Pierz Oktoberfest Celebration

Pierz Oktoberfest: A Celebration of Tradition and Community

In the small town of Pierz, Minnesota, nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Morrison County, a time-honored tradition comes to life each year. Pierz Oktoberfest, Sunday August 24, 2025 is a cherished event that brings together the tight-knit community to celebrate German heritage, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and partake in a variety of entertaining activities at the Pierz Park.

Oktoberfest Highlights

Pierz Oktoberfest is more than just a fun-filled event; it’s a celebration of cultural heritage and an opportunity for residents to reconnect with their German roots.

One of the highlights of Pierz Oktoberfest is the annual medallion hunt with clues starting the Sunday before the fest. Clues are posted daily throughout the week or until the medallion is found. The winner receives $500 in Pierz Bucks.

The Lions Club Parade is the hit of the summer. Lasting an hour or more in length and weaving 1.3 miles throughout city streets, this is a parade you do not want to miss. The parade starts at 11am with the sound of sirens. Be sure to stand for the color guard as they pass by. And clap for them -they served for your freedom! Reserve your spot early to get the best seats! The parade route begins lining up on the historic Kamnic Street and heads west on First Ave SE. Turns north on Edward Street to Third Ave NE. Then South through town on Main Street all the way to Park Ave SE and ending on Kamnik. Find your seats along this route and you wont be disappointed!

German music and dance performances that take center stage. Attendees can enjoy the sounds of accordions and tubas, while dancers clad in colorful traditional attire perform the lively polka and waltz. This music and dance not only entertain but also pay homage to the German culture that has become an integral part of Pierz. 2025 music lineup is Country Squeezers in the beer garden and Country Fried Grubers in the shelter at Pierz Park.

Another significant aspect of the festival is the presence of German-themed decorations, from German-themed floats in the parade to beer steins and dirndls and lederhosen. These visual elements create a festive atmosphere and immerse visitors in the German spirit, further emphasizing the cultural significance of Pierz Oktoberfest.

German Cuisine

No Oktoberfest celebration would be complete without a mouthwatering array of German cuisine, and Pierz Oktoberfest does not disappoint. The festival’s food offerings provide a delicious journey through traditional German flavors, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts.

Bratwurst and Sauerkraut: Served by the Pierz Fire Department and perhaps the most iconic German dish, the bratwurst, is a staple at Pierz Oktoberfest. Grilled to perfection and served with sauerkraut, these sausages are a favorite among attendees.
Gemuse: This dish stands out as a cherished and highly sought-after dish at the Pierz Oktoberfest. Prepared entirely in-house just days prior to the event, massive roasters overflow with this authentic German ‘stew.’ Gemuse, a German word that translates to ‘vegetables,’ is a delectable stew filled with sausage, potatoes, sauerkraut, pork, beans, and onions. Every sausage and pork element hails from the renowned Thielen Meats of Pierz, adding to its undeniable appeal.
Haluski: another popular dish is a Noodles and Cabbage dish of Polish and Slovakian origin which combines onions, bacon, garlic, and cabbage, all cooked in butter and tossed with egg noodles or dumplings.
Hamburgers/Cheeseburgers: Annually the local Lions Club which sponsors the entire event, prepares and serves the juiciest American burgers of the day. Served with all the fixins.
Kettle corn, cheese curds, shaved ice and mini doughnuts are just some of the other favorites you’ll find at Pierz Oktoberfest!
German Beer: Of course, no Oktoberfest celebration is complete without the world-famous German beer. Attendees can savor a variety of beer styles, including pilsners, lagers, and hefeweizens at the beer garden. Always a popular place to meet up with old friends!
Fresh Pie: Community made pies! Purchase a slice of a variety of pies made be the local ladies. This is a must have item!

Oktoberfest Entertainment

Pierz Oktoberfest is more than just a food and drink festival. It offers a wide range of activities and entertainment options that cater to all ages and interests. Catch all the fun at the Pierz Park after the parade. Need a ride to the park since parking is limited to the east side of park avenue? Catch a free shuttle bus from the high school parking lots and St. Josephs Church lot. Handicap parking is permitted in the Pierz Park area but no ATV’s or UTV’s in the park yards.

Parade: The festival kicks off with a colorful parade featuring local organizations, businesses, and marching bands. These parades are a highlight for families and offer a chance for the community to come together and celebrate.
Live Music: Visitors can enjoy the traditional German oompah bands and find their way to the dance floor to dance the afternoon away in their dirndls and lederhosen.
Games and Contests: For those looking to participate actively, Pierz Oktoberfest offers a variety of games and contests including Oktoberfest button drawings. Buttons are sold in weeks leading up to the event at local businesses and the day of. Visitors are encouraged to wear their Oktoberfest button to win prizes. Continuous treasure chest drawings and $50 in Pierz Bucks drawings are held every half hour throughout the day.
Keg Toss: See who can toss the keg the furthest. A contest for men and women 18 years or older. Registration at 12:30pm. Contest begins at 1:30pm.
Stein Hoisting: See who can hold up a 1-liter glass stein full of beer the longest! Can you beat 5 minutes?
BINGO: Enjoy playing Bingo and winning prizes under the tent all afternoon.
Locally made Pies: Local bakers showcase their talents with baking a variety of pies for purchase. Don’t forget the ice cream!
Children’s Activities: Pierz Oktoberfest is a family-friendly event, with plenty of activities to keep kids entertained. From face painting to FREE bounce houses and carnival games, petting zoo and pony Rides. No event in Pierz isn’t complete without a few farm animals to pet. children are sure to have a blast.
Tractor Pedal Pull stands as an enjoyable and thrilling activity that has witnessed a surge in popularity nationwide and globally. This event caters to children between the ages of 4 and 11, where each young participant takes a seat on a pedal tractor and strives to pull a weighted sled as far as possible. As the sled is pulled, it generates increasing resistance, adding to the challenge. The farther a child can pull, the tougher it becomes! Pedal Pulling is a family-friendly pursuit, thoughtfully organizing kids into age-specific divisions, ensuring a fair and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Arts and Crafts: Local artisans showcase their talents through arts and crafts booths, where attendees can browse and purchase handmade goods, adding a touch of local flavor to the event.

Community Spirit

One of the most remarkable aspects of Pierz Oktoberfest is the sense of community it fosters. The festival serves as a gathering place for residents to come together, reconnect with old friends, and make new ones. The strong community spirit that permeates the event is a testament to the tight-knit nature of the town.

In addition to promoting camaraderie among residents, Pierz Oktoberfest also welcomes visitors from neighboring towns and states. This inclusive approach helps showcase the warmth and hospitality that define Pierz and the surrounding area.