Oktoberfest is a wildly fun annual party that celebrates Bavarian culture. My Anglo-lingual sense of language has always been curious about why a major event listed as Oktoberfest would be held in September rather than, well, October. The reason is that it was first held in October but shifted to September for better weather. Bavarian weather, much like Oregon, can be dark, rainy, and cloudy (just how I like it). But when you hold large, predominantly outdoor celebrations, clear skies tend to work out much better.
This celebration began on October 12, 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Celebrations ensued and then quickly turned into a festival featuring horse racing and entertainment. From there, the festivities became an annual tradition.
In 1818, carnival booths appeared. Since 1850, nearly 10,000 people from the Trachten- und Schützenzug (costume and marksmen parade) have marched from Maximilianstraße to the Theresienwiese. In 1880, electric lighting adorned the festivities, and in 1881, the first bratwurst stand appeared. Oktoberfest is an incredibly entertaining, traditional celebration of Bavarian culture that is perfect for the whole family.
You don’t even have to go all the way to Munich to celebrate Oktoberfest, since Oregon has an incredible version right here in Mt. Angel. From September 17th through September 20th, the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest will take place, and this family-friendly event should have a spot on your calendar. I’ve been here several times, and every year it gets better. The weather is great, it is easy to navigate, and there is so much to do. I look forward to making my way out there every year, not just for the comforting familiarity of an Oktoberfest, but also because each year there is something slightly different.
There is also just a general excitement in the air that emanates from the workers and guests. Everyone in your family will enjoy celebrating this tradition.
Mt. Angel is a short drive from the Portland area, and the town itself is really cool on its own. If you’ve never been before, or maybe it has just been a while, definitely make the time to come on out. And a little pro-tip: the earlier you get there, the better parking you will find.
One of the best parts about this place for parents is how freely the kids can be kids. There’s a dedicated Kindergarten zone open Friday through Sunday that’s totally free. No tickets or wristbands required. It is filled with child-friendly activities to keep them busy, which is great because parents can then soak up the music and Bavarian atmosphere.
Then there are the wiener dog races, which somehow manage to be both ridiculous and completely captivating. Classic cars line up for shows, military vehicles roll in, and street performances keep the energy moving all day.
Local nonprofits run the food booths, so every fondue order or strudel you buy quietly helps a good cause. Kids pick up bits of Bavarian tradition without it ever feeling like a lesson. The music, dancing, and the smell of something delicious in the air are enough to get them excited to return the following year.
It’s the kind of place where the whole family shares the same simple joy. The atmosphere stays light and welcoming, and you leave with the sense that you’ve given the kids a real memory, not just another outing.
One of my favorite things at the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest is their Glockenspiel. This large wooden clock plays every day at 11:00am, 1:00pm, 4:00pm, and 7:00pm. It not only celebrates Bavarian culture but also honors American and Oregonian history through its storytelling. The mechanics of the animated figures are truly impressive, too. It sits in the heart of the town square at 190 E. Charles Street on the northwest corner of Charles and Garfield Streets, one block east of Main Street.
Several of my family members not only speak German but have also lived there. Hearing stories of their time spent in the region is always fascinating to me, and carrying those traditions here in the States is a beautiful thing. Just the other year, some family members went back to Germany to celebrate Oktoberfest. Having our own version of that here in Mt. Angel is something I am grateful for, especially since it’s so accessible. Oktoberfest is a festival worth taking part in, especially if you want to dust off the old lederhosen.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.