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BLUES

New Event &
2026 Music Lineup 

Live Music at Des Moines Marina Oktoberfest™ 2026

 

This year’s Des Moines Marina Oktoberfest™ is bringing three full days of live German-inspired music, dancing, contests, and family-friendly fun at Quarterdeck’s stage. 🎶

  • Friday, September 18, Prost! The OktoberCrawl™, Starts at Quarterdeck @5pm

  • Saturday & Sunday, September 19 & 20 at Quarterdeck stage

 

🍂 More Than Music — Fun for the Whole Family! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a weekend packed with:

🏆 Friendly Oktoberfest competition, including Chicken Dance contest

🥨 Authentic German food, including pretzels on a stick, schnitzel, and more!

🎨 Kid-friendly fun and crafts, including face painting

🎶 Dancing and live entertainment

🍻 Delicious local brews, and waterfront vibes

👒 Raffle and promotional items to benefit Lighthouse NW

 

Whether you’re a polka pro, a first-time Oktoberfest guest, or looking for a fun fall outing with the kids, Des Moines Marina Oktoberfest™ 2026 is the place to celebrate! Prost!

Ted Lunka Polka Band

Saturday, Sept. 19
Starts @ 1:30pm

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Ted Lunka Polka Band

 

Kicking things off on Saturday, September 19 at 1:30 PM, the Ted Lunka Polka Band will fill the air with upbeat polka rhythms that are sure to get everyone dancing.

 

Known for their spirited performances, this talented group blends traditional polka tunes with infectious energy, making them a crowd favorite at Oktoberfest celebrations across the region.

Bonnie Birch Bavarian Band

SUNDAY, Sept. 2o
Starts @ 1:30pm

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Bonnie Birch Bavarian Band

 

On Sunday, September 20 at 1:30 PM, the Bonnie Birch Bavarian Band will take the stage, bringing their signature mix of accordion melodies, guitar, and tuba harmonies.

 

With Bonnie Birch leading on accordion, this trio delivers a lively and authentic Oktoberfest sound perfect for enjoying a fall afternoon by the marina.

Bean’s Beer & Brat Polka Band

SUNDAY, Sept. 20
Starts @ 4:30pm

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Bean’s Beer & Brat Polka Band

 

Led by accordionist Jakob Bean, this high-energy band performs classic Bavarian, Slovenian, and American polkas that keep Oktoberfest crowds dancing and celebrating.

Prost! The OktoberCrawl™

Des Moines Marina Oktoberfest™ Expands with first-ever "Prost! The OktoberCrawl™!

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Food Line Up

Menu

 

HISTORY

The first Oktoberfest was held on October 12th, 1810, in Munich, Germany, for the wedding of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. The event's icon is beer, introduced in 1880, and bratwurst.

Today, Oktoberfest is a significant celebration worldwide. German beer is 7% to 8% alcohol. Forgetting that this is more potent, many pass out due to excessive drinking. These drunk patrons are called “Beer Corpses.”

Millions of liters of beer, thousands of liters of wine, tea/coffee, and a million liters of water/sodas will be consumed during the festival. Munich celebrates its 216th Oktoberfest, 2026 Prost!

By Pat Nardo

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