La Crosse Oktoberfest ranked No. 3 in US

La Crosse’s Oktoberfest celebration gets a No. 3 ranking in the U.S.

Oktoberfest USA was ranked third behind fests in Frankenmuth, Mich., and Cincinnati, Ohio, by site Visit USA Parks.

The criteria for the Top 7 ranking appears to be along the lines of hidden gems.

“The best Oktoberfests in the US lead visitors to destinations they maybe wouldn’t otherwise consider visiting,” Shannon Lowery writes. “However, each of these places is worthy of exploration, no matter the time of year. Grab your lederhosen and dirndl and get ready to celebrate Oktoberfest in America!”

Oktoberfest USA 2023 president Patti Berra thought maybe La Crosse should have been higher.

“We’re proud to be listed so highly, but believe we are actually No. 1,” Berra said in a statement. “Oktoberfest USA provides more than $26 million dollars in economic impact to the community, but that isn’t just for local businesses. It’s scholarships for area students, funds that support youth sports, young people and beyond. Oktoberfest is second to none in our ability to support the community and have fun doing it.”

The site writes of La Crosse:

“In Wisconsin, the town of La Crosse is where visitors will find one of the best Oktoberfests in the US. The festival began when city leaders were exploring city-wide event options. A local German-owned brewery heard the news and suggested an Oktoberfest celebration. In just a few short years, the endeavor became nationally recognized as “Oktoberfest USA” making the festival in La Crosse one of the most popular and biggest Oktoberfests in America. While today’s festival spans just a brief three-day period, it packs the weekend full of live music, festive performances, plenty of beer, and a parade.“

This year’s upcoming Oktoberfest in La Crosse, which will be its 62nd, takes place Sept. 28-30, beginning with the senior breakfast downtown, and the Thursday night Torchlight Parade on the north side of La Crosse.

Tickets, including VIP and group packages, are available at www.oktoberfestusa.com.