Oktoberfest

2020 Special Events Update

Every year we all look forward to coming together as a community in our City’s parks for a number of special events. Considering the health and safety of our patrons, performers, partners, volunteers and City staff, we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the Tribute Tuesday concerts, remainder of the Civic Band concerts, Jazz Express concerts, Neighborhood Beer Gardens, Oktoberfest, and Operation Honor: A Salute to Veterans.

There were a number of factors that went into this difficult decision including the continued risks of COVID-19, the Waukesha County mass gathering guidelines of 100 attendees or less, and the fact that many service groups, vendors, and artists were withdrawing from events. We have approached the cancellation of events in our City as slowly as possible, and we are saddened by not being able to come together at these events.

Alternative plans are being developed for re-imagined community wide events, such as themed walks, drives, and virtual activities. While we understand these events and activities will not be the same experience, we will continue to do our best to offer safe, socially distanced events within the recommended mass gathering parameters. We will find new ways to remain #WaukeshaUnited. Please watch for these opportunities in the Fall Parks, Recreation and Forestry Activity Guide at the end of August, as well on social media and the City website.

How Waukesha Oktoberfest benefits our community organizations:

Event is FREE but a $2 wristband is required for alcohol purchase and consumption. Proceeds benefit Friends of WPRF
Beer Sales benefit Waukesha Kiwanis Early Risers
T-shirt sales benefit Waukesha Police Explorers
Brat sales benefit the Waukesha Police Academy
Sprecher ambulance concession sales benefit Waukesha Rotary
Interested in volunteering for this event? Contact April Dethloff, Volunteer Coordinator, 262-524-3709 or email

Oktoberfest FAQs

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
City of Waukesha Oktoberfest is free and open to the public. Anyone wishing to purchase and/or consume beer must be aged 21 or better, have identification, and purchase a wristband for $2. Wristband proceeds benefit the Friends of WPRF.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
Parking is available at:
Schuetze Recreation Center, 1120 Baxter St.
Playground near Frame, Frame Park Dr.
Upper Formal Gardens, Frame Park Dr.
East Alternative School, 1150 Whiterock Ave
Renaissance Manufacturing Group-Waukesha, LLC Parking Lot, 1401 Perkins Ave
Street parking is also available in the area.

FREE Shuttle Information:
Oktoberfest Shuttles (complimentary) will be available! Park at the following location and hop the shuttle to Oktoberfest at Frame Park.

Waukesha County Courthouse parking lot (across from 515 Moreland Blvd.)

The shuttles will pick-up/drop-off every 15 minutes on Friday, from 4:30-11:30pm (last trip from Frame Park) and Saturday, from 12:30-11:30pm (last trip from Frame Park). The Frame Park drop-off/pick-up point will be on Baxter Street, near Whiterock Avenue.

***Each shuttle rider will receive one token to redeem at the Culvers tent at Oktoberfest for a free scoop token.

What can/can't I bring to the event?
You can bring all your friends and family. Please leave any pets at home along with any beverages. They will be for sale at the event along with great food options. A percentage of proceeds will benefit local community organizations.

What is the Oktoberfest cake?
At 2:00pm on Saturday, and with the help of the Mayor, Cakes While U Wait will unveil their amazing creation of an Oktoberfest-themed cake for the event! We’ll slice up the cake and provide free slices to the first 400.

Where do I get an Oktoberfest t-shirt?
Glad you asked! The Waukesha Police Explorers Post #178 will be selling Annual Waukesha Oktoberfest t-shirts and earn some funds for selling the shirts. Stop by and get yours right away!

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Call the City of Waukesha Parks, Recreation & Forestry Dept. at 262-524-3737.