The Vision for Soulard Oktoberfest
St. Louis’ heritage is very diverse among European immigration, but no group has positively impacted the community quite like the great German brewing families that settled here in the mid-19th century. It is appropriate that St. Louis and Soulard celebrate this great heritage through Soulard Oktoberfest. Home to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Soulard is the perfect location for this festival. Through the celebration of Oktoberfest in Soulard, we are ensuring the continued appreciation of the St. Louis German brewing culture.
The Location
Soualrd Oktoberfest is held in Soulard Market Park, located near the Soulard Farmers Market. Founded in 1779, Soulard Farmers Market is the oldest continually run farmers market west of the Mississippi. The oldest surviving residential neighborhood in the city of St. Louis, Soulard is the perfect place to showcase the great diversity of cultural heritage in our city. Located roughly one mile from the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Soulard Market Park is the centerpiece of the Soulard neighborhood and serves locals and visitors alike.
Demographics
Oktoberfest at Soulard Market is a family-friendly event that attracted more than 10,000 attendees in its inaugural year of 2016.
Music and Entertainment
Many of the St. Louis area’s premier German bands have taken to the Soulard Oktoberfest stages over the years. From classic “Oompah” to blues, festival goers enjoyed the big brass sounds of The Dueschmeister Brass Band, Über Cool, The Good Times Band and Terry Thompson’s Bavarian Stompers. The music of Oktoberfest spotlights the German influence and overall heritage of Soulard.
A neighborhood like Soulard, with a history of live music, is the optimal location for Oktoberfest. Our line up is intended to feature music celebrating the culture of the neighborhood. Supported by the St. Louis German Cultural society, Oktoberfest at Soulard Farmers Market will be home to the best in authentic German music and dancers.
FREE EVENTS
Admission to Soulard Oktoberfest at Soulard Farmers Market Plaza is free and open to the public. Festivities include:
- Live music
- Authentic German food available for purchase
- A wine garden
- Multiple beer stands
- Steins are $14 each
Events at Soulard Farmers Market Plaza run from 4pm to 11pm on Friday and 11am to 10pm on Saturday.
BUDWEISER VIP TENT TICKETS
Want to upgrade your experience? Admission to the Budweiser VIP Tent is $30 and includes:
- access to Budweiser VIP Tent featuring exclusive entertainment and full in/out privileges
- an official One Liter Soulard Oktoberfest stein —a $14 value!
- exclusive Soulard Oktoberfest giveaways
- premium beer selection available for purchase (limited quantities)
- party vibe including fee photo booth
Admission to the Budweiser VIP Tent does not include any alcohol, must be 21+ to enter. Beer is available for purchase in both areas.