Mississippi Oktoberfest is a cultural gathering to celebrate German culture just like the Oktoberfest celebration in Munich. Held at different locations in Mississippi, the event attracts a huge crowd to experience this world’s largest folk festival without actually going to Germany. Oktoberfest in Mississippi roughly follows the same dates as the one in Munich, Germany. The event includes lots of German food, local dishes, beer drinking, bands playing oompah, games, contests, and many other activities.
Oktoberfest Mississippi Dates & Duration
- Mississippi University Oktoberfest: October 13
- Olive Branch Oktoberfest: 1st Saturday in October
- Saint John Oktoberfest Hattiesburg: October 5
Mississippi Oktoberfest Locations
- Mississippi University Oktoberfest: 1100 College Street Columbus, MS
- Olive Branch Oktoberfest: 9211 MS-178, Olive Branch, MS
- Saint John Oktoberfest Hattiesburg: St John Lutheran Church 2001 Hardy St, Hattiesburg
Mississippi Oktoberfest Highlights and Fun Activities
Oktoberfest events in Mississippi let you experience an array of exciting activities that are designed for visitors of all ages.
The Mississippi Delta BBQ Championship: Mississippi Oktoberfest holds the great Mississippi Delta BBQ Championship, arranged by the Memphis BBQ Network. Witness pitmasters compete for bragging rights while you savor smoky, delicious barbecue.
Exciting Carnival Games: These games let you test your skills and win prizes. From classic ring toss to challenging beanbag toss, there are a lot of games for the visitors, adding a competitive aspect to the cultural celebrations.
Live Entertainment on Two Stages: Oktoberfest Mississippi features live music on two stages where you can enjoy the oom-pah tunes of traditional German bands and lively performances by local artists.
Arts & Crafts: Find unique handmade things at the Mississippi Oktoberfest’s Arts & Crafts fair. The local artisans display their skills through a variety of crafts, including jewelry, pottery, paintings, and woodwork.
Costume Contest for Kids: Children under 12 are invited to join the costume contest at Mississippi Oktoberfest. Dress up in lovely Bavarian outfits or other traditional German clothing for a chance to win.
Delicious Food Truck Fare: No festival is complete without delicious food. Mississippi Oktoberfest offers a selection of food German, local, and international cuisine to satisfy your cravings.
Major Oktoberfest Events in Mississippi
When it comes to Oktoberfest, Mississippi hosts various events to experience German traditions with a local charm. All of the festivals offer exciting activities, food, beer, music, games and much more in the most intimate settings.
Mississippi University Oktoberfest
Mississippi University for Women’s Student Programming Board annually hosts the Oktoberfest, held on Shattuck Lawn. This event features exciting carnival-style games, live music performances, and other festivities.
A highlight includes a costume contest for children aged 1 to 12, starting at 6 p.m. Food trucks fuel the fun, offering a range of German and local cuisine to cater to diverse tastes. The event with just 50 cents entry ticket is a great way to celebrate the fall season for everyone.
Olive Branch Oktoberfest
The Olive Branch Oktoberfest is a colorful celebration of German culture, attracting visitors of all ages. With its live music, traditional foods, and fun activities, this festival has become a national sensation.
Each fall, people enjoy German classics alongside universal favorites such as pretzels and funnel cakes. The festival also features a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo, and many carnival games, making it a perfect family gathering place. Oktoberfest Olive Branch showcases the rich cultural diversity of the region by offering a mix of local and German entertainment.
Saint John Oktoberfest Hattiesburg
Saint John Lutheran Church Oktoberfest is an annual celebration that is held on the first Saturday of October annually. This event offers cultural festivities and supports community outreach and mission work both locally and internationally.
The church appreciates the Pinebelt community’s longstanding support and invites everyone to join. For those unable to attend, contributions to their mission efforts are welcome via online donations or by mailing checks to their address on Hardy Street, noting Oktoberfest in the memo line.
Mississippi Oktoberfest Dress Code
There’s no official dress code for Mississippi Oktoberfest events. However, if you want to embrace the spirit a bit, consider wearing Lederhosen men and dirndl dresses. These outfits give you an authentic Bavarian look while exploring the cultural festivities. When dressing for Oktoberfest events, consider the weather conditions of the specific location along with your style and comfort preferences.
Mississippi Oktoberfest Tickets and Booking Details
Some of the Oktoberfest events in Mississippi are free to enter while others may require prior booking. The reservations can be made online through the official website of every location. Check the official website of every event before weeks to know the details about the schedule, timings and bookings details of each location.
Things You Need to Know Before Attending Oktoberfest in Mississippi
- Cash on Hand: Bring considerable cash for food, beer, rides, and other things, as some vendors may not accept card payments.
- Parking: Consider using public transportation to avoid parking-related issues.
- Check the Schedule: Look for updates or event postings closer to the date, weeks before the event, to see the specific performance schedule or special highlights.
- Dress for the Weather: Mississippi weather in October can be unpredictable. It’s advisable to check the forecast beforehand and dress in layers. Consider bringing an umbrella or light jacket in case of unexpected showers.
- Family-Friendly Fun: All the events are family-friendly, so maintain a good environment and follow all the rules described by the management of each location.
