Oktoberfest

Germany on Campus 2026

Explore the Events

 

O'zapft is!

Join UAF for two days of Oktoberfest celebrations, presented by the UAF Department of Global Languages & Literatures German program & UAF German Club! Explore the history and traditions behind Oktoberfest during a panel discussion on Thursday, Sept. 24, then come back Friday, Sept. 25, for an afternoon of music, food, activities and German culture. Come for one event or join us for both!

Oktoberfest Panel Discussion

Join Dean Carrie Baker, acting “Mayor of Munich,” as she opens the festivities at Thursday’s Oktoberfest panel discussion!

Thursday, September 24, 2026
7 p.m.-9 p.m.
BP Design Theater

 

Featuring:

Helga Wagenleiter. UAF Photo
History of Oktoberfest

Helga Wagenleiter, UAF Department of Global Languages and Literatures, and
Elliott Anderson & Kohlby Vierthaler, UAF German Club Presidents

Sarah McConnell. UAF Photo by Eric Engman
Music of Germany, circa 1810

w/ Sarah McConnell, PhD
UAF Department of Music

Zoe Marie Jones. UAF Photo by Eric Engman
German Architecture, circa 1810

w/ Zoë Marie Jones, PhD
UAF Department of Art

Alex Hirsch. UAF Photo
Politics of Germany, circa 1810

w/ Alexander Hirsch, PhD
UAF Department of Political Science

Angelika Krinner-Croteau. UAF Photo
Oktoberfest Traditions

w/ Angelika Krinner-Crouteau
Native of Munich

Bobby Wilken. Photo credit: Hudson Lindenberger
German Beer Brewing

w/ Bobby Wilken, Brewmaster

Oktoberfest Celebration 

 

Friday, September 25, 2026
Wood Center Mall
11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Global Languages and Literatures faculty pose at the Oktoberfest photobooth in 2024. UAF Photo

Featuring:

 

  • Live music from the Oktoberfest band, led by April Jaillet
  • Photo booth with Lederhosen and Dirndl
  • Prizes for the best Oktoberfest outfit
  • Beer mug carrying contest
  • Arm wrestling
  • Learn how to yodel
  • Learn about the origins of the Ferris wheel 
  • Discuss current German-American issues with the German Embassy
  • German beer tasting at HooDoo Brewing Company! (21+ only) 

 

Come hungry! Bavarian food from Dine 49 will be available both days!

For questions, please contact Helga Wagenleiter.