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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 2026 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Get ready to don your Lederhosen or Dirndl, our annual Oktoberfest Weekend is back at DESTIHL Beer Hall! We’re celebrating another Oktoberfest season with live music, German-inspired eats, vendors, activities, and exclusive beer releases. Enjoy DESTIHL brews, wine, cocktails, and beertails all weekend long.
Friday, September 11th
4:00 pm - Live Music: Die Musikmeisters Band; DeadHead Shed, Merch Table & Patio Bar Open; Vendors & Activities Open
4:30 pm - Ceremonial Keg Tapping
6:00 pm - Stein Holding Competition: Women's, Men's & Kids
6:20 pm - German Attire Contest: Kids & Adults
6:30 pm - Live Music: Heidelberg German Band
7:30 pm - Stein Holding Competition: Women's & Men's
Saturday, September 13th
10:00 am - Pilates & Pretzels with Nancy Nor.k Get tickets here.
12:00 pm - Live Music: Andrew Duncanson & Take A Ride; DeadHead Shed, Merch Table, Cotton Candy & Snow Cones, Craft Table & Axe Throwing Open
2:00 pm - Stein Holding Competition: Kids; DeadHead Shed Food Available
2:45 pm - Best Dressed Dachshund Contest
3:00 pm - Oktoberfest Dachshund Races Preliminaries (Advance registration required)
4:00 pm -Vendors, Activities & Patio Bar Open
4:30 pm - Dachshund Race Finals
6:00 pm - German Attire Contest: Kids & Adults
6:10 pm - Stein Holding Competition: Women's, Men's & Kids
6:30 pm - Live Music: Heidelberg German Band
7:30 pm - Stein Holding Competition: (Women's & Men's)
Sunday, September 14th
10:00 am - Oktoberfest Makers Market; DeadHead Shed Open
12:00 pm - Live Music: The Neals
2:00 pm - Kids Sack Races
3:00 pm - Stein Holding Competition: Kids
