Thinking about bringing the family to Oregon’s Mt. Angel Oktoberfest? We highly recommend it! In this post we’re sharing our top tips for visiting Mt Angel Oktoberfest with kids that we’ve learned as locals.
Mount Angel Oktoberfest has a family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of exciting activities for kids as well as adults. From traditional music and dance to carnival rides and shows, there’s plenty to share with the whole family.
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General tips for a kid-friendly Oktoberfest experience
Admission to Mt. Angel Oktoberfest is free. However, some venues require separate tickets/ wristbands, so check ahead of time.
Be sure to review event schedules ahead of time. Some days feature special family-oriented events or kid-friendly entertainment slots.
@dinkumtribe If you thought that Oktoberfest was just a beer drinking festival, you’re missing the best parts! Not angels Oktoberfest is a family friendly event including dozens of performances, music, dancing, classic cars, delicious food, a free kids zone with carnival rides & a petting zoo, and SO MUCH MORE! Best of all, all of the food vendors support local nonprofit organizations, so you can eat all kinds of amazing food and know that you’re helping a good cause! @D@DinkumTribe ADHD family travel@D@DinkumTribe ADHD family travel@D@DinkumTribe ADHD family travelo#oregontravelideaso#oregontravelguidet#thingstodoinoregonm#mtangeloregonm#mtangeloktoberfesto#oktoberfesto#oktoberfest2023t#thingstodowithkidsf#familyfuntimef#fallfestival ♬ Oktoberfest (Germany) – Network Music Ensemble
The Oregon late summer weather can be unpredictable. Monitor weather apps for a week prior to pack appropriately and be prepared for changes.
Fun things to do with kids at Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest Kindergarten
The festival features a safe and supervised kids area (Kindergarten) with carnival rides and shows. It’s aimed at kids ages 12 and under, and runs from 11am – 5 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Our boys especially loved the giant slide and the spinning rides. We also enjoyed watching the funny performers, and riding the miniature train. Pony rides are another popular activity with the younger kids.
Most activities in the Kindergarten are FREE. However souvenirs (like balloon animals) and face painting require payment.
Be prepared to wait in long lines for rides at the busiest times of day. Also note that there is limited shade at the Kindergarten, so bring rain gear or sunhat and sunscreen, depending on the weather.
Live Folk Dancing and Music at the Bandstand
Traditional Bavarian music and dance performances are scheduled throughout the day in kid-friendly time slots. Audience participation is encouraged at the Bandstand too – our kids loved dancing along!
We loved watching the local children perform traditional dances, from kids 5 years of age up to teenagers.
The sheer variety of dances was impressive too, from using crates as props, to the traditional Weavers Dance (May Pole).
We suggest bringing a small blanket or cushions for kids to sit comfortably while watching. There’s no shelter whatsoever for the audience, so come prepared for sun and heat or rain, depending on the weather forecast.
Music Performances in St. Mary’s Church
Choirs, flutists, harpists and organists are some of the beautiful music you can enjoy at St. Mary’s Church. Older kids and teens may also appreciate the gorgeous Gothic architecture.
This is a great spot to cool off on a hot day or get a respite from the rain at Oktoberfest.
Cruz’n Car Show and Military Vehicle Display
The Cruz’n Car Show was a highlight for our boys! About 100 local car enthusiasts bring their classic and unique vehicles to display them in the St. Mary Public School parking lot.
Across the street, the Military Vehicle collectors display their historic vehicles from about 9 am- 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. The display includes historic tanks, jeeps and more.
Both the car show and the military vehicle display are free to enjoy for everyone. If you have a vehicle enthusiast, they’ll love talking with the owners!
Glockenspiel
The Glockenspiel is permanently installed above Lou’s Kitchen, in the heart of the Mount Angel Oktoberfest celebrations.
@dinkumtribe Mount Angel's Glockenspiel celebrates the German-Swiss- Bavarian heritage of the village and our 53 year old Oktoberfest. The first figure represents the Native Americans who came to this place to communicate with the Great Spirit, followed by figures depicting the founders of both the civil and religious communities of Mount Angel and the frivolity and fun of the Oktoberfest. The Glockenspiel plays at 11 a.m., 1, 4 and 7 p.m. daily. The clock is large and clearly visible; the bells are sharp and precise in their sound. However, the animated figures are the real traffic stoppers. Wherever Glockenspiels are located, they become tourist destinations, with crowds gathering on the appointed hours to watch the figures as they dance about and listen to the resonance of the bells. (From the Chamber of commerce website). @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel @DinkumTribe ADHD family travel #oregontravelideas #oregontravelguide #thingstodoinoregon #adhdfamilytravel #oktoberfest #oktoberfest2023 #mtangeloregon #mtangeloktoberfest #uniqueattractions ♬ original sound – DinkumTribe ADHD family travel
It plays a seven-minute musical show at various scheduled times in the day. Our kids loved watching the wooden figurines go around!
Weiner Dog Races
Local dachshund owners bring their pups to compete in a variety of races on Sunday afternoon. We haven’t seen these yet, but they look like so much fun!
Elaine Annen Doll Museum
The Elaine Annen Doll Museum is open during the Mount Angel Oktoberfest during specific hours.
For family members who love dolls, this would be a fun place to look through (allot about 30 minutes to an hour). The Doll Museum is located right outside the Festhalle.
Prostgarten and Hopfengarten (free admission)
If the adults are looking for a quieter place to enjoy local craft beers while the kids sit and eat, these venues hit the spot. Minors are permitted here from open to close (adults over 21 wear a wristband to imbibe).
Background accordion music means that you can still have conversation while sitting for a few minutes. We stopped in the Prostgarten for some snacks along with our kids, and it was a welcome respite from walking around.
Photo Ops and Costumes
Dressing up can make for delightful family photos and immersive cultural experiences. Remember to bring a camera or fully-charged cell phone to take plenty of pictures!
Your kids will love being part of the fun by wearing traditional Bavarian clothing.
The Touch of Bavaria shop carries traditional clothing (lederhosen and dirndls) – it’s located inside the Blacksmith shop and open during Oktoberfest.
Several arts and crafts vendors also sell the traditional hats and flower crowns you’ll see throughout the festival.
Biergarten and Weingarten (requires admission)
The Biergarten and Weingarten are premium venues and there is a cover charge for entry. The entertainment here is loud and fun, but it’s definitely geared to adults.
We stepped in here briefly with our kids, hoping for a place to eat, but the noise was overwhelming for our neurodivergent kids. If you decide to spend some time in one of these venues, bring ear protection for your kids. Minors are only permitted until 9 pm.
Alpinegarten (requires admission)
The Alpinegarten is a great place for premium entertainment and food. Many of the best performances are held here, as well as the Oktoberfest Olympics, and audience participation is encouraged.
Kid-Friendly Dining Options and Treats
Mt Angel Oktoberfest has plenty of options for both traditional tastes and kid-friendly cravings. Beyond traditional German fare like bratwurst and pretzels, vendors also offer pizzas, tacos, and fresh fruit cups.
There’s also an abundance of sweet treats and desserts. Our kids’ favorites included cotton candy, soft serve ice cream, and fresh doughboys.
Food vendors at Oktoberfest are almost entirely run as fundraisers for non-profit organizations. Buying food on-site is strongly encouraged.
If you have kids with food allergies or special dietary needs, plan to bring your own safe foods.
Stay hydrated with bottled options to keep kids refreshed. There are no water bottle refill stations.
General meal tips
- Plan meal times outside typical lunch and dinner rushes.
- Take advantage of grassy areas where the family can enjoy food comfortably and relax between activities.
- Bring plenty of cash for stalls that are cash-only.
Navigating the festival grounds with children
Mt Angel Oktoberfest sprawls throughout many of the main streets of Mt Angel. The bustling crowds can be both exciting and intimidating when you’re managing little ones.
Familiarize yourself with maps
Prior to arrival, download or printing the Oktoberfest map. It’s helpful to locate key areas like restrooms, the Kindergarten, first aid stations, and dining spots ahead of time. Mark resting points and meeting spots with your children so no one feels lost.
Set a family meeting point
Decide on a safe, easy-to-find landmark where everyone can regroup if someone wanders off. Cell phone reception is spotty at the festival, so plan ahead in case your party gets separated.
Teach kids how to find help from staff wearing badges or uniforms.
Use child identification measures
Name bracelets or tags with parent contact info can provide peace of mind in case of separation. Use wristbands with allergy or medical condition info for children with special health needs.
We recommend taking a photo of your child’s outfit each day for quick identification. We often wear brightly colored or matching shirts with our kids to easily spot each other in the crowd.
Hold hands or use harnesses for toddlers in busy spaces.
Staying well at Oktoberfest
- Utilize first aid centers promptly if needed.
- Pack allergy meds and any prescriptions within easy reach and label them clearly.
- Rest indoors or in shaded areas away from noise or sun exposure as soon as kids show signs of tiredness.
- Bring hand sanitizer and remind kids to use it often.
Lodging tips
Consider nearby towns
If you can’t find local lodging, towns like Silverton, Woodburn, or Salem offer family-friendly hotels within a short drive. Shuttles run from Portland, Salem, Woodburn and Silverton during the festival.
Check amenities for kids
Pools, playgrounds, breakfast options, and laundry facilities can make a big difference on a multi-day stay with children. Filter lodging choices by these conveniences using online booking tools.
Transportation and parking tips
Getting to and from Mount Angel Oktoberfest with kids requires good planning to reduce stress and maximize time at the festival.
Parking locations and prices
Mt. Angel Oktoberfest provides several paid parking lots within easy walking distance, including complimentary shuttle services. Low-cost shuttles also run to and from nearby cities.
There’s also plenty of free street parking available in Mount Angel. We usually park on the street when we go. While it means extra walking and time looking for a spot, it’s fine for us with our older kids.
Car seat and compliance
Bring proper car seats for younger children, as Oregon law requires them, especially if using ride-share or taxis.
Accessibility and special needs resources
Mt Angel Oktoberfest strives to be inclusive and welcoming, recognizing that families have diverse needs.
Accessible parking and entrances
The festival offers designated parking and entrances for families with mobility challenges. Bring your disabled parking pass to display.
Breastfeeding parents and diaper change station
Two care stations are provided with an outlet for breast pumps and diaper changing table with supplies. One is near the Information Booth at the center of Oktoberfest. The other is inside a family restroom at the Biergarten.
Planning for your trip with the kids
Planning your visit ahead of time will make the experience memorable and comfortable for everyone.
- Verify the official dates each year since timing shifts slightly. Mount Angel Oktoberfest is held every year in September on the second weekend after Labor Day.
- Early arrivals and weekday visits tend to be less crowded. Arrive early in the day when kids’ activities open to avoid crowds and long lines.
- Pack small toys or snacks to keep children occupied while waiting between activities.
- Plan a mix of active and quiet activities to balance kids’ energy levels and attention spans.
- Bring a folding stroller for younger children, especially to navigate between zones.
- Bring noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs for children with sound sensitivity.
- Bring portable fans or cooling towels if it will be sunny and warm.
- Cell phone reception and wi-fi is inconsistent throughout Oktoberfest grounds. Have a backup plan for when and where to meet with others.
Mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring event schedule changes: Not verifying schedules beforehand may cause you to miss kid-friendly activities.
- Underestimating travel time. Peak festival days have high traffic.
- Assuming kids must enjoy the entire day. In our family, we have a saying: “Leave while the kids are still happy.”
- Overpacking. Carrying heavy bags can wear you out before the fun starts; pack thoughtfully.
- Forgetting tickets, wristbands or identification. Necessary for entry to premium venues.
- Overscheduling. Trying to do too many things can exhaust kids and adults alike.
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©️ Copyright Jennifer D. Warren 2025
