IOWA CITY — One of Iowa City’s biggest fall traditions is preparing to raise a glass to three decades of beer, food, music and neighborhood fun.
Northside Oktoberfest will celebrate its 30th anniversary Saturday, September 26, transforming Iowa City’s historic Northside Marketplace into a sprawling Oktoberfest celebration featuring more than 40 craft beverage vendors, live entertainment, traditional contests and a family-friendly SodaFest.
The festival has grown from a neighborhood gathering into a regional destination while maintaining the local character that helped launch it three decades ago.
At the center of the celebration is Iowa City BrewFest, running from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
The ticketed tasting event will offer unlimited samples from more than 120 beers, ciders, meads and kombuchas supplied by more than 40 regional and national vendors.
BrewFest tickets are $60 and limited to 800 people. Admission includes a commemorative 30th-anniversary tasting glass along with access to live music, beer games and traditional Oktoberfest contests.
“Northside Oktoberfest has become one of the true hallmarks of fall in Iowa City, and reaching our 30th year is something we’re proud to celebrate,” said Jackie Jollay, Director of Events for the Iowa City Downtown District.
Jollay credited neighborhood businesses, sponsors and volunteers with keeping the festival thriving year after year.
The roots of BrewFest stretch back to Doug Alberhasky, owner of John’s Grocery, who founded the event 30 years ago and has worked with the Iowa City Downtown District on Oktoberfest planning for more than a decade.
“When we started this festival thirty years ago, we just wanted to give the community a reason to come together in the fall,” Alberhasky said. “Watching it grow into one of the region’s premier craft beer events, while still feeling like a neighborhood celebration, has meant more to me than I can say.”
Visitors who aren’t participating in BrewFest can head to the Bier Hall along Linn Street from noon to 8:00 PM.
For $5, attendees can purchase a commemorative Oktoberfest mug allowing them to purchase beer and wine from participating Northside businesses and carry beverages into the festival area. The mug does not include BrewFest sampling.
Food from neighborhood restaurants and vendors will also be available throughout the celebration.
Families have their own event.
SodaFest, hosted by the Iowa Children’s Museum at Market and Linn streets from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, offers unlimited soda samples with the purchase of a $5 custom mug.
Children can also participate in free activities including Giant Loose Parts Play, Ramps & Runs, Bubble Play, a Little Explorers area for toddlers and a Pumpkin Decorating Zone.
The entertainment lineup includes The Swampland Jewels, Iowa Brass Ensemble, Brick Street Ramblers, DTKK from the Amana Colonies, Iowa Alphorn Freunde performing with 12-foot alphorns, accordionist Adam J. Perissinotti of Old Europe and a traditional Maypole performance by students from the Iowa Conservatory.
Festivalgoers will also have plenty of chances to compete.
Scheduled Oktoberfest games include Keg Toss, Keg Bowling, Beer Slide, Bag Toss and Beer Puppeteering.
Competitions will include a Brat Eating Contest, Stein Holding Contest and a Lederhosen and Dirndl best-dressed contest.
General admission to Northside Oktoberfest is free, meaning visitors can walk through the festival, listen to music and enjoy the atmosphere without purchasing a ticket.
Tickets or mugs are required for the various beverage experiences.
Organizers say proceeds are donated to local clubs, nonprofit organizations and community groups whose volunteers help operate the festival.
Northside Oktoberfest is presented through a partnership between the Iowa City Downtown District, John’s Grocery and sponsors including Eastern Iowa Airport, New Pioneer Co-op and Bulltown Brewing.
The 30th anniversary celebration takes place Saturday, September 26, 2026.