September means it’s Oktoberfest season in the Kenosha Area. Beer gardens and lakefront parks are among the venues to find these German-themed celebrations full of food, drink, live music, and fun activities/competitions. The events are family-friendly and admission is free!
Here are the Oktoberfest events that were on our 2026 Events Calendar.
Old Settlers Oktoberfest: September 12, 2026
Oktoberfest at Petrifying Springs Biergarten: September 11-13, 2026
Oktoberfest at Hansen Park Beer Garden: September 18-21, 2026
Union Park Tavern and MGV Harmonia Oktoberfest: September 19-20, 2026
Lakeside Oktoberfest: September 24–27, 2026
We took a closer look at Lakeside Oktoberfest in this exculsive interview:
Chuck Nelson is the owner of Rustic Road Brewing Company in Downtown Kenosha. Rustic Road is the organizer of Lakeside Oktoberfest. I still remember when I first met Chuck Nelson years ago, back when Lakeside Oktoberfest was just an idea. I had been asked to be on the planning committee for that very first festival, and I was immediately struck by Chuck and his then-partner Greg’s vision for what the event could be. It was ambitious, community-focused, and centered around celebrating Kenosha with great beer and a welcoming spirit.
Fast forward just five years, and Lakeside Oktoberfest has grown into one of Kenosha’s biggest annual events. It’s remarkable to see what Chuck and his team at Rustic Road Brewing Company have accomplished in such a short time – turning a simple idea into a lakefront tradition that the community looks forward to every fall.
With the fifth annual Lakeside Oktoberfest set for September 24-27, 2026, at Celebration Place, I sat down with Chuck to reflect on where it all started and what’s in store this year.
Q. Let’s start from the beginning – what inspired you to create Lakeside Oktoberfest?
Chuck: It actually started because we had a surplus of kegged beer and needed to move it.
Q. Do you remember what that very first year was like? What were some of the challenges and surprises?
Chuck: The first year we had a full committee with about 15 people, including customers and staff. It was a big lift the first year.
Q. You’re now heading into the 5th year. What are some of the new additions or changes guests can look forward to this year?
Chuck: We’ve added several events as the years have gone on. New this year is a $10,000 raffle, with ten $1,000 drawings. The raffle supports the American Legion Kenosha Post 21’s programs benefiting youth, the community and veterans. We’re always looking for ways to add something new and make the event bigger and better each year.
Q. Why is HarborPark Celebration Place the right location for this event?
Chuck: The lakefront is an awesome spot. I can’t imagine a better place.
Q. How far in advance do you start planning for each year’s festival?
Chuck: Julia (Heiser) and I start immediately after the event wraps up, planning for things we could do better. We really hit our stride about July.
Q. What are you most proud of when you look back at how the festival has grown?
Chuck: I’m particularly proud of the network of friends and patrons that help us serve beer, and the growing list of sponsors that help us pull the event off.
Q. What kinds of beers can people expect at Lakeside Oktoberfest – do you brew any special seasonal releases just for the event?
Chuck: Although we try to keep it traditional, we have added our Hazelnut Harvest to the lineup at the request of our patrons. Of course, Oktoberfest beer is on tap. The past couple years we’ve also added our Milkshake IPA series.
Q. Will you be bringing back any fan-favorite brews from past Oktoberfests?
Chuck: Yes, we always bring back our Hazelnut and our Tangerine Milkshake IPA.
Q. What’s the vibe like at the beer garden – do people come just to sample or are they staying all day?
Chuck: We have a mix of both – a lot of people who stop in to taste, and a lot of folks that know us and hang out.
Q. Let’s talk food. What kind of German-style eats and local vendors will be there this year?
Chuck: As far as the German fare, we’ll provide that part with brats, schnitzel and pretzels. But we also bring in some local favorites, including Polish Plate, Big City BBQ, Space Man Burger and Noir Pizza.
Q. The music lineup is always a big part of the event. How do you curate the entertainment each year?
Chuck: That I’m happy to say comes easy for us. We’re loyal to the bands that started with us. For instance, Ben Mulwana was one of our first shows in the Loft at Rustic Road, and he is back again to play here at Lakeside Oktoberfest.
Q. Can you give us a rundown of this year’s band schedule or highlight acts?
Chuck: We always strive to promote local acts, and this year’s lineup will not disappoint. From Old Brown Shoes, Revival and Groove Aces to one of Kenosha’s favorites, Boys & Toys, there’s going to be great music throughout the weekend.
Q. What kind of vibe are you going for – authentic Oktoberfest, party atmosphere, or a mix?
Chuck: We try to bring the traditional Germanfest vibe with a Wisconsin flare.
Q. What are some other experiences at the fest – games, contests, dancing, family-friendly options?
Chuck: Traditional things like Stein Hoisting, along with a bounce house for the kids and a family-themed day on Sunday. Costumes are a huge part of the fun.
Q. What’s the craziest or best Oktoberfest outfit you’ve seen so far?
Chuck: Definitely Kai Andersen playing in his lederhosen!
Q. Do you have any contests or crowd participation traditions that people look forward to?
Chuck: The stein-holding competition and our annual keg tapping are two traditions that people look forward to every year. They’re always a lot of fun and a big part of the Oktoberfest experience.
Q. What’s your go-to Oktoberfest outfit—lederhosen or Rustic Road merch?
Chuck: Personally, I wear Rustic Road gear. I can’t pull off lederhosen… but maybe the 5th year is the year I finally give it a try!
On September 26, the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha's Brat Trot takes place at Oktoberfest.
Click here to sign up! brat-trot
Q. Why was it important for you to tie this event to a cause or community organization?
Chuck: We are fiercely pro-community at Rustic Road. Boys & Girls Club fits our mission.
Q. How has the community responded to this collaboration?
Chuck: The Brat Trot is their event at Lakeside Oktoberfest. It’s been a special project – literally a .1K, which is about 359 feet! (LOL)
Q. Can you share a moment or story that’s stood out to you from working with the Boys & Girls Club during the fest?
Chuck: We’ve added a kids’ race to the Brat Trot – that’s my highlight of their partnership.
Q. How important is it for you to keep the event local – whether it’s beer, music, food, or vendors?
Chuck: Very much so. It’s the anchor of why we do the event.
Q. What kind of impact do you think Lakeside Oktoberfest has had on the Downtown Kenosha community?
Chuck: I feel we’ve united several downtown businesses more than we already were. Many of our sponsors are fellow downtown business owners.
Q. If you had an unlimited budget, what would your dream version of Lakeside Oktoberfest look like?
Chuck: Wow, that’s a good question. I’d probably throw a party like Snap-on does for their anniversary. (Kenosha is the global headquarters for Snap-on.)
Q. What keeps you coming back and wanting to do this every year?
Chuck: I love the interaction with people. It’s very rewarding when people come and recognize Rustic Road and the craft beer. My team keeps me wanting to grow.
Q. Finally, why should someone who’s never been come check out Lakeside Oktoberfest this year?
Chuck:
I’d say come to experience the authenticity of the people of Kenosha – very hospitable folks that love and support their local businesses.
Prost to Kenosha
With Rustic Road Brewing’s passion for beer, community, and good old-fashioned fun, Lakeside Oktoberfest has quickly become a can’t-miss fall tradition. From steins and bratwurst to live music and family fun, the festival offers something for everyone.
And for me personally, it’s been incredible to watch the journey – from sitting on that very first planning committee to now seeing thousands gather at the lakefront. Chuck and his team have built something truly special, and I can’t wait to raise a stein with the rest of Kenosha this September 25–28 at Celebration Place.
Some Festival photos supplied by Rustic Road Brewing Company & others by Visit Kenosha
