When the crisp fall air rolls in and leaves start to turn gold, Mississippi transforms into a place of laughter, music, and tradition. Across the state, locals gather for steins of beer, the sounds of live music, and plates full of bratwurst, pretzels, and sauerkraut — all in celebration of Oktoberfest!
What began more than 200 years ago in Munich as a royal wedding celebration has grown into one of the world’s most beloved festivals — and Mississippi gives it a flavor all its own. From family-friendly activities to stein-hoisting competitions, there’s no better way to celebrate fall than at one of these festive gatherings.
Here are some of Made in Mississippi’s favorite Oktoberfest celebrations happening this season.
🎉 Olive Branch Oktoberfest — Olive Branch, Mississippi
The Olive Branch Oktoberfest has become one of North Mississippi’s favorite fall events — a lively celebration of German culture and community spirit.
Festival Highlights:
🎠 Pumpkin patch & petting zoo
🎯 Carnival games & bouncy houses
🎨 Face painting & crafts
🍺 Authentic German food and drinks
Visitors can savor bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, and cold beer while enjoying live music and the cool autumn air. Whether you’re relaxing with friends or exploring with the kids, this event blends German tradition with Southern hospitality for an unforgettable fall day.
🍻 St. John Oktoberfest — Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Held at the Hattiesburg Zoo, St. John Oktoberfest is a weekend-long celebration that brings the community together for family fun, food, and music.
🎡 Carnival rides, games, and crafts
🥨 Traditional German food like bratwurst and pretzels
🎶 Live music — from polka to modern favorites
🍺 Imported and local beers on tap
It’s one of the most festive, family-friendly events in the Pine Belt — where every corner of the zoo comes alive with laughter, flavor, and the spirit of Oktoberfest.
🎵 Cleveland Oktoberfest — Cleveland, Mississippi
In the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Cleveland Oktoberfest fills downtown with live music, arts, food, and fun.
Known for its friendly crowd and laid-back atmosphere, the event pairs the soul of the Delta with a European twist.
🍁 Enjoy local bands, handcrafted goods, German cuisine, and craft beer while exploring the charming streets of Cleveland. It’s the perfect mix of Mississippi roots and global flavor.
🍺 Oktoberfest at Fertile Ground Beer Co. — Jackson, Mississippi
The capital city goes all out for Oktoberfest at Fertile Ground Beer Company, located in Belhaven Town Center.
The fun begins Friday, October 17 at 5 p.m. with the traditional ceremonial keg tapping — a nod to Munich’s original Oktoberfest.
🎶 Live music all weekend
🌭 Bratwurst eating contests
💪 Stein-hoisting competitions
🍻 Specialty brews including Märzen & Festbier
🍴 Great food from local restaurants & food trucks
Don’t forget to grab a limited-edition Fertile Ground stein — the ultimate souvenir from a weekend full of German flavor and Mississippi spirit.
🇩🇪 Oktoberfest Oxford — Oxford, Mississippi
Each October, Oktoberfest in Oxford transforms Uptown into a vibrant fall festival bursting with music, color, and community.
Visitors can stroll through vendor booths filled with local crafts, enjoy authentic German dishes, and raise a glass of beer to the sounds of live music echoing through the streets.
🍺 What to Expect:
🥨 German cuisine & craft beers
🎶 Local musicians performing traditional and modern tunes
🎡 Family-friendly activities for all ages
It’s the perfect blend of Oxford charm and European flair — a can’t-miss event for anyone who loves fall festivals.
🌾 A Season of Celebration
From Oxford’s bustling Oktoberfest streets to the lively carnival rides in Hattiesburg and the pumpkin patch fun in Olive Branch, Mississippi knows how to celebrate fall in style. Each festival brings together great food, live music, local craftsmanship, and the kind of community spirit that defines our state.
So this October, grab your friends, raise a stein, and join in the celebration.