HOTELS
OPENING CEREMONY
The celebration begins with tradition and cheer as the St. Charles Oktoberfest Opening Ceremony kicks off the weekend in true Bavarian style. Join us at the Hofbräu Biergarten as festival organizers, community leaders, and musicians come together to officially tap the first keg and declare the festival open. From the sound of the first toast to the rise of the oompah band, the air fills with excitement, music, and laughter. It’s the perfect way to raise your stein, shout “Prost!”, and welcome a weekend full of music, memories, and Missouri Riverfront magic.
FRIDAY NIGHT | 7PM START | HOFBRAU TENT
WIENER TAKES ALL
Small legs. Big dreams. The Wiener Dog Race is one of the most beloved traditions at St. Charles Oktoberfest — and for good reason. Dozens of dachshunds line up for their moment of glory, dashing down the track with tails wagging, ears flying, and crowds cheering them on every step of the way. It’s equal parts competition and comedy, capturing the playful spirit that makes Oktoberfest unforgettable. Whether you’re rooting for your favorite pup or just soaking in the fun, this race is guaranteed to bring smiles, laughter, and a few photo finishes worth celebrating.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON | 12PM START | MICHELOB ULTRA TRAILER
BRAT EATTING CONTEST
Bring your appetite — and your competitive spirit! The Brat Eating Contest is where legends are made and stomachs are tested. Watch as contestants line up to see who can devour the most bratwurst in record time, all while the crowd cheers them on with laughter and plenty of “Prost!” It’s messy, it’s hilarious, and it’s one of the most talked-about events of the weekend. Whether you’re competing for glory or just watching the madness unfold, this is Oktoberfest fun at its finest — hearty, bold, and full of flavor.
MAIN EVENT | 7PM START | HOFBRAU TENT
Raise the Stein Competition
Strength, endurance, and pure determination take center stage in one of Oktoberfest’s most iconic traditions — the Stein Hoisting Contest. Participants face off to see who can hold a full one-liter stein of beer at arm’s length the longest, without spilling a drop or lowering their arm. It might sound simple, but a few minutes in, you’ll see just how tough it really is. With the crowd cheering, music pumping, and bragging rights on the line, this event is equal parts strength test and spectacle. Raise your stein high, feel the burn, and prove you’ve got what it takes to be the Oktoberfest champion.
QUALIFYING CONTESTS THROUGHOUT | MAIN EVENT 6PM START | HOFBRAU TENT
WRUST RACE EVER 5k/10k
Start your Oktoberfest weekend on the right foot — and maybe the left one too — at the Wurst Race Ever 5K and 10K! Runners of all levels lace up for a scenic course through historic St. Charles, cheered on by the early-rising festival crowd. Cross the finish line at Frontier Park, grab your commemorative medal, and celebrate your victory the Bavarian way — with a cold beer and plenty of bratwurst waiting at the festival grounds. Whether you’re racing for a personal best or just for the post-run Prost, this is one “wurst” experience you’ll actually love.
SUNDAY MORNING | 7AM START | KATY TRAIL
ANTIQUE CAR SHOW
Take a drive down memory lane at the St. Charles Oktoberfest Antique Car Show. From gleaming chrome to polished paint and perfectly restored engines, this showcase celebrates the timeless craftsmanship of classic automobiles. Wander through rows of vintage rides, meet passionate car owners, and snap photos with some of the most beautiful machines ever built. Whether you’re a lifelong car enthusiast or just love the nostalgia of a Sunday drive, the Antique Car Show adds a touch of retro charm to the weekend’s festivities — proving that great design, like great beer, only gets better with age.
SUNDAY | 9AM – 12PM | MAIN STREET