Who's ready for Oktoberfest? The biggest annual event in the Amana Colonies is coming up quick! Here's everything you need to know ahead of the 2022 festival:

When and Where is it?

Amana Oktoberfest will be held Friday, September 30th through Sunday, October 2nd in the Amana Colonies. The main site for the event will be the Festhalle Barn, but there will be different celebrations all throughout the area, including the Market Barn, Hotel Millwright, and Millstream Brewery.

How Much Does it Cost to Get In?

Admission into the main celebration at the Festhalle Barn is $10 for a one-day pass and $15 for a two-day pass. Admission on Sunday is free.

The celebrations at Millstream Brewing Co. and Hotel Millwright are free to attend.

Where do I Park?

There is free parking all over the Amana Colonies, especially by the Market Barn, but there is also a shuttle that you can take on Saturday. The free shuttle will run back and forth from the Amana RV Park from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

When is the Official Keg Tapping & Parade?

The Official Keg Tapping pre-party will take place 11 a.m. at the Amana Heritage Museum Courtyard. The Keg Parade will make its way down the main road towards the Festhalle at 1:45 p.m., with the Keg Tapping Ceremony to follow at the Festhalle Barn at 2 p.m. A separate ticket is required to get a beer from the first official keg - they can be purchased at the Amana Heritage Museum on the day of the event.

The Oktoberfest Parade will happen Saturday morning on 220th Trail beginning at 10 a.m. The theme is "A Little German in All of Us."

Where Will Food & Beer Be Available?

All over the place! The Festhalle Barn has a large tent with food and beer, Millstream Brewing Co. will have a variety of beverages and food trucks, and Millwright will also offer local beer and food. The Amana Colonies is also home to some amazing restaurants and wineries. Check out Ronneburg Restaurant, Ackerman Winery, Ox Yoke Inn, and Fireside Winery.

Where Can I See Some Live Entertainment?

There is live entertainment all weekend long at a few different places. Here is the schedule:

Friday, September 30th:

  • Festhalle Barn
    •  Barefoot Becky and the Ivanhoe Dutchmen - 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Ken & Mary Turbo Accordions Express - 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
    • Amana Colonies Folksingers - 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    • DTKK - 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
  • Millstream Brewing Co.
    • Guttenberg German Band - 11 a.m.
    • Joel Berger - 2 p.m.
    • Hot Rod Lincoln Band - 6 p.m.
  • Hotel Millwright
    • Ben Schmidt - 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Unbalanced - 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 1st

  • Festhalle Barn
    • Bavarian Musikmeisters - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • Ken & Mary Turbo Accordions Express - 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
    • Bavarian Musikmeisters - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
    • Eli Alger & The Faster Horses - 9 p.m. to midnight
  • Millstream Brewing Co.
    • Barry Boyce Polka Band - 12 p.m.
    • Airwaves - 5 p.m.
  • Hotel Millwright
    • Dan Tedesco - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • New Trick - 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Felix & Fingers Dueling Pianos - 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • Price Creek Event Center
    • Betty Calling - 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, October 2nd

  • Festhalle Barn
    • Collegium Tubum (The University of Iowa Tuba Group) - 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
    • Bavarian Musikmeisters - 1 2 p.m. to 2 p.m.
    • Barefoot Becky and the Ivanhoe Dutchman - 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Millstream Brewing Co.
    • Cole Thomas - 1 p.m.
  • Hotel Millwright
    • Dogs on Skis - 11 a.m.

What About Games & Contests?

On Friday, a Yodeling Contest will be held at the Festhalle Barn beginning at 6:30 p.m. There will also be team competition called Brezel Schmeissen held there on Saturday at 12:45 p.m., followed by the Brat-Eating Contest at 2 p.m.

Other games are happening at the Market Barn on Saturday. The Keg Toss & Log Sawing Competition and Nagelhauen will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and the Eisenmann Competition will begin at 4 p.m.

For more information about Amana Oktoberfest, you can visit the official website HERE.

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