Oktoberfest in Hays, KS, is an annual event that celebrates the area's rich Volga German heritage. Traditionally, the Hays Oktoberfest is held on the same weekend as Fort Hays State University Homecoming!
Octoberfest in Hays, KS, began in 1972 when Fort Hays State University, the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, and several locals with German heritage came together to put on this community event. Organizers aimed to replicate the Munich Oktoberfest, where the Oktoberfest tradition originated. Octoberfest in Hays, KS, is always a busy time. In addition to all the Oktoberfest activities, the event is also held on the same weekend as Fort Hays State University's Homecoming.
For anyone who grew up or lived in Hays, KS, for any length of time, you know that Oktoberfest weekend is a huge weekend for the entire community. It is when the rich history of the area is celebrated and many traditions are shared with all who attend. I remember going when I was younger with my parents, and then returning with my friends during college for the weekend.
This two-day event will host thousands of community members, FHSU Alumni, extended family, and friends. Attendees will find traditional food, a German market, music, family-friendly events, and, of course, beer!
A variety of vendors will be at Oktoberfest on Friday and Saturday! You can find a list of vendors and updates by following the Octoberfest Hays Facebook page here or on their Instagram here! There will be a variety of Jewelry, apparel, cookbooks, a commemorative stein, food, and more!
Octoberfest will kick things off on Friday, September 29th, 2023, with an opening ceremony and the tapping of the kegs at 11 a.m. It wouldn't be an Oktoberfest without a Stein holding a competition, so if you are game, get entered early.
If Stein Holding isn't your thing, then stick around for the Deutsch Hops Contest at 4 p.m. or the OctoberFEAST contest at 5 p.m. Since Oktoberfest is held in the park off of Main Street in Hays, KS, make sure you get your spot for the Hays High Homecoming parade that begins at 5 p.m. Yes, you read that correctly. While Oktoberfest in Hays, KS, is held on the same weekend as FHSU Homecoming, sometimes, it also falls on the same weekend as Hays High or TMP Homecoming!
Saturday morning, the Oktoberfest kicks off at 10 am, and then the Fort Hays State Homecoming parade begins at 11 am. At noon, attendees can see the "World's Largest Bierock," and for those who entered, the cornhole tournament begins. Enjoy more live music, games, and fun throughout the day until the festivities end at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Just in time for everyone to head over to Lewis Field to cheer on the Tigers in the Homecoming game that starts at 7 pm.
The Volga German Centennial Association works tirelessly to preserve and share our area's rich Volga German history, and I hope you all enjoy attending Oktoberfest in Hays as much as I do!
See below this year's Press Release from Oktoberfest Hays:
Oktoberfest Hays announces 2025 schedule featuring new "Battle of the Bierock" competition
HAYS, Kan. (Sept. 19, 2025) — The Volga German Centennial Association has released the full schedule of events for the 2025 Oktoberfest Hays, a two-day festival celebrating the region's deep-rooted history, heritage, and homecoming traditions.
The free-to-attend event is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 26, and Saturday, Sept. 27, in Municipal Park, located in downtown Hays.
The celebration begins Sept. 26, with grounds opening at 9:00 a.m.
Official festivities commence with the Opening Ceremony at 10:30 a.m., followed by the traditional Tapping of the Keg at 11:00 a.m.
The afternoon is dedicated to a series of spirited, adults-only competitions, with registration for all games starting at 1:00 p.m. at the Oktoberfest HQ tent.
At 2:00 p.m., contestants will test their strength in the Masskrugstemmen, a traditional stein-holding contest.
This is followed by the Deutch Hops Contest at 4:00 p.m., a timed relay race.
At 5:00 p.m., teams of two will compete in the OktoberFEAST Contest.
The first day of the festival will conclude at 7:00 p.m.
The festivities continue Saturday, Sept. 27, starting at 10:00 a.m.
The morning will be highlighted by the Fort Hays State University Homecoming Parade at 11:00 a.m., followed by the official Oktoberfest Day 2 Welcome at 11:45 a.m.
The afternoon will feature a Cornhole Tournament at 12:00 p.m. Registration at 11:00 a.m. at Oktoberfest HQ.
Family-friendly activities are a focus for Saturday, with kids' games and entertainment running from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., including a German Freeze Game, Pumpkin Pass, and a Pumpkin Rolling Contest.
Bounce houses will also be available for children on Saturday only, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
A major new addition to this year's festival is the inaugural “Battle of the Bierock,” sponsored by Lewis Automotive of Hays.
The competition, which invites Oktoberfest vendors to vie for the title of "Best Bierock," is scheduled
for 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.
"We are incredibly excited to introduce the 'Battle of the Bierock'; to this year's festivities," said Emily Knowles, event coordinator. "It's a great way to celebrate a beloved local food and add a new layer of friendly competition and bragging rights to the event. We can't wait to see which vendor is crowned as the winner."
Live entertainment will be featured throughout the two-day event. Friday's musical guests include the Ron Werth Band, German Tuba, Rice County Line, and Steel Skarecrow.
On Saturday, the Ron Werth Band and Rice County Line will return to the stage.
In addition to the scheduled events, attendees can enjoy activities throughout the park, including the Beer Puppeteers, a High Striker game, and Mug Toss.
"Oktoberfest is a time-honored tradition in Hays, and we are proud to continue to host this event for the community," said Amanda Rupp, president of the Volga German Centennial Association. "We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the food, music, and festivities as we celebrate our shared heritage. There truly is something for everyone to enjoy."
The 2025 Oktoberfest will close at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.
For a complete schedule of events and further details, please visit oktoberfesthays.com.
