer Hefeweizen, Märzen Oktoberfest, Samhain Pumpkin Porter
Festival Elixir
Pickle Lemonade Shake-Up
Festival Elixir
Weissenheimer Hefeweizen, oktoberfest simple syrup, lemon
Red Sangria
Pickle Lemonade Shake-Up
Festival Elixir
house red, ginger-orange simple syrup, lemon-lime soda, sage
Pickle Lemonade Shake-Up
Pickle Lemonade Shake-Up
Pickle Lemonade Shake-Up
Spicy Pickle Sour Beer, lemon, simple syrup