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DESTIHL OKTOBERFEST - SEPTEMBER 11–13, 2026
Since beginning at DESTIHL Restaurant in 2008, DESTIHL Oktoberfest has grown into one of Central Illinois’ favorite fall traditions. Join us at the Brewery & Beer Hall for three days of live music, German-inspired food, seasonal beer releases, stein-holding competitions, family activities, and, introduced in 2025, our Oktoberfest Dachshund Races, which quickly became a crowd favorite.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH
4:00 PM - oktoberfest CELEBRATIONs BEGIN
The DeadHead Shed, merch tables, patio bar, vendor tents and festival activities are officially open.
4:00 PM - LIVE MUSIC: DIE MUSIKMEISTERS
Kick off the weekend with lively German polka music from this popular Chicago-area band. Check out Die Musikmeisters Band.
4:30 PM - CEREMONIAL KEG TAPPING
Raise a stein as we officially tap the keg and welcome Oktoberfest weekend to DESTIHL.
6:00 PM - STEIN-HOLDING COMPETITION: WOMEN, MEN, & KIDS
Test your strength and see who can keep their stein raised the longest.
6:20 PM - GERMAN ATTIRE CONTEST: ADULTS & KIDS
Show off your best lederhosen, dirndl or Oktoberfest-inspired attire.
6:30 PM - LIVE MUSIC: HEIDELBERG GERMAN BAND
Sing, dance and raise a stein with one of our Oktoberfest weekend favorites.
7:30 PM - STEIN-HOLDING COMPETITION: WOMEN & MEN
Missed the first round? Step up for another chance to test your stein-holding strength.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH
10:00 aM - pilates & pretzels
Stretch it out before you stein it up! Enjoy Pilates on the front lawn with instructor Nancy Nork, followed by a DESTIHL Bavarian pretzel with cheese—included with your ticket.
12:00 PM - oktoberfest celebrations COMMENCE for day 2
The DeadHead Shed, merch table, cotton candy, snow cones, craft table and axe throwing are open.
12:00 PM - LIVE MUSIC: andrew duncanson & take a ride
Kick off the afternoon with a horn-driven blend of contemporary blues, soul, funk and roots rock. Check out their socials here: https://www.andrewduncanson-takearide.com/
2:00 PM - STEIN -HOLDING COMPETITION: kids
Young competitors can step up and see who can keep their stein raised the longest.
2:30 PM - LIVE MUSIC: the mason dixies
Enjoy Central Illinois’ original Dixieland jazz and polka band—the sound of the French Quarter with an Oktoberfest twist. Check their socials: https://www.facebook.com/masondixies
2:45 PM - best -dressed dachshund contest
Costumed dachshunds take center stage to show off their most creative Oktoberfest looks.
3:00 PM - oktoberfest dachshund races: preliminaries
Cheer on the competing dachshunds as they race for a place in the finals. Advance registration is required; entry is $10 per dog and space is limited. Advance registration required.
4:00 PM - VENDORS, activities & PATIO BAR OPEN
Explore the vendor tents, grab a drink from the patio bar and enjoy festival activities throughout the grounds.
4:30 PM - OKTOBERFEST DACHSHUND RACE: FINALS
The fastest dachshunds from the preliminary heats race one last time to crown our 2026 champions.
6:00 PM - GERMAN ATTIRE CONTEST: ADULTs & KIDS
Show off your best lederhosen, dirndl or Oktoberfest-inspired attire.
6:10 PM - STEIN-HOLDING COMPETITION: WOMEN, MEN, & KIDS
Test your strength and see who can keep their stein raised the longest.
6:30 PM - LIVE MUSIC: HEIDELBERG GERMAN BAND
Sing, dance and raise a stein with one of our Oktoberfest weekend favorites.
7:30 PM - STEIN-HOLDING COMPETITION: WOMEN & MEn
Missed the first round? Step up for another chance to test your stein-holding strength.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH
10:00 aM - oktoberfest makers Market
Shop handcrafted goods and unique finds from local makers as the final day of Oktoberfest gets underway. The DeadHead Shed will also be open.
12:00 PM - LIVE MUSIC: erin connolly
Enjoy original songs and familiar favorites blending Americana, country, western, soul and bluegrass.Check out https://www.facebook.com/ErinConnollyMusic
2:00 PM - kids sack race competition: Ages 5-7
Hop toward the finish line in this fun Oktoberfest challenge for kids ages 5–7. Advance registration is required.
2:00 PM - kids sack race competition: Ages 8-10
Kids ages 8–10 can race, bounce and laugh their way toward the finish line. Advance registration is required.
2:00 PM - kids sack race competition: Ages 11-13
Older kids can put their hopping skills to the test in our final sack race division. Advance registration is required.
3:00 PM - STEIN-HOLDING COMPETITION: KIDS
Our younger Oktoberfest guests take one final turn testing their stein-holding strength.