Appleton's Octoberfest
September 27, 2025
A Mile of Fun
College Avenue • Downtown Appleton
Join us Saturday, September 27th for Appleton’s Octoberfest. Music starts as early as 9 a.m., along with Arts and Crafts and the Family Fun Area. And, don’t forget about all the great food booths; local not-for-profits put in a lot of time and hard work to raise money for their organizations during this one-day event.
We hope to see you Octoberfest Weekend!
Presenting Sponsors
For sponsorship information please contact
Eric Broten at ebroten@foxcitieschamber.com
or 920-734-7101
Vendor Applications
If you are a non-profit looking to partner with a food vendor, please fill out this form. We’ll share this information with any food vendors looking for a non-profit that aligns with their mission.
Apply to be an Arts & Crafts Vendor
Frequently Asked Questions
Octoberfest will get under way with the traditional Spaten beer toast at the Houdini Plaza stage at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025. The ceremonial toast is a tribute to the annual ritual Spaten keg beer tapping at Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.
Wristband and tickets sales end at 5 p.m. Beer sales end at 5:30 p.m. Vendors shut down and the Ave. starts clearing out at 6 p.m.
License to Cruise will kick off Appleton’s Octoberfest on Friday, Sept. 26, from 3-9 p.m. Over 400 other classic cars will be lined down College Avenue, plus there is an indoor car show at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center.
For additional License to Cruise FAQs visit https://octoberfestonline.org/license-to-cruise/
No. We have a “no solicitation” policy in place for both days that prohibits this; the policy includes food and arts/crafts vendors as well. However, we do offer numerous sponsorships opportunities for any business interested in promotional opportunities. Email ebroten@foxcitieschamber.com for more details.
Visit our web site for a full list of beers being served at Octoberfest: https://octoberfestonline.org/beer-and-food/
Octoberfest has five stages and bands playing throughout the day. Visit https://octoberfestonline.org/music/ for specific band and stage schedules.
This area is open from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM on Saturday, during Octoberfest. We have a great lineup of entertainment and activities for kids. See the schedule here https://octoberfestonline.org/family-fun-area/
Yes, we have sponsorship opportunities available. For more information email ebroten@foxcitieschamber.com.
Skateboards are not allowed as it is an ordinance violation to ride skateboards in the downtown area. We ask that you not ride any e-bikes or bicycles through Octoberfest, as this can interfere with crowd control and the enjoyment of other event attendees. Please park all bikes somewhere safe and out of the way before entering the Ave.
Appleton's Largest Block Party!
Live Music
We have something for everyone! Five music stages feature local and regional acts and fill the day with all types of music from rock to hip hop and everything in between.
Food Fare
You’ll find non-profit food vendors throughout College Avenue with tasty treats ranging from brats and burgers to German food and the always popular, funnel cakes.
Arts & Crafts
Our Arts and Crafts area features hundreds of local and regional artisans. Shop for a wide variety of unique items and original pieces that you won’t find anywhere else.
Family Fun Area
Family Fun programming begins at 9 a.m. and features kid-friendly activities such as karate demonstrations, juggling, balloon artists, face painting and more.
Please note: Per City of Appleton Ordinance, NO pets are allowed. Sec. 10-47. Animals at special events prohibited. (a) Animals are prohibited on public property located within the Downtown District (Richmond Street to Drew Street/south side of Lawrence Street to north side of Washington Street) on the following special event days: Flag Day Parade, License to Cruise, Octoberfest, Christmas Parade, and any day that a planned/permitted special event would close one or more blocks within the Downtown District to normal use or traffic, except by written permission from the event permit holder for special activities in accordance with the event.
License to Cruise
Friday, September 26, 2025
Octoberfest weekend kicks off with License to Cruise, a classic car show on Friday night at 3 p.m. Complete with more than 400 classic cars, live music and great food, you won’t want to miss one of Appleton’s largest car shows. New this year – indoor car show will be at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center behind the Hilton Paper Valley. You won’t want to miss the display of rare and low production Pontiacs. You’ll also find special displays featuring supercars, vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles and vintage mini bikes.
Supporting Our Community
41 Years of Giving Back
Octoberfest was founded by downtown Appleton retailers and the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce in 1981 to promote their businesses, improve the community image and showcase the downtown area. The Octoberfest planning committee continues this tradition by awarding grants to local non-profit organizations using proceeds from the prior year’s Octoberfest.