Fort Bragg’s annual Oktoberfest returns on Saturday, Sept. 26, from noon to 6 p.m., offering a day of authentic German food, drink and music.
The Oktoberfest tradition began in 1810 in Munich, Germany, with a horse race to celebrate the marriage of the crown prince. The state agricultural fair was soon merged with the celebrations, and in 1818, food and drink stands were added, starting the custom of beer drinking.
Since then, the spirit of Oktoberfest has spread all over the world, and German-inspired folk festivals are held in countless ways. Fort Bragg’s Oktoberfest brings many of the event’s beloved staples to life right in the local area, appealing to soldiers and other members of the Fort Bragg workforce who’ve lived in Germany and miss the experience of Oktoberfest overseas.
The festivities will take place at the Iron Mike Conference Center on 2658 Rock Merritt Ave., Building 5-5348, and admission is free. The event is open to the public; people without a Department of Defense ID to enter the base can obtain a Visitor Pass at the All American Visitor Control Center on 3550 All American Freeway. Online pre-registration for a pass is also available at https://home.army.mil/bragg/9617/8101/2132/FORT_BRAGG_VISITOR_PASS_NEW.pdf.
Start the day by participating in the Volksmarch. This component of Oktoberfest takes inspiration from European fitness walking, a non-competitive activity that lets individuals and families get some easy exercise while sightseeing and socializing with others.
The Volksmarch will occur on the 1-mile marked trail behind the Iron Mike Conference Center and includes a midway break where participants can enjoy beer samples at a tent. The trail goes in a loop, so walkers will end up back at the starting point where they can join the rest of the festivities.
If you plan on dressing up for the occasion, don your finest lederhosen and dirndls and come down to see who will take home the prize in the “best dressed” competition. The costume contest will include kids’, women’s and men’s categories.
Attendees who love the spirit of competition can also join kid and adult soft pretzel-eating contests and a stein-holding contest. The latter involves holding beer steins out in front and parallel to the ground while maintaining form for as long as possible. The last one standing wins. The average beer stein weighs 3 pounds when empty and 5 pounds when full, so this contest will put attendees’ strength and endurance to the test.
First and second place prizes will be given out, including rewards like beer and coupons. Even if you don’t join any of the contests, you can enjoy a glass and relax in the bistro-style Beer Garden in front of the bar trailer with a selection of beverages, such as Spaten beer, draft beer, domestic beer brands and specials that combine peach schnapps with various fruit juices. Remember to keep food nearby as you drink; German foods like schnitzel, bratwurst, sauerkraut and soft pretzels will be available for purchase.
Live music will kick off for the first three hours with a German polka band, who also played at Oktoberfest last year and was much loved by festivalgoers. After their set, a DJ will take over for the next three hours to spin traditional German tunes.
Along with cash for food and drinks, bring enough money to stop by the Fall Market inside the conference center, which will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The vendors typically offer a range of homemade fall goods like candles and decor, letting you get a head start on your holiday shopping this season.
The adults don’t have the monopoly on all the fun, though; Oktoberfest is a family-friendly event, so kids can enjoy bouncy houses, a train ride, carnival games and a climbing wall.
Parking will be available in three different areas at the Iron Mike Conference Center. If all of these spots fill up, park in the easy-to-reach spaces across the street at the Fort Bragg Mini Mall.
Prepare to say “Prost!” and knock back the beers at this year’s Oktoberfest. Get more information on the event by calling the Iron Mike Conference Center at 910-907-2582.

Editor’s Note: As a reminder for those going to Oktoberfest, the All American Gate at Fort Bragg is currently closed. Once you have obtained your visitor pass at the All American Visitor Control Center, guests can use Honeycutt Access Control Point to enter Fort Bragg.

(Photo: A family dresses up for Fort Bragg's 2025 Oktoberfest. Photos courtesy of Fort Bragg's Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation)