First weekend of 2026 Oktoberfest
Mayor Kathleen Backer pours the first beer to start Saturday’s downtown Oktoberfest celebration. Backer was assisted by members of the Bersenbrück, Germany Police Officers. The officers were visiting New Ulm as part of the German American Police Program. Officers from Bersenbrück visit New Ulm once every four year as a friendly exchange between the communities. From left to right: Constantin Knuf, Stefan Stoll, Jan Hendrik Holthaus, Tim Lünnemann, Mayor Kathleen Backer, Christian Steffen, Julian Dresmann, Marvin Schwedhelm and Hermann Steffen. Not in photo, Officer Jannek Van der Mee and Reiner Schröer.
Oktoberfest attendees dance to the German band “Happy Hour Oktoberfest Band.” Photo by Dylan Jackson
Steinholding judges watch as Jeff Kelley impresses with his steinholding. He won the state championship with a time of 18 minutes 53 seconds.
The Mages family strides down Minnesota Street during the Germanic-American Parade. Photo by Dylan Jackson
Three dogs (L to R) Barko, Arya, and Vemon show off their lederhosen outfits. Photo by Dylan Jackson
Anna and Gerry O’Gormann from Shoreview visited Oktoberfest with their dog Shammie. Last year the couple saw photos of New Ulm’s Oktoberfest celebration and wanted to attend the celebration, but had a wait a year to before they could find an open hotel room. Photo by Clay Schuldt
Joe Kowalke tests his strength with the mallet game during downtown Oktoberfest. Photo by Dylan Jackson
Newly crowned Miss New Ulm Frankee Varvra (center) and her 1st Princess Keira Sullivan (left) and 2nd Princess Emma Hoffmann (right) ride aboard a New Ulm Fire Engine during Saturday’s Oktoberfest parade. Photo by Clay Schuldt
Mayor Kathleen Backer pours the first beer to start Saturday’s downtown Oktoberfest celebration. Backer was assisted by members of the Bersenbrück, Germany Police Officers. The officers were visiting New Ulm as part of the German American Police Program. Officers from Bersenbrück visit New Ulm once every four year as a friendly exchange between the communities. From left to right: Constantin Knuf, Stefan Stoll, Jan Hendrik Holthaus, Tim Lünnemann, Mayor Kathleen Backer, Christian Steffen, Julian Dresmann, Marvin Schwedhelm and Hermann Steffen. Not in photo, Officer Jannek Van der Mee and Reiner Schröer.
Oktoberfest attendees dance to the German band “Happy Hour Oktoberfest Band.” Photo by Dylan Jackson
Steinholding judges watch as Jeff Kelley impresses with his steinholding. He won the state championship with a time of 18 minutes 53 seconds.
The Mages family strides down Minnesota Street during the Germanic-American Parade. Photo by Dylan Jackson
Three dogs (L to R) Barko, Arya, and Vemon show off their lederhosen outfits. Photo by Dylan Jackson
Anna and Gerry O’Gormann from Shoreview visited Oktoberfest with their dog Shammie. Last year the couple saw photos of New Ulm’s Oktoberfest celebration and wanted to attend the celebration, but had a wait a year to before they could find an open hotel room. Photo by Clay Schuldt
Joe Kowalke tests his strength with the mallet game during downtown Oktoberfest. Photo by Dylan Jackson
Newly crowned Miss New Ulm Frankee Varvra (center) and her 1st Princess Keira Sullivan (left) and 2nd Princess Emma Hoffmann (right) ride aboard a New Ulm Fire Engine during Saturday’s Oktoberfest parade. Photo by Clay Schuldt