Duluth Oktoberfestival is one of the most popular events in the Northland. It takes place in September at Bayfront Festival Park. If you are a fan of food, drink and live music, you'll be a fan of this iconic event.

Ahead of the event this weekend, there was a traffic advisory issued and shared by the Duluth Police Department. The advisory includes a few things to note for the annual parade on Friday, in and around the Canal Park area.

The event is also seeking volunteers for the 2022 event. As always, they have positions available in logistics, teardown, setup, beverage services and more. Keep this in mind for a future Duluth Oktoberfestival!

Every year, the Duluth Oktoberfestival gets bigger and better and 2022 will be no different. In 2021, a Grammy-nominated musician headlined all three days of the event, which was filled with authentic German music, food and beer.

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So what does the big event hold for us this year? All of the iconic things you can expect from the Duluth Oktoberfestival and then some. Here is everything you need to know about the event this year:

When does the event begin?

Update as of September 16th @ 8:43 a.m.: there will be no procession due to bad weather. All other events are still scheduled beginning at 4 p.m. when doors open.

The event kicks off on Friday, September 16th with the annual Oktoberfestival Procession. The kick off time is 3 p.m. at Canal Park Lodge and will end at Bayfront Festival Park, where the event is held. The procession goes from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. with the tapping of the Golden Keg at 3:45 p.m., when the procession ends. Gates officially open at 4 p.m.

The procession will start down Canal Park Drive, cross onto Morse Street, followed by South Lake Avenue, West Railroad Street, a turn on South Fifth Avenue West and ending at Bayfront Festival Park. This event also features the reveals of the Fest Master and Frau.

The address for the event, which takes place at Bayfront Festival Park each day, is 350 Harbor Drive in Duluth.

What time does the event take place?

On Friday, the event begins at 4 p.m. and continues until 11 p.m. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. Things kick off at 11 a.m. Sunday through 4 p.m. Alcohol sales end thirty minutes prior to close.

How much is it to get into the Duluth Oktoberfestival?

This depends on which type of pass you purchase and there are a few different options, with each coming with beer tokens and some type of stein. You can purchase tickets online for any of the following:

  • A single day pass for those ages 21 and up for $10 bucks prior to the event and $20 bucks the day of. This pass comes with a beer token and a plastic stein.
  • An upgraded day pass for those ages 21 and up for $44 bucks prior to the event and $60 bucks the day of. This pass comes with a limited edition collector coin, two beer tokens and a collector stein.
  • A designated driver / underage day pass for those under age 21. This is a single day pass with three free sodas or waters inside the event.
  • A youth day pass for kids 15 years old and younger, which is free with the purchase of the designated driver / underage day pass, upgraded day pass or single day pass.

What food and drink options are available?

There will be authentic German cuisine at the event courtesy of Grandma's Restaurant. Options include favorites like bratwurst, chicken schnitzel, spaetzle, black forest stew, pork wings, pretzels, schnitzel and apple crisp.

There will also be vendors including the following; the Golden Popper, The Good Noodle, Oh My Mini Donuts, Top Dog, King of Creams and Bob-a-Q Smokehouse.

There will also be lots of bier, as well as wine and hard alcohol. One beer token gives you half a liter of bier. There will be four authentic German bier options, a shot of jag, a cold brew coffee shot and a wine option.

What entertainment is on tap for the event?

There is live music every day of the event, from Friday through Sunday. On Friday, music kicks off when doors open at 4 p.m. and continues until about 10:30 p.m. There will be a short break for the popular two-handed Steinholding contest at 8:45 p.m.

On Saturday, September 17th, live music will kick off at noon and will continue until about 10:30 pm. There will be a few breaks for a few more rounds of the two-handed Steinholding contest. The women's competition will take place at 6:45 p.m. and the men's will take place at 7:45 p.m.

The event will wrap on Sunday but not before a few hours of live music, which starts at noon. It will continue until about 4 p.m., with a break for the dachshund races at 1:30 p.m. You can see a more detailed lineup on the Duluth Oktoberfestival website.

There is also shopping and vendors throughout the event. You can see which vendors, including food vendors, will be at the event online.

Is this event just for adults or can I bring my family?

This event has plenty of family friendly events! The der Kinderplatz is located near the center of the festival and is open from noon to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Throughout the course of the two days, there will be barrel rolling, tug of war, cookie decorating, kids stein holding, inflatables, arts and crafts and more.

On Sunday, there is a special event called the Essentia Health Family Day. This will include a petting zoo, alpacas and a special drawing for a prize.

Can I bring anything to the event?

Large bags are prohibited. All other bags will be checked at the door. No weapons allowed.

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