DES MOINES BIERGARTEN ANNOUNCES NEW OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION AT WATER WORKS PARK
The Des Moines located Oktoberfest will take place September 19–21
DES MOINES, IOWA (July 18, 2025) – In response to strong community interest and recent changes to the metro’s festival lineup, Des Moines Biergarten announced today it will launch its own Oktoberfest celebration this fall at Water Works Park. The event will run September 19–21, offering a free, family and dog friendly experience of the beloved German tradition.
Starting as a pop-up in 2022, the Biergarten has been offering steins of German beer in a serene park setting for several seasons and will now welcome a new Oktoberfest experience in the heart of the city. The event will be put on in partnership with the Water Works Park Foundation, and a percentage of revenues will go toward supporting the non-profit foundation that operates Water Works Park.
The new Oktoberfest event will take place within the existing Biergarten footprint and stage area, transforming the space into a lively, three-day celebration featuring live music, expanded food and beverage options, and a full lineup of traditional games and competitions.
Planned traditional activities include:
- Stein holding contests
- Stein racing
- Pretzel eating contest
- Costume contest
- Beer keg race
- Keg holding contest
- Pretzel toss
- Oktoberfest trivia
“The Biergarten has always focused on being family friendly and we feel wanted to create an Oktoberfest experience that would be fun and exciting for everyone,” said Alec Davis of Orvis Horatio Group, which operates the Biergarten. “This event will bring the same energy and spirit people have come to expect — great beer, great music, plus even more food options — all in a welcoming and beautiful park setting.”
Hours will run from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., with possible later hours to be announced as programming is finalized. The event will be free to attend.
This will be Des Moines’ only Oktoberfest celebration this year.
For more information about Des Moines Biergarten and Oktoberfest updates, visit desmoinesbiergarten.com or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
About Orvis Horatio Group
Orvis Horatio Group is locally owned by brothers Alec and Evan Davis, Dr. Austin Baeth, and
Sam Hoyle. Alec and Evan have more than a decade of experience working in restaurant operations, Austin Baeth is a Des Moines physician and a Representative in the Iowa House, and Sam Hoyle owns marketing agency, New Tribe Media. The group is behind Dough Co. Pizza, Des Moines Biergarten and Highland Underground.