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Two days of German traditions, popular live music, competitions and family fun return to Downtown Abilene
The 9th Annual Abilene Oktoberfest returns to Downtown Abilene Friday and Saturday, September 18-19, 2026, bringing two days of German food, bier, traditional dancing, live music, competitions and family-friendly activities.
Admission is free.
“Oktoberfest has really grown into a weekend people look forward to,” said Hanna Nagely, Abilene Oktoberfest organizer. “You see families, groups of friends, former classmates and visitors all downtown having fun together. That atmosphere is what makes the weekend so special.”
Friday’s festivities begin at 6 p.m. with food and booth vendors, bier and wine tents and a bounce house. The Stein Hoisting Competition begins at 7:30 p.m., followed by one of Friday night’s biggest draws.
7 South Band takes the stage at 8:30 p.m.
With a strong following and a reputation for putting on a great live show, 7 South Band gives music fans plenty of reason to make Friday night part of their Oktoberfest plans.
“We knew we wanted Friday night to have the kind of entertainment that gets people excited to come out and stay awhile,” Nagely said. “7 South has a great following, and we’re excited to see that crowd and energy downtown.”
Saturday’s festivities begin at 11 a.m. and include the 5th Annual Abilene Oktoberfest Cornhole Tournament, Stein Race, Hammerschlagen, Keg Races, Stein Hoisting Competition, food and booth vendors, bier and wine tents and family activities.
Traditional German culture will also take center stage throughout the day. Blautaler Schuhplattler will perform traditional German folk dances at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The traditional Tapping of the Keg, Opening Ceremony and Goalschnitzen begins at 5 p.m.
“For our family, it’s important that we keep the German traditions at the center of Oktoberfest even as the event continues to grow,” Nagely said. “Those traditions give the festival its personality and make it different from other events.”
Beer lovers can also participate in Walnut River Brewing Company beer tastings at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Saturday night, another crowd favorite returns when Paramount takes the stage from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Paramount has developed a loyal following and is always a popular draw in Abilene. Combined with 7 South Band on Friday, the weekend offers two nights of live music featuring bands that bring strong followings of their own.
“Paramount is one of those bands people ask about and look forward to seeing,” Nagely said. “Having 7 South on Friday and Paramount on Saturday gives us two really strong nights of music.”
The event is made possible through the support of local businesses, organizations, volunteers and sponsors. This year’s Platinum Sponsors are Kansas Best Realty, Holm Automotive Center and Oak Creek Storage, along with many other sponsors supporting the annual celebration.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have businesses that continue to step up and support Oktoberfest,” Nagely said. “Their support allows us to keep building the event and creating a weekend people want to come back to.”
Homecoming Adds to the Weekend
Oktoberfest isn’t the only tradition bringing people to Abilene that weekend.
Friday, September 18, is also Abilene High School’s Homecoming football game against the Chapman Fighting Irish. The combination of Homecoming, the longtime Abilene-Chapman rivalry and Oktoberfest has made the weekend particularly popular for class reunions.
“We’ve worked with several alumni groups that have planned their class reunions around Oktoberfest and the Abilene-Chapman football game,” said Julie Roller Weeks, director of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It’s the perfect weekend for classes to come home and reconnect because the fun is already built in. There’s football, Oktoberfest, great live music and activities for all ages, so reunion organizers don’t have to create an entire weekend of entertainment from scratch.”
With Homecoming and Oktoberfest on Friday followed by a full day of German traditions, competitions and live music on Saturday, September 18-19 offers plenty of reasons to spend the weekend in Abilene. For more information, visit www.AbileneOktoberfest.com.
9th Annual Abilene Oktoberfest
Friday & Saturday, September 18-19, 2026
Downtown Abilene, Kansas
Free admission
Prost! See you in Downtown Abilene!
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