Bainbridge Island Oktoberfest is Back – Bigger Than Ever – Saturday October 3rd at Waterfront Park; Plus, BICSC Resource Fair, Across the Street

After an incredible inaugural event in 2025, Bainbridge Island Oktoberfest returns Saturday October 3 with an expanded footprint into Waterfront Park, as well as more entertainment, more activities, and even more Oktoberfest fun.

“We’re bringing back everything you loved, including German food, local beer and cider, stein holding, costumes, activities for all ages, and plenty of live entertainment,” backers say. This is a little taste of Munich, Germany, where the original Oktoberfest takes place every year around this time. What to expect? Beer & Cider, German food, Live Music, Contests, Fun for all ages, plus “The Stein.”

The fest will be held from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Boathouse at Waterfront Park in Downtown Winslow. The event is being staged by BIDA (Bainbridge Island Downtown Association) and BER (Bainbridge Events).

Event Schedule

Opening cask tapping with Bainbridge Brewing

2:30 PM

KINDER COSTUME CONTEST
& Root Beer Stein-Holding Contest

3 PM

WOMEN’S STEIN-HOLDING COMPETITION
Qualifying rounds

3:30 PM

MEN’S STEIN-HOLDING COMPETITION
Qualifying rounds

4 PM

ADULT COSTUME CONTEST
& Yodeling Contest

4:30 PM

PIE EATING CONTEST

5 PM-9 PM

BAVARIAN BEER GARDEN BAND
Live performance on the main stage – Traditional Oktoberfest music, dancing, sing-alongs and high-energy beer garden fun take over the waterfront as the Bavarian Beer Garden Band headlines this year’s celebration.

DURING THE BAND BREAKS

Stein-Holding Championship Finals

Oktoberfest Food & Drink

MaMa Fong’s: Offering Asian fried chicken atop a pretzel bun, served with Spaetzle Mac & Cheese or fries, along with an assortment of house made gelatos and Sorbetto, made with nothing but fresh ingredients!

JJs Fishhouse:  Enjoy award-winning fish and chips, signature fish tacos, a traditional lobster roll, and more. A local favorite serving up fresh seafood and coastal classics everyone will love!

Hitchcock Restaurant Group: Enjoy a deluxe half-pound, handmade bratwurst grilled over coals and served on an outdoor bun with house-fermented kraut, mustard, and bier cheese. A hearty Oktoberfest favorite made with Hitchcock’s signature local flavor!

What to Drink

Bainbridge Brewing: Raise a glass with locally crafted beer brewed right here on Bainbridge Island. Stop by for a refreshing pour and celebrate Oktoberfest with a hometown favorite!

Groovy Grinds Mobile Espresso: Grab a handcrafted espresso drink from this groovy mobile coffee cart. The perfect pick-me-up to keep you fueled for a full day of Oktoberfest fun!

Sisters Cider House: Sip locally crafted cider featuring bright, refreshing flavors and Pacific Northwest character. A crisp and delicious alternative to beer for your Oktoberfest celebration!

GOOD TO KNOW

• Admission is free

• All ages are welcome

• Food and beverages are available for purchase

• Absolutely no outside alcohol is permitted. There will be a heavy presence of BIPD patrolling the event

• Parking is limited around the area, and Brien Drive will be closed to through traffic from 1-9PM

• Guests must be 21 or older with valid identification to purchase or consume alcohol

• Seating is limited

• Portable lawn and beach chairs are welcome

• The event takes place rain or shine

For more information on the Oktoberfest visit: Bainbridge Island Oktoberfest

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Senior Center Holding Its Annual Oktoberfest Resource Fair Just Prior to the Big Event

Meantime, across the street at the Bainbridge Island Community Senior Center, BISCC is hosting its annual Oktoberfest Resource Fair on Sat., Oct. 3, from 10 to 1. Featuring a huge cross-section of cultural, health, living, transportation options and more, meet real live people to answer your questions about life on Kitsap.

BISCC is located at 370 Brien Dr SE, between Town & Country Market and Waterfront Park. For more info on the Resource Fair, contact: Jeannette Franks 206-755-8461, or Reed Price 206-842-1616

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