La Crosse Oktoberfest Throughout the Years

Posted 3:31 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024

Prost and Happy Festing

Starting in 1961, La Crosse Oktoberfest has been an event that brings La Crosse as a community together. As a replacement for a winter carnival, Oktoberfest was suggested by a couple of German employees at the G. Heileman Brewing Company similar to the one held in Munich. This idea was chosen as early October marks the end of harvest and could be used as a time to relax after the harvesting was done. With the first parade drawing around 30,000-50,000 spectators. Over the years it has grown into one of the largest and longest running Oktoberfest celebrations in the Midwest; hosting around 150,000 people annually. From the Torchlight and Maple Leaf parades, to searching for the Oktoberfest Medallion, and even tapping the Golden Keg, Oktoberfest has something for everyone.

Take a trip down memory lane and see how people celebrated Oktoberfest throughout the years. Here at Murphy Library, we have an extensive photo collection of past Oktoberfests. Located in our Special Collections Section you can view this collection and many more by making an appointment, coming in during our open hours or browsing our digital collections here.