Fall festival season is getting a Bavarian-style boost in Puyallup as Oktoberfest Northwest returns to the Washington State Fair Event Center October 9 through October 11 for its 21st annual celebration.
The three-day event promises German food, beer, live music, dancing, games and family activities, along with some distinctly Northwest twists that give the festival plenty of personality.
The Celebration Starts October 9
Oktoberfest Northwest opens Friday, October 9, at noon and runs until midnight. The event offers free admission from noon to 3 p.m. Friday, giving visitors an early opportunity to check out the festival before the evening festivities get underway.
Saturday runs from 11 a.m. to midnight, while Sunday runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday is also designated as Half-Price Family Day.
A Big Weekend of German Food and Live Music
The festival brings a full lineup of German-inspired food and drinks to the Washington State Fair Event Center.
Traditional steins, German beer, sausages and other festival favorites will be part of the weekend, while live oompah music and dancing keep the Festhalle moving.
Once the sun goes down, party bands take over the Festhalle, giving the festival a more energetic nightlife atmosphere.
The Firkin Tapping Kicks Off Friday Night
One of the signature moments is scheduled for Friday evening.
The ceremonial Tapping of the Firkin is set for approximately 6:15 p.m. in front of the Festhalle Stage. The tradition officially kicks off the weekend’s festivities.
The ceremony gives attendees a natural starting point for the evening’s entertainment and sets the tone for the three-day celebration.
The Washington State Stein Holding Championship Is Coming
Oktoberfest Northwest also has a competitive side.
The festival has been selected as the exclusive Washington State qualifying event for the U.S. Stein Holding Association’s National Championship. Guests can take part in daily stein-holding contests for a chance to show off their strength and stamina.
The competition adds an unusual sports-style element to the festival and gives attendees another reason to participate rather than simply watch the entertainment.
Wiener Dog Races Return Sunday
One of the most unusual attractions arrives Sunday with the Wiener Dog Races.
The event is described as an all-day dachshund celebration featuring races, contests and plenty of four-legged entertainment. The races are scheduled for Sunday, October 11.
For families and social media audiences, the dog-focused event offers one of the weekend’s most distinctive attractions.
The Stein Dash 5K Adds a Running Twist
Sunday will also feature the Stein Dash 5K, a themed race that combines running with Oktoberfest traditions.
Participants can run in Oktoberfest attire and stop at three beer stations along the course. Runners also receive a T-shirt and a stein. Pre-registration is required.
Kids can also take part in the Kids’ Root Beer Run, making the race programming more family friendly.
There Is Plenty for Families, Too
Despite its beer-focused reputation, Oktoberfest Northwest is not limited to adults.
The event includes pumpkin decorating, kids’ games, free face painting on Saturday and Sunday, a Kinder Root Bier Garden and other family activities. The festival is all ages until 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and remains all ages throughout Sunday.
Sunday’s Half-Price Family Day is designed to make the final day especially accessible for families.
Sports Fans Get Their Own Hangout
Sports fans can also keep up with games while attending the festival.
The Sports Haus, presented by Xfinity, features big-screen TVs showing sports action throughout the weekend. The setup combines a sports bar atmosphere with the festival’s beer hall setting.
Manuela Horn Returns as the Host
The festival will once again feature Austrian host Manuela Horn, whom organizers describe as standing 6 feet 7 inches in heels.
Horn is also scheduled to host the Kinderfest Show on Sunday, adding another personality-driven element to the weekend.
A 21-Year Puyallup Tradition
Oktoberfest Northwest is marking its 21st year in Puyallup, making the 2026 edition a milestone for the annual celebration.
The event has developed its own identity by combining traditional Oktoberfest elements with Pacific Northwest entertainment, family programming, contests and unusual attractions such as the Wiener Dog Races.
When Is Oktoberfest Northwest?
Oktoberfest Northwest takes place October 9 through October 11, 2026, at the Washington State Fair Event Center in Puyallup, Washington.
Friday runs noon to midnight, Saturday runs 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday runs 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free parking is available in the Blue Lot.
With live music, German food, stein competitions, family activities, a 5K and a full day devoted to racing dachshunds, the 21st anniversary celebration is shaping up to be one of Puyallup’s more colorful fall events.