The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority will host its 11th-annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 27.

The fall festival will run from noon to 10 p.m. at the downtown stage parking lot at the intersection of Iron Mountain and Hughitt streets in Iron Mountain. First National Bank & Trust returns as the 2025 signature sponsor.

“We encourage everyone to embrace the full Oktoberfest experience and come dressed in the traditional Bavarian attire — ladies with their full colorful skirts, blouses and aprons and men with their leather shorts, suspenders, checkered shirts and knee-high socks. Don’t forget the Alpine hats, flower crowns and festive jewelry to complete the look,” DDA Event Coordinator Katherine Mentel said. “Or just come in your comfy fall clothing. Everyone is going to fit in and have fun.”

The celebration opens with the local band 141 North from noon to 2:30 p.m.

Four people compete in the stein-holding competition at the 2024 Oktoberfest in Iron Mountain. (Courtesy photo)

“They will get the crowd going with their mix of favorite tunes,” Mentel said. “They are known for delivering an energetic performance.”

At 3:15 p.m., Dorf Kapelle of Hortonville, Wis., takes the stage and will play until 6:15 p.m.

“They will bring the charm of a traditional European village band to life with spirited polkas, waltzes, marches and more,” she said. “They feature a full ensemble that delivers authentic, festive entertainment rooted in the music of Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic.”

“We can’t wait to have them here in Iron Mountain,” she said, adding they are also very exciting to be here and expand into the U.P.

Closing the night is the popular local band The Descendants. The young group will play a mix of classic rock from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, along with a bit of country, from 7 to 10 p.m.

“They will be rockin’ it out all night for you,” Mentel said.

The Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area is the music sponsor.

Fest-goers who are age 18 and older are encouraged to enter the Mr. and Ms. Oktoberfest competition, which will begin about 2:30 p.m. Each person will be judged on three categories — attire, knowledge of common German trivia and pronunciation of German words.

Winners earn the title of “Mr. Oktoberfest” and “Ms. Oktoberfest” for the year.

“Our goal for this is to create a legacy of Mr. and Ms. Oktoberfest that can return every year,” said Mentel, adding the competition isn’t just for couples but open to anyone.

Mentel also said that winners can even be a part of next year’s planning process and crown the 2026 royalty. “It will be a fun tradition,” she said.

The DDA has brought back the stein-holding competition for any men or women at least 21 years old. Rounds will start about 6:20 p.m.

“That’s always really fun — we are giving out the beer boot “bierstiefel” to the winners,” Mentel said.

Participants are able to sign up in advance online or on the day of the festival.

Everyone is invited to try their hand at hammerschlagen, a traditional German game where players take turns pounding nails into a wooden stump with the wedge end of a hammer.

Guests can also take part in some friendly competition of classic yard games including, cornhole and giant Jenga throughout the day.

The DDA has planned a wide variety of brews. They will have Oktoberfest selections from Bells, Leinenkugel, Samuel Adams and Hinterland.

In addition, they will bring in several local favorites such as Keweenaw Blueberry and Widow Maker, as well as the “common” light beers.

“We will also have a selection of Oktoberfest NAs and four themed inspired wines available,” she said.

The children’s area will be open from noon to 5 p.m.

“If you came to Italian Fest, you may have got your kids’ faces painted by D’s Creative Face and she will be back again for Oktoberfest,” she said.

They will also have some fun and creative Oktoberfest-themed arts and crafts for kids.

The inflatable play area will include a bounce house, slide, obstacle course and a toddler playland.

Three local food vendors will be on site to offer a large selection of German-inspired dishes and sweet treats.

Meat Sweats BBQ is coming to the downtown and will feature a German spread with a hint of smoky twist to the traditional dishes.

“It’s going to be really flavorful,” she said.

Harmony Hearth Bakery of Iron Mountain is bringing back the sourdough pretzel, along with several German desserts.

“We are very excited to have the pretzels,” Mental said.

Millie’s Market will serve up several favorites, including their authentic German sausages, signature potato pancakes and more authentic German sausages and signature potato pancakes.

“They do a wonderful job of providing a great selection of German food and desserts as well,” she added.

The DDA stills needs volunteers for the event.

“We have increased incentives for third-shift volunteers to $15 in drink tokens, as well as food vouchers, like we did for Italian Fest,” Mentel said.

Early shifts will receive $10 in drink tokens and food credits.

“These events don’t happen without volunteers,” she noted. “Anyone 18 and older, we can use all the help we can get. We also have volunteer opportunities for students.”

Anyone interested can go to the website or call the DDA office.

Admission is $10 and free for children 12 and younger. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the gate.

Mentel expressed her appreciation to all the event sponsors.

“A big thank you to our signature sponsor, First National Bank & Trust. They have continued to support this event and help us bring it to life in the community and we are very appreciative of that.”

TADCA isn’t only a music for the festival but has sponsored the musical entertainment for the entire year. “They really help us bring in these talented musical acts,” she said.

Oktoberfest sponsors include: Platinum — DTE Energy Foundation and Northern Interstate Bank, N.A.; Gold — Results Broadcasting; Silver sponsors — Mouw & Celello, P.C., 41 Lumber and Danielson Insurance Agency; and special mention: Midway Rentals and Sales for providing heaters for the event.

“Oktoberfest is the last big festival of the year with music, dancing, food and games,” Mentel noted. “Come and enjoy a fun-filled day for the whole family.”

Mentel added the DDA has several fun fall events planned before closing out the season with the Christmas walk.

Proceeds from the festival go towards DDA efforts to revitalize the downtown area.

For more information about Oktoberfest, volunteer opportunities or other events go to the DDA’s website at downtownironmountain.com.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.