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

“You’re going to have the right weather, good food, great music and entertainment, and plenty of beer,” Festmeister Mark Klossner said. “I say those are all the right ingredients.”

DDA program coordinator Tim McCauley noted that with today’s sunny and warm forecast they are expecting 600 to 800 in attendance.

“I’m hoping we get close to 1,000,” DDA Event Coordinator Katherine Mentel added. “We are so excited to be able to bring this great festival to downtown Iron Mountain.”

Oktoberfest Festmeister Mark Klossner prepares his prost skills as emcee of the 11th-annual Oktoberfest celebration. The German-inspired festival, sponsored by the First National Bank & Trust, will go from noon to 10 p.m. today in downtown Iron Mountain.

Klossner returns to emcee the 11th-annual festivities.

The Oktoberfest celebration will kick off with local band 141 North from noon to 2:30 p.m.

Dorf Kapelle, a 15-piece brass polka band from Hortonville, Wis., will take stage from 3:15 to 6:15 p.m. to entertain the crowd with their traditional polkas, waltzes, marches and more.

“They’re from Wisconsin, so you know they’re going to get the people out there dancing,” Klossner said. “They are going to do a great job.”

“We hope they will pique peoples’ interest — it certainly got mine,” McCauley added.

The Descendents will close out the evening from 7 to 10 p.m., offering a mix of classic rock, along with a few country tunes.

“I think this is the strongest music lineup I have seen since I have been a part of the event,” Klossner said.

Music is sponsored by the Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area.

Mentel said they have several already signed up for Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest, as well as the stein-holding competitions.

“This year’s royalty will get to wear crowns for the entire festival, as well as receive an engraved beer steins,” she added. “They will also get to crown next year’s winners. We really want to build upon that tradition.”

Judging for Mr. and Ms. Oktoberfest is set to begin about 2:30 p.m. They will be graded on attire, common German trivia and pronunciation of German words.

Anyone age 21 and older are invited to take part in the stein-holding games that will begin around 6:20 p.m.

“Winners will walk away with the beer boot,” Mentel said.

In addition, they will also have hammerschlagen — players take turns trying to drive a nail into a board — along with classic yard games of cornhole and giant Jenga.

The DDA has selected a variety of Oktoberfest beer and wine, along with local favorite brews for the event.

Three local food vendors — Millie’s Market, Meat Sweats BBQ and Harmony Hearth Bakery — will be on site.

The bakery will offer handmade sourdough pretzels, McCauley said.

“Festmeister Mark and I got to taste-test the pretzels — they were beyond delicious,” Mentel said. “They will also have some tasty German treats.”

“There’s some really awesome food vendors coming in and putting their twist on German fare,” Klossner added.

Mentel reminds families there are plenty of activities for children as well. The kids area will be open from noon to 5 p.m.

D’s Creative Faces will offer free face painting. The DDA will also have some fun Oktoberfest-themed arts and crafts for kids.

ACA Jumps is bringing their full fleet of inflatables, including an obstacle course, slide, bounce house and a toddler playland.

Mentel said she has heard from many fest-goers and volunteers that they plan to come dressed in full Oktoberfest attire.

“They will have it all — from lederhosen, dirndls and their alpine hats,” she added. “Everyone is excited to embrace the festive atmosphere.”

They could still use about five volunteers — anyone interested can come down to the event.

Admission is $10, with no charge for ages 12 and younger.

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

“Come out and enjoy the nice weather at Oktoberfest with us,” Mentel said. “There will be something for everyone at any age — 0 to 100.”

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